Tribute Benefit for Children to Be Held on June 16 at Historic Mansion
The Special Education Foundation hosts its second annual John Cary Benefit on Thursday, June 16, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the historic mansion of Kevin and Patti Short. The cost to attend is $100 per person. The event pays tribute to the late John Cary, Special School District Superintendent of Schools, who passed away in September 2014. Mr. Cary devoted his professional career to the education of students, serving as a teacher, principal, administrator and superintendent. He also gave tirelessly of his time and resources to students with special needs through the Special Education Foundation.
The highlight of the annual benefit will be the presentation of the first John Cary Scholarship in the amount of $5,000. Cayla Rodell, a graduate of Hazelwood West High School who plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University is the recipient of the award. Cayla, nominated by her special education teacher Denise Enman, was one of more than 60 applicants who competed for the scholarship. Carol Cary, widow of the late John Cary, will present the scholarship to Cayla.
“John would be honored to have this scholarship given in his name,” states Carol Cary. “Cayla represents the characteristics embraced by John – resilience, determination, spirit and honor. It is my privilege to be presenting this award in John’s memory.”
The John Cary Society was established to honor the memory of the late John Cary and to raise funds through major donors to support the programs and services of the Special Education Foundation. The Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to assist children and youth with disabilities in areas not supported by tax dollars through scholarships, camperships, hearing aids, eyeglasses, assistive devices for those with physical disabilities, mini-grants for innovative classroom projects, high school leadership and parent support. For information call Diane Buhr, Executive Director, at 636-346-7441.