Armstead, Knight, McClure lead Salute honorees

Tamika Armstead, Dr. Paula Knight and Richard “Rich” McClure will receive the top honors at The St. Louis American Foundation’s 39th annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala on Friday, Oct. 17.

The event, which recognizes educators and community leaders and raises money for scholarships, will be held at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel.

Armstead, president and CEO of Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School, will receive the Lifetime Achiever in Education Award. Knight, superintendent of the Jennings School District, will be honored as the Stellar Performer in Education. McClure, co-chair of the Ferguson Commission along with the Rev. Starsky Wilson, will receive the Champion in Education Award.

Importantly, five other educators and education leaders will receive Excellence in Education awards: Dr. Demetrius Adams, principal of Hazelwood West High School; Dr. Samantha March, associate partner of early learning at The Opportunity Trust; Carmen Meeks, director of Math314 and School Leadership Programs at Washington University in St. Louis’ Institute for School Partnership and president of the Special School District of St. Louis County Board of Education; Earleen Patterson, associate vice chancellor for student opportunities, diversity, equity and inclusion at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; and Dr. Cierra Wourman, network college and career counselor for Confluence Academies.

This year’s gala moves to St. Louis Union Station Hotel after being held mostly at the St. Louis Convention Center in previous years.

“We’re incredibly excited,” said Michael R. Holmes, chair of The St. Louis American Foundation. “Moving into a new location gives us an opportunity to elevate the entire experience while keeping the heart of the evening focused on celebrating our educators, students and community.”

Holmes said additional plans for the event will be announced later.

Net proceeds from the gala help support scholarships awarded through the foundation. Last year, retired Boys & Girls Clubs leader Flint Fowler, the 2025 Lifetime Achiever honoree, reflected on the importance of helping young people gain opportunities.

“Pretty much, my entire professional career has been dedicated or focused on working for the welfare of youth … getting them connected with experiences that will help them grow to be productive, responsible and caring citizens,” Fowler said.

The foundation, along with area higher education institutions, has presented the Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala for nearly four decades, recognizing educators and others whose work supports students in the St. Louis region.

Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.

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