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ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • OCTOBER 17 – 23, 2024
An evening of elegance with purpose
37th Annual Salute showcases admired educators, high-potential scholarship winners $2.3 million of student scholarship awards
The St. Louis American Foundation’s 37th annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala provided another memorable evening of elegance and celebration. Guests at the America’s Center Ballroom paid tribute to Stellar Performer in Education Ellicia Lanier, founding executive director of Urban Sprouts Child Development Center and Lifetime Achiever in Education Jackie Joyner-Kersee, founder of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation. Kimberly Merrill received the Southeast Missouri State University Counselor of the Year award, while four dedicated educators from throughout the region received 2023 Excellence In Education awards. David and Thelma Steward served as Salute to Education co-chairs. (Look for extensive photo coverage in the photo gallery section of stlamerican.com.) The Steward Family Foundation, World Wide Technology and The St. Louis American Foundation partnered this year to present Jackie Joyner-Kersee with the Salute to Excellence in Education Lifetime Achievement Award. Standing left to right: St. Louis American Foundation Board Chair Michael Holmes, David Steward, World Wide Technology, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Thelma Steward, Steward Family Foundation and St. Louis American Foundation Founder Dr. Donald M. Suggs.
Excellence in Education Awardees receive their flowers on stage. Standing left to right: Dr. Mary Hairston, Dr. Latricia Singleton-Clark, Asquith S. “Sean” Armstong
Excellence in Education Awardee, Lieutenant Colonel Nina McLean
Photos by Wiley Price, Lois Ingram Maurice Meredith and Susan Gorman
Salute to Excellence in Education Lifetime Achiever Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Reverend Terri Swan, Salem United Methodist Church, blesses the meal
Michael McMillan, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
Stellar Performer Awardee Ellicia Lanier receives her award from Foundation Director Raven Whitener
SEMO Counselor of the Year Kimberly Merrill receives award with Valdis Zalite, director of TRIO and Educational Access Programs