Frizz Fest was a display of Black joy
St. Louis American See page B1
The
SEPT. 25 – OCT. 1, 2025
Serving, empowering and advocating for equity in St. Louis since 1928
Vol. 97 No. 25 COMPLIMENTARY
stlamerican.com
Salute to Excellence in Education
Making the impossible possible
Hazelwood schools administrator Rhonda Key honored for leadership By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American After earning a biological science degree from Lincoln University, Dr. Rhonda M. Key was preparing to go to medical school. “Then, I subbed as a science teacher, and I fell in love,” said Key, who shifted her focus to education, a career she has enjoyed for 37 years. Key is deputy superintendent of the Hazelwood School District and has held
both central office and building-level administrative positions following her early career as a biology teacher in urban, rural and suburban school districts. Her success as an educator has earned her recognition as one of five Excellence in Education awardees at the Salute to Excellence in Education Gala, sponsored by the St. Louis American Foundation. The event will be held Nov. 1 at America’s
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Photo by Lawrence Bryant
Dr. Rhonda M. Key, second from right, is deputy superintendent of the Hazelwood School District. Key will be honored as one of five Excellence in Education awardees at the Salute to Excellence in Education Gala on Nov. 1.
From storms to shootings Teaching kids to process frightening news
By Ashley Winters St. Louis American
Photo by Taylor Marrie / St. Louis American
A ceremony was held last week for the upgraded and augmented Powell Symphony Hall, including the addition of a new music center, named after Jack C. Taylor, who was a generous benefactor of the orchestra over many years.
‘Welcome home’
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra returns to Powell Hall following expansion
S
By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American
t. Louis Symphony Orchestra Music Director Stéphane Denève is so confident in the acoustics of the newly renovated Powell Symphony Hall that he issued a challenge. He invited guests Friday morning to sit in the last row of the furthest balcony tier to experience how sound carries clearly to every seat. “Even if I whisper like this,” Denève said as he lowered his voice, “you will still be able to hear me clearly.” For Sherry Sissac, his words carried
Eleven-year-old Courtney Spann has been paying attention to the news since he was 6. At first, it was the weather that caught his eye; later, his interests expanded to crime and public safety. By age 7 or 8, he refused to go to bed without watching the 10 p.m. news — a routine he still follows. His mother, Jasmine Spann, would prefer to shield her son from stories about frightening news events, but she knows that’s nearly impossible. Instead, she sits
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‘I hate my opponent’
Trump makes stunning statement about fellow Americans By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American
Photo by Taylor Marrie / St. Louis American
A view of the new addition to Powell Symphony Hall. The event included performances from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and The St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus.
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Donald Trump recently told a large audience that he hates his opponents — a startling admission for a president of the United States, who represents all citizens. The remarks came at a memorial service Sunday in Glendale, Arizona, for assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk, following words from his widow, Erika. Trump praised Kirk’s “noble spirit” but then veered into his own views. “He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them,” Trump said. “That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I
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STE ess Briefs and Religion, Busin week. will return next
SPORTS
Jennings to put perfect record on the line Jennings High’s Thajae Hawthorne
The Jennings Warriors have put together an impressive start of the season with four consecutive victories to run their record to 4-0.
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