MLK Spirit Award
Deadline: First Friday in December
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 U. Citians, 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 submit using the above online link; or download, complete and return the above PDF form and additional information to:
MLK Spirit Award Committee
c/o University City Board of Education
McNair Administration Building
7700 Olive Blvd
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 by the deadline. Late nominations will be held for the following year. E-mail nominations are accepted and may be sent to communications@ucityschools.org. A confirmation will be provided upon receipt of an e-mailed nomination.
Awardee(s) were recognized during the Annual University City Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration traditionally held on the Thursday evening prior to the Monday holiday celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King. (Event details will be posted on the District calendar by January 1 of the celebration year.) As of 2021, awardees will be recognized during a school board meeting in January or February.
Past MLK Spirit Awardees
Note: Biographies were written at time of award presentation.
- Natalie Parks - 2021 (Biography PDF)
- Hazel Erby - 2020 (Biography PDF)
- Rev. Dr. E. G. Shields Jr. - 2019 (Biography PDF)
- DeBorah Ahmed - 2018 (Biography PDF)
- Sultan Ali Muhammad - 2017 (Biography PDF)
- Amy Hunter - 2016 (Biography PDF)
- Dr. John A. Wright - 2015 (Biography PDF)
- Annie Mae Buchanan* - 2014 (Biography PDF)
- Clarice Gladney* - 2013 (Biography PDF)
- Redditt Hudson (UCHS Class of 1983) - 2012 (Biography PDF)
- Victor Pichon 2011 (Biography PDF)
- Nicole Reed Hutcherson Adewale (UCHS Class of 1986) - 2010 (Biography PDF)
- Denise Lieberman (UCHS Class of 1987) - 2009 (Biography PDF)
- Sam Austin, Jr. - 2008 (Biography PDF)
- Rory Ellinger - 2007 (Biography PDF)
- Maggie Dagen & Honorable Betty Thompson - 2006 (Biographies PDF)
- Moses Head* & Betsy Grant - 2005 (Biographies PDF)
- Jesse Swanigan & Billie Mayo - 2004 (Biography PDF)
- Chris Hexter (UCHS Class of 1963) & Rev. Dr. Ronald H. Vail, Sr. - 2003 (Biographies PDF)
*awarded posthumously
Click here for information regarding submitting a nomination.