In 2005, the graduating class at La Salle Middle School wrote a prayer, and it ended with this: “I am somebody.” The simple statement was quickly adopted as the school’s motto, and now not only is it used as a respectful way to call order to classes and assemblies, but it’s also a powerful reminder for each member of the community that they have a place in the school and in the world.
“It’s very strong,” says Melissa Brickey, executive director of De La Salle Inc., the nonprofit that supports the public charter school. “When we say it, we are saying each of us has value and dignity. It is a request to be respected and to be seen.”
Mary Ewing, mother of Barbara, 14, and graduate Charles, says she always attends the school’s monthly ‘star events.’ These are occasions to reinforce the idea that each member of the community—students, staff, families, board members and graduates—has a responsibility to act for the good of the whole. “It gives the students a chance to see who and where they are now, and where they are going next,” she says. “The people here truly, truly want to see the children make something of their lives.”
La Salle Middle places great emphasis on integrity and celebrates six core values throughout the year: care, inclusivity, service, community, justice and zeal. Brickey says zeal is the focus for March, and it’s interpreted as ‘unabashed enthusiasm for life, love and learning.’
Indeed, there’s a lot of enthusiasm in these halls, especially since the school moved into a bright new space at the start of this academic year. At the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Carr Lane, two miles from its former location in the Ville neighborhood of North St. Louis City, it now has many more classrooms, outdoor space and a light-filled arts and movement center, set for completion this fall. That’s some growth, considering the school’s humble beginnings above Big Mo’s sandwich shop in North St. Louis in 2001. And it isn’t stopping there.
Although increasing student numbers will happen thoughtfully (and likely slowly), Brickey says their new home eventually will accommodate 250 to 300 children. Currently, the student population stands at 100, with 120 predicted for next year. And somewhere down the line, La Salle hopes to reach younger children as well by starting in kindergarten rather than fifth grade. “You have the most impact if you can get them younger,” Brickey says.
But even now, De La Salle Inc.’s impact extends beyond middle school: One of its initiatives, EnCompass, includes a graduate support program that provides ongoing, intensive support in the form of continued academic counseling, high school financial aid, and help with ACT test prep, college visits and applications. Since its beginnings 16 years ago, the nonprofit has seen 98 percent of its students graduate from high school and 86 percent accepted into a post-secondary program; of those, 86 percent either are still in college or have graduated.
On April 8, De La Salle Inc. hosts its biggest annual fundraiser, Catch a Rising Star Gala, at The Coronado Ballroom. “Our growth and ability to reach more children is only possible because of a community of supporters who believe in the importance of educational equity,” Brickey says. Honorees are Laura and Norm Eaker, Daughters of Charity Province of St. Louise, and Monsanto Fund.
Pictured: La Salle Middle School students Daela, Felicia, Aniyah, Deron, Nikko and Quanzelle
Photo: Kristen Trudo
De La Salle Inc. hosts Catch a Rising Star Gala at the Coronado Ballroom April 8. Pictured on the cover: Gala honorees Laura and Norm Eaker with students. For tickets and more information, call Lisa Weingarth Picker at 314.531.9820 ext. 4001, or visit delasallestl.org.
Cover design by Jon Fogel | Cover photo by Bill Barrett
