GATEWAY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD

The Gateway Institute of Technology’s Air Force Junior ROTC Unit MO-851 is the recipient of the 2004-2005 Distinguished Unit Award. The recognition was given by the Department of the Air Force, Air University.

The award salutes the cadets’ personal and academic growth and the supportive role of the school’s surrounding community.

The award honors the best of our nation’s 746 Air Force Junior ROTC units from across the country.

CENTRAL VPA 2005 GRADUATE TO ATTEND TOP UNIVERSITY

Nicole Spina, recent graduate of Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, has received a scholarship to attend Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA. In addition she has received a dance apprenticeship to work with top choreographers in the country.

This summer, Nicole will perform with the Sparkids Dance Team for the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Los Angeles Sparks.

THREE SLPS TEACHERS ARE P.E. TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

Three outstanding teachers in the St. Louis Public Schools are the Physical Education Teachers of the Year. The winners were announced June 11 at Rams Park. The event is sponsored by SLPS and the St. Louis Rams.

The winners are:
Elementary - M. Leanne White,
Peabody School

Middle - Daniel Casey, Busch Academic and Athletic Academy

High - Sorrell Harvey,
Roosevelt High School

The purpose of the award is to highlight the outstanding talent and commitment of physical education teachers in the district. The St. Louis Rams developed the program to draw attention to the important role physical education professionals play in the lives of children.

Each teacher received a $1,000 cash award, $500 to purchase classroom equipment and two plaques.

SLPS GIVES OVER $20,000 TO THE ARTS AND EDUCATION FUND DRIVE!

The St. Louis Public Schools Arts and Education drive is officially over. Thanks to SLPS district employees, the Arts and Education Council received a total donation of $20,258.50, an 11 % increase from last year’s total of $18,225.68.

“Workplace giving campaigns accounts for one-third of all funds raised annually by the Arts and Education Council,” said Dorothy Powell, manager of workplace giving.

School and office coordinators who raised the most funds won two complimentary tickets to the Sept. 2 St. Louis Rams pre-season game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Congratulations to the following winners:

Beverly Whittington, Ames Visual and Performing Arts- $1,651
Marian Crain, Shaw Visual and
Performing Arts-$1,493
Mary Larde, Stix Early Childhood Center-$960
Sonya Tate, Mullanphy Botanical
Garden ILC-$765
Gloria Harris, Metro Academic and
Classical High School-$720

WEBSTER AND HUMBOLDT MIDDLE STUDENTS RAISED FUNDS FOR MEMPHIS HOSPITAL

Webster School’s math and business club students mean business when it comes to raising funds for a worthy cause. Students wanted to help other children and develop their academic skills. Humboldt students joined in on the fundraising and developed creative ways to get funds pouring in.
The hospital supported the students’ classroom lessons by distributing Math-A-Thon booklets. The funds were raised through students receiving pledges from family members and friends.

Students learned valuable lessons about helping others in need. “A total of twenty-four students from both schools participated in the efforts,” said Jerry Cannon, math teacher and event coordinator.

Students raised a total $1,000.00 for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. They traveled to Memphis, TN to personally deliver their donation to hospital officials. “We thought it would be nice for our students to see the hospital,” Cannon said.

SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT !

Hats off to Peg Pederson, city-wide community education specialist in the Office of Community Education. She was appointed to the Board of Directors of the National Community Education Association (NCEA) which promotes after-school opportunities for youth and adults… Kudos to Deborah Lambing, science lab teacher at Clay Community Education Center. She is the Humane Society Teacher of the Year…Wendy Blanton-Kuhl, social studies teacher at Carr Lane Visual and Performing Arts Middle, is the Preserve American History Teacher of the Year for the State of Missouri…John Samuel Tieman, language arts teacher at Soldan International Studies, is a budding poet. His works have been accepted in the publication, the English Journal… Congratulations to the art students at Oak Hill Elementary under the direction of art teacher Adrian Wright. Their work is being displayed all summer at the Children’s Art Gallery of Unity Christ Church. The exhibit is located at 33 North Skinker.