returning artist
Children’s book author Raquel (Smith) Hunter (pictured at top) was honored by her alma mater, University City High School, as the 2018 University City Returning Artist. Hunter graduated in 1996 and wrote the popular book series Diary of Brave Rave. The University City Municipal Commission on Arts and Letters brings in renowned graduates to help prepare current students for careers in the arts.

ladies encouraging others
The group of St. Louis police officers donated dozens of purses to the St. Patrick Center through its Blue Bags with Swag event. This is the second year the women have participated in the community outreach program.

centennial commons
Members of the University City organization knitted 70 personalized hats for newborns during its Little Hats, Big Hearts initiative for National Heart Month. The community-wide effort is designed to help raise awareness for congenital heart defects, and the hats will be distributed by local hospitals.

give kids a smile
Dr. Gene Cohen was one of the dentists on hand during a recent Give Kids A Smile event at Saint Louis University. Hundreds of dental professionals and volunteers provided 357 kids with $283,445 in free dental care. The organization has provided a total of $9.1 million in care locally since 2002.