Awards and Nomination Forms
Quick links: MLK Spirit Award | UCHS Hall of Fame | Teacher of the Year | Educational Support Personnel of the Year | Pacesetter Award
For more information about any of these awards/events, the selection process or to join the planning committee, email ccole@ucityschools.org or call 314/290-4019.
Printed copies of nomination forms are made available in all public school offices, as well as distributed through community sites such as the University City Public Library, Centennial Commons, City Hall and Police Departments near the nomination deadline. Nominations may be submitted via e-mail, fax or hard copy. See specific nomination form for further details and deadline.
Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award
Deadline: First Friday in December
Nomination Form (PDF) updated 2013
Nominations accepted year-round.
The University City Board of Education is seeking nominations for the School District of University City’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award. The award honors individuals and groups, living or deceased, who work or have worked toward racial unity and justice. Nominations should include contact information, as well as how the nominee has worked or is working toward racial unity and justice. Nominees must be, or have been, residents of University City. Nominations are reviewed by a committee of school board members with one or two selected each year to receive the annual award.
Please complete and return the above linked form and additional information to:
MLK Spirit Award Committee
c/o University City Board of Education
McNair Administration Building
8136 Groby Road
University City, MO 63130
Nominations may also be submitted via your nearest University City public school's main office. Please be sure to address your sealed envelope as stated above and allow two school days for arrival to McNair building. Late nominations will be held for the following year. E-mail nominations are accepted and may be sent to dtolliver@ucityschools.org. A confirmation will be provided upon receipt of an e-mailed nomination.
New awardee(s) are recognized during the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration traditionally held the Saturday afternoon prior to the Monday holiday celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King.
Past recipients of this award have included:
- Clarice Gladney 2013
- Redditt Hudson 2012
- Victor Pichon 2011
- Nicole Reed Hutcherson Adewale 2010
- Denise Lieberman 2009
- Sam Austin, Jr. 2008
- Rory Ellinger 2007
- Maggie Dagen & Honorable Betty Thompson 2006
- Moses Head* & Betsy Grant (*awarded posthumously) 2005
- Jesse Swanigan & Billie Mayo 2004
- 2003 Chris Hexter & Rev. Dr. Ronald H. Vail, Sr.
University City High School Hall of Fame
Deadline: Last Friday in January of odd-numbered years
Nomination Form (PDF) revised in 2011 for 2013 selection process
Nominations accepted year-round.
Many UCHS graduates have honored our high school by distinguishing themselves through career achievements and outstanding community service. We are soliciting nominations for inductees in all fields, including, but not limited to, business, science, medicine, research, athletics, literature and art. Nominees must have graduated from University City High School at least 10 years prior to nomination.
The induction ceremony takes place the Friday of homecoming weekend (usually in October) of odd-numbered years.
Click here to review the list of past inductees (updated 2011)
Completed nominations should be returned to:
University City High School
Attention: Hall of Fame Committee
7401 Balson Ave.
University City, MO 63130
Teacher of the Year Award
Deadline: Last Friday in January
Nomination Form (PDF) - 2 pages - updated 2011
Nominations accepted year-round.
The School District of University City is seeking Teacher of the Year Award nominations. The District’s representative will participate in the Missouri Teacher of the Year program, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Emerson Electric’s Excellence in Teaching Awards reception.
Nominees should be excellent, dedicated teachers who plan to continue teaching as a career. They should be respected and admired by students, parents and colleagues, and actively involved in school, community, and humanitarian activities. In addition, nominees should be outgoing, energetic and an exemplary model of the outstanding educators in University City. According to national guidelines, persons in administrative or supervisory positions, including counselors, are ineligible. Comments must be included for each section. Additional sheets may be attached if needed, limit eight (3) extra pages.
All nominations should be sent to:
School District of University City
Teacher of the Year Selection Committee
c/o Office of Curriculum & Instruction
8136 Groby Road, University City, MO 63130
Nominations may also be submitted via your nearest University City public school's main office. Please be sure to address your sealed envelope as stated above and allow two school days for arrival to McNair building. Late nominations will be held for the following year. E-mail nominations are accepted and may be sent to pmeyer@ucityschools.org.
New awardee(s) are announced during a springtime school board meeting and presented during the District's year-end Honorees & Retirees Reception.
Past recipients of this award have included:
- Corrie Woolley, 2012-13
- Cassandra Conner, 2011-12
- Sandra Feemster 2010-11
- Lillian B. Blackshear-Summers 2009-10
- Margaret Williams 2008-09 (Missouri Teacher of the Year)
- Mary Ann Kerr 2007-08
- Michelle Whitfield 2006-07
- Glenda Young 2005-06
- Judy Goldthree 2004-05
- Tony Taylor 2003-04
- Brenda Davis 2002-03
- Lynn Young 2001-02
- Curtis Duncan 2000-01
- Gail Tummenillo 1999-00
- Jennifer F. Kuehnle 1998-99
- Robert L. Lawrence 1997-98
- Mary Ann Square 1996-97
- Earnestine Bryant 1995-96
- Carole Niere 1994-95
- Bertha Richardson 1993-94
- Shawn Edwards 1992-93 (State Finalist)
- Cheryl Martin 1991-92
- Abbie Carter 1990-91 (State Finalist)
- Dorothy Meyerson 1989-90
- James Murray 1988-89 (State Finalist)
- Mary Allen 1987-88
- Roberta Kelley 1986-87
- Clara McCrary 1985-86
Educational Support Personnel of the Year
Deadline: Last Friday in January
Nomination Form (PDF) - 2 pages - Guidelines - Timeline - updated 2011
Nominations accepted year-round.
The School District of University City is seeking Educational Support Personnel of the Year Award nominations. Nominees should be a current employee who is respected and admired by students and colleagues and who plays an active role in the District, whether it is job-related or through extracurricular activities. According to District Guidelines, persons holding supervisory positions are ineligible. Nominations are accepted year-round, however late nominations according to the Timeline will be held for the following year. Comments must be included for each section. Additional sheets may be attached if needed, limit six (6) extra pages.
Individuals are evaluated on the following areas:
- Inspiration and role model to students and staff in the District
- Active role in the District
- Service and Leadership in school and/or District
- Special Job-related strengths and skills which affect the educational process
- Personal qualities (i.e.: attitude, creativity, relationships, etc.)
- Above and beyond what is required for the job
Nominators may submit nomination(s) in a sealed envelope to the UCFT-SRP building representative, school secretary or directly to:
School District of University City
Educational Support Personnel of the Year Selection Committee
c/o CarolAnn Cole, Selection Committee Chairperson
McNair Administration Building
8136 Groby Road
University City, MO 63130
or FAX 314/725-7846
Nominations may also be submitted via your nearest University City public school's main office. Please be sure to address your sealed envelope as stated above and allow two school days for arrival to McNair building. E-mail nominations are accepted and may be sent to ccole@ucityschools.org. A confirmation will be provided upon receipt of an e-mailed nomination form.
New awardee(s) are announced during a springtime school board meeting and presented during the District's year-end Honorees & Retirees Reception.
Past recipients of this award have included:
- Key Carter, 2012-13
- Charlotte Tatum, 2011-12
- Patricia Chandler, 2010-11
- Tony Curtis 2009-10
- CarolAnn Cole 2008-09
- Vanessa Ragsdale 2007-08
- Anita Snyder 2006-07
- Juli Ward 2005-06
- Angela Porter 2004-05
- Cassandra Harris 2003-04
- Cheryl Carr 2002-03
Pacesetter Award
Deadline: Third Friday in March
Nomination Form (PDF) - 1 page updated 2011
Nominations accepted year-round.
PACEsetters are individuals who have made contributions to a particular school or the district and are evaluated on the following areas:
- Commendable district/school accomplishments
- Above and beyond what is normally expected
- Special abilities that enhance student/school success
Whenever possible, nominations should include at least two letters of recommendations from persons other than the nominator. Submissions are limited to the nomination form, letters of recommendation and up to three (3) additional pages. All nominations will be judged based on the material(s) submitted by the deadline of 4 p.m. on the third Friday in March.
Nominations should be submitted to:
PACEsetter Award Selection Committee
c/o Office of Communications
McNair Administration Building
8136 Groby Road
University City, Missouri 63130
or fax 314/725-7846
Nominations may also be submitted via your nearest University City public school's main office. Please be sure to address your sealed envelope as stated above and allow two school days for arrival to McNair building.
E-mail nominations are accepted and may be sent to ccole@ucityschools.org. A confirmation will be provided upon receipt of an e-mailed nomination form.
Late nominations will be held for the following year.
New awardee(s) are announced during a springtime school board meeting and presented during the District's year-end Honorees & Retirees Reception.
Past recipients include:
| 2011-12 | Maryanne Coley, David Davidson, Nakia King, Kathleen Mathews, Regina McCoy, Lanesha McPherson, Women In Charge (Victoria Sharp) and Lifeplan volunteers Ellen Bern, Cindy Charlton, Linda Fried, David Harris, Coach Michael Locket, Carole Niere, Coach Carl Reed, Alan Spector, Roberta Stewart, Loretta Striplin, Charlotte Tatum, Juli Ward and Margaret Williams |
| 2010-11 | Kevin Chase, Marnie Claunch, Dan Holden, Caroline Kraft -Ibnabdeljalil, Nancy Mozier,Dave Sarber, Jan Vieth and James Wilke |
| 2009-10 | Jaanna Anaemereibe, Diane Davenport, Alexander Jamerison, Kim Jones and Jennifer Tilling |
| 2008-09 | Beverly Brandt, Bryce Cooper, Pearl Jones, Jim & Marcia Loomis, Judy Maffitt, Marva Miller, Diana Nichols, Acme Price, Byron Price, Barb Reilly, Howard Sallis, Erica Tepper, Cindy Thierry, Jan Vieth |
| 2007-08 | Dr. Elizabeth Bender, James Crowe, Jeannette Dampier |
| 2006-07 | Steven Baden, Ocie & Kim Bell, Stanley Coleman, Derrick Coley, Bryce Cooper, Lynne Glickert, Shelley Shray, UCHS Athletic Booster Club (Nancy Mozier, president) |
| 2005-06 | Jay Burstein, Carrie Constantin, Jean Ferguson, Gina Hasty, Carole Niere, Jeffery Roberts, Tony Taylor, TREND (Bella Quintal), United Black Drag Racers (Darrell Williams), U. City in Bloom (Mary Ann Shaw), Ewald Winkler, Writer's Room Coaches (Sandy Marsh & Sigrid Renner) |
| 2004-05 | Elaine Alexander, Kim Deitzler, Dominic Geinosky-Pioter, Michelle I. Gralnick, Margaret Williams |
| 2003-04 | Nancy Burstein, Mary Ellen Campbell, Tom Campbell, Traci Moore Clay, CarolAnn Cole, Lee Kincaid, Su Schmalz |
| 2002-03 | Emily Hopkins, Shari LeKane-Yentumi, Sandy Marsh, Carol Roberts, Mary Schuman (#2), Brenda Stobbe, Emmanuel Yentumi |
| 2001-02 | Ira Berkowitz, Don Congleton, Dawn Fels, Quentin Freemna, Carolyn Hellmuth, Barbara Newcomer, Patricia Parks, Marilyn Phillips, Calla Smorodin, LaRita Hayes Wright |
| 2000-01 | Nancy Baglan, Richard Chase, Dr. Monica Coffey, Bob Elgin, Faye Keyser, Shari Lekane-Yentumi, Helen McClenahan, Su Schmalz |
| 1999-2000 | Ponchita Argieard, Ellen Bern, Family Medicine of St. Louis (Fred Rottnek), Linda Fried-Ellis, Ted Humphrey, Wallace Klein, Ken Wilson |
| 1998-99 | Derrick Coley, Kathy Freese, Linda Kraft, Mary Ann Shaw, Lisa VanAmburg |
| 1997-98 | Beatrice Blackshear, David Cooperwood, Laurie Falk, Sharon Knuckles, Fred Rottnek, M.D. |
| 1996-97 | Amanda Gordon, Katie Krause, Lewis Meyerson, M.D., Tony T. Taylor |
| 1995-96 | Robert Case, Nancy Cohen, Linda Locke, Robert Moss, Kimberly Parker, Paul Schoomer, Suzanne Schoomer, Bernard Young |
| 1994-95 | Velma Conrad, Barbara Wall Fraser, Mary Hall, Mary Sampson, Mary Schuman |
| Recognition of Accomplishment Awardees (Predecessor to the PACEsetter Award) | |
| 1993-94 | Albert Brown, Dr. Victoria Gonzalez-Rubio, Susan White, Evelyn Williams, Glenda Young |
| 1992-93 | Mark Brooks, Roger CayCe, Bruce Collins, Warren Danziger, Gloria J. Davis, Elaine Hays, Cynthia Moore, Navy Construction Battalion, Hospital Unit 22, Su Schmalz, Alison Strunk |
| 1991-92 | Nicki Black, Annette Hudson, Monica Matheny |
| 1990-91 | Larry Mass, Clara McCrary, Jack Wiegers |


