The 135th Annual Veiled Prophet (VP) Ball was held Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch, where a new Queen of Love and Beauty was crowned and 58 young women were honored for their service to the community and made their formal entrance into society.

More than 2,000 friends and family members looked on as the Veiled Prophet crowned as his Queen Lily Shelton Baur, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew S. Baur of Ladue. Miss Baur graduated from Mary Institute and Country Day School. She is currently a sophomore majoring in journalism. 

The retiring queen is Miss Cecelia Ann Fox, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey L. Fox. In addition, six Special Maids were honored:

  • Miss Mary Cutts Otto, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Otto Jr. (Mary)
  • Miss Elizabeth Barnes Reisinger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter C. Reisinger Jr. (Jeana)
  • Miss Grace Catherine Mersmann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth M. Mersmann (Tomea)
  • Miss Theresa Pericles George, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy O. George (Julie)
  • Miss Claire Margaret Donnelly, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Donnelly (Julie)
  • Miss Laura Condie Nix, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lee Nix Jr. (Elizabeth)

    See all coverage of the night: 

  • The Queen’s Court
  • Veiled Prophet Ball 
  • G.O. Cocktail Party