“I am somebody.” This is the motto of La Salle Middle School. It serves as a powerful reflection of the belief that every person has dignity, worth and value. The public charter school in North St. Louis is dedicated to providing children with innovative education, and to help make its mission possible, the nonprofit De La Salle Inc. provides support to enhance the student experience.
De La Salle provides both programming assistance and facilities to the middle school. “Our focus is on supporting the students,” says interim executive director Mike Hall. The nonprofit offers enrichment classes that allow students to explore topics outside their core subjects, engaging them in a variety of topics and activities. Hall says important community partnerships with organizations like Ignite Theatre Company, COCA, Craft Alliance and the YMCA offer unique experiences for students. “We want them to explore new adventures and grow their mindsets,” he says, noting that the courses have been very successful, with around 92 percent of students participating throughout the year.
While some of the enrichment classes take place off-campus, many are held in the school’s new Arts and Movement Center, which was completed last fall. Hall says it is much more than a multipurpose room or gym. “We use it for so many things,” he notes. “It has a stage and lots of space for physical activities.” In 2016, La Salle Middle School moved into a fully renovated building. Along with the Arts and Movement Center, new science labs, meeting spaces, and a reception and welcome area were completed in 2017.
Support doesn’t end when the students move on to high school. “We help our graduates academically, emotionally, socially and financially throughout high school and into post-secondary education,” Hall says. He explains that De La Salle’s goal is to keep its students on the path to success. This includes free ACT prep classes, tuition help for students attending private schools, and a graduate support team. According to Hall, 98 percent of La Salle students graduate from high school, and the school is dedicated to helping its students determine their best next steps.
To fully support students and graduates, the nonprofit relies on fundraising. Hall says the enrichment courses and graduate support program wouldn’t be possible without it. De La Salle’s largest annual fundraiser is its Catch a Rising Star gala April 28 at Palladium. “It’s such a wonderful evening,” says event co-chair Tricia Harrison. The evening includes a spotlight on La Salle graduates, and former De La Salle. executive director Melissa Brickey and Maryville University will be honored for their commitment to the school’s mission. Harrison says guests can look forward to great food and exciting auction items, including a trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama, and several unique St. Louis experiences, like Cardinals box seats and special tours of the science center and art museum.
The gala is just the beginning for those interested in supporting La Salle Middle School. “I would encourage everyone to come and see our school,” Harrison says. “It’s very powerful when the community experiences what it’s like to be with our students.”
De La Salle Inc. is dedicated to supporting La Salle Middle school and its students. The nonprofit’s Catch a Rising Star Gala is April 28 at Palladium. Pictured on the cover: Event co-chairs Tricia Harrison and Nikki Mills with eighth-grader Chanel, sixth-grader Ryon and fifth-grader Taylor. Fore more information, call 314.531.9820 or visit delasallestl.org.
Cover design by Allie Bronsky
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured above: De La Salle Inc. coordinates college visits for La Salle students to area universities.
