Kudos to 18 local leaders who were honored for their contributions to diversity, business development and civic engagement March 3 at the Royal Vagabonds Foundation Leadership Luncheon. Honorees included Warner Baxter  of Ameren Corp., Lt. Col. Rochelle Jones of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and 11 year-old Sidney Keys III, founder of the Books ‘n Bros Reading Club.
Clayton High School senior Tong Zhao says he took the College Board’s AP Chemistry exam as a matter of course— but now he’s in the global spotlight because of it. He is one of only three students in the world this year to earn a flawless score on the notoriously difficult test. Tong says he is planning to study computer science in college. Congratulations!
The St. Louis University High School band got an unscheduled papal ‘audience’ this month while on a special 200th school anniversary trip to Rome. The band, led by director Jeff Pottinger (pictured), was playing ‘O Sacred Head Now Wounded’ in St. Peter’s Square when Pope Francis stopped and listened intently. Band members also met with alumnus Greg Burke (’78), director of the Holy See press office.
Saint Louis Fashion Fund’s latest news thread is all about Kathleen Bibbins, recently named executive director of the nonprofit. She comes to the post fromMaritz Inc., where she was an independent business consultant and vice president. In her new role, Bibbins will recruit designers-in-residence and oversee education, fundraising, outreach and other programming—all with the goal of enhancing St. Louis’ fashion industry footprint.
the main events
Try your hand at clay art during Laumeier Sculpture Park’s Mud & Merlot event March 23! The adult-only workshop at the Kranzberg Education Lab teaches slab construction and wheel throwing. Snacks are provided; bring your own bottle of wine.
Ring in spring with some color and creativity at the Art Fair at Queeny Park March 23 through 25. Held at the park’s Greensfelder Recreation Center, the event includes 130 juried artists from 20 states and features printmaking, ceramics, jewelry, photography, painting and more.
Tapestry CEO Victor Luis, formerly of Coach and Kate Spade, will be on the marquee at the Saint Louis Fashion Fund’s ‘Speaking of Fashion’ lecture at 6 p.m. April 2. The event, held at Washington University’s Emerson Auditorium, is free and open to the public.
