Family and friends of the late Darren Valeriote have established “Darren’s Lions 2 Tigers Foundation, Inc.,” in support of University City High School graduates headed to the University of Missouri - Columbia (Mizzou). The Foundation hosted its first fundraiser, a golf tournament, at Pevely Farms Golf Club in Eureka.
Darren’s brother Chris Valeriote, UCHS Class of 1984, said, “This is our way of honoring Darren who was a U. City graduate; attending from kindergarten at Flynn Park, then Brittany Woods and graduating from the high school in 1988.”
He added, “Darren was always so proud that he was a U. City grad. He developed a lot of friendships during his time at U. City that lasted his entire life.” In fact, Valeriote says Darren was part of a group of UCHS classmates who went on to study at Mizzou. “Decades later, they are still friends. It seemed like a natural transition to include Mizzou.”
UCHS scholarship candidates will be considered based upon academic excellence, community/volunteer service and an essay.
“College is expensive these days and every little bit helps,” Valeriote says. “I have one daughter in college and another soon to start. I thought it would be nice to provide some financial assistance to students who are following in Darren’s footsteps.”
Darren graduated from Mizzou in 1993 with a psychology degree and established a successful home healthcare business. Senior Services provides hourly or live-in help for seniors who wish to stay in their homes. He passed away in 2016. He is survived by his wife of more than 20 years, Stacey, and sons Steven, a Eureka High School graduate who attends Mizzou, and Alex, a current student at Eureka.
For more information about Darren’s Lions 2 Tigers Foundation or to discuss supporting The School District of University City or the University City Education Foundation, contact Lori Willis, director of development for the UCEF, at lwillis@ucityschools.org or (314) 290-4037.
The University City Board of Education publicly recognized the leaders of the Darren’s Lions 2 Tigers Foundation, Inc. at the Feb. 15, 2018, school board meeting. They were acknowledged for their generous support in providing scholarship funds for UCHS students attending the University of Missouri - Columbia.
