Holiday Season 2011 - Seniors to Children Recognized

STLCEF and the City of St. Louis

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENTS

for

THE HOLIDAY SEASON

- SENIORS TO CHILDREN RECOGNIZED -

The holiday season was brighter for senior citizens, youth and children because of the annual programs sponsored by the St. Louis Community Empowerment Foundation, the City of St. Louis and community partners. Michael McMillan, License Collector and STLCEF Board Chairman, “Though we celebrate the holiday traditionally with gifts, we never lose sight of our purpose. It is important that we do not miss the opportunity to inspire, ensure safety, inform and recognize the achievements of others.”

A Red & White Holiday Celebration was held for nearly 150 senior citizens at the Heritage House.  A full course Christmas Dinner was served. Gift certificates to Sav-a-Lot, Walgreens and a host of other life essential items were distributed. Entertainment was provided by the legendary Bernie Hayes and his wife, Uvee Hayes, who received a surprise recognition for her birthday that evening. The St. Louis Police Department gave holiday safety tips and the St. Louis Area Agency on Aging provided information about assistance and resources. Ollie Stewart and Martha Hurley of the SouthsideWellnessCenter and Andy Horton, Heritage House, served as the host committee.

Nearly 50 top academic achievement students from VashonHigh School and DunbarElementary School were recognized for their good grades, good attendance and good behavior. Each student received honor medallions; official letters from Congressman Clay’s Office, Office of the License Collector and STLCEF; McDonald’s and Rally’s gift certificates; pizza discount cards; The Moolah Cinema passes and a host of educational incentive prizes.  At Dunbar, there was the added attraction of the characters such as Frosty the Snowman from the Convention and Visitors Commission; and other characters including Alvin the Chipmunk, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Elmo entertained the children and helped give out awards, gifts and prizes.

According to the Principal at DunbarElementary, Carla Cunigan, “For each life that you touch, you give them a sense of hope that there is someone out there that cares not only about their well being, but their lifelong goals.  The students comment that they want to be the next academic achiever.”

According to Dr. Kelvin Adams, Superintendent of St. Louis Public Schools, “Your support directly impacts the needs of our children. It is a pleasure to have the additional resources that you bring them. You are reinforcing values and character building as well as contributing to their academic performance, attendance and positive behavior.”

St. Louis Community Empowerment Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Its mission is to create self sufficiency and economic empowerment for disadvantaged and under served communities.

Photo: Academic Achievers for DunbarElementary School:

Captions:

Back row adults l-r: Carla Cunigan, Principal; Michael McMillan, License Collector and STLCEF Board Chairman; Brian Collins, Congressman Lacy Clay's Office;Deborah Catchings-Smith, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority; Mary Swan, AMEREN Missouri; and George Robnett, Executive Director, STLCEF.

Academic Achievers for DunbarElementary School:

Pre K:  Brice Conway, Aniyah Waters, Kam’Ron Nettles, Larry Chavis,Lena Brooks-Cummings, Kmoni Dean and Keenen Wilson. Kindergarten: Jaylon Thurman, Jerrith Williams and Donye’ Winston. 1^st Grade: Corey Ward, Dayveion Naugles and Tila Fowler. 2^nd Grade: ChloeBrooks and R’Monie Minion. 3^rd Grade: Kanylah Dean and Laniya King. 4^th Grade Jarius Maclin and DejahOre. 5^th Grade: Terrance Barton and DeAngelo Thomas. 6^th Grade: Diana Murphy and Alisha Lucas.  Special Education Keith Ndon and Maizyha Jackson.  Teacher of the Year:  Adrian Woodland.

Academic Achievers for VashonHigh School, Freshman Class:

Darius Balle, Danyelle Brooks, Brenda Chatman, Cedric Curry, Kaviona Donaldson, Kaliyah Durham, Khalil Harbin, Dariana Johnson, Marcayla Jones, Chanice Lane, Quianna Leonard, Phillip Lett-Osby, Madia Love, Kendra McNeil, John Mitchell, Alijah Nelson, Ahmed Peterson, Creeyeh Shannon and Dion Thomas. Teacher of the Year: Ann Balzer.

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CAPTION: Special Guests: Bernie and Uvee Hayes.

IMGP7377.JPG  Characters

Heritage House IMG7303

Group Shot