On Thursday, June 12, 2025, the Special Education Foundation invites you to join us for an extraordinary evening of celebration and recognition at the 2nd Annual Starfish Awards. Set against the elegant backdrop of The Reverie at The District in Chesterfield, Missouri, this one-of-a-kind celebration honors those who make a lasting impact in the lives of students with disabilities.
This unforgettable evening honors the everyday heroes of the Special School District — those who embody the spirit of the Starfish Parable by making a difference, one student at a time. Whether it’s a teacher, paraprofessional, bus driver, custodian, or school staff member, the evening shines a spotlight on those who go above and beyond to change lives.
A Powerful Program with Familiar Faces
Returning to the stage is Dr. BJ “The DJ” Holiday, a beloved personality from iHeartRadio St. Louis, who will once again emcee the evening. Holiday’s charismatic presence, warmth, and deep connection to our mission promise to make this a heartfelt and memorable night once again.
Music and Memories
The evening will begin with a live performance by violinist Bell Darris, welcoming guests with beautiful, upbeat melodies as they enter the venue. This live music will continue throughout the cocktail reception, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere for mingling and celebration.
Our guests can sip cocktails, enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, and capture memories with their friends, family, and fellow supporters at our interactive 360-photo booth!
Honoring Those Who Uplift Our Students
At the heart of the night are the Starfish Awards, recognizing a wide range of Special School District team members who have gone above and beyond to serve, support, and advocate for students with disabilities in St. Louis County.
Powered by Women Leaders, Fueling the Future
This unforgettable evening is made possible through the energy and generosity of SEF’s Women Leaders, a powerful group of advocates and change-makers who are committed to making a difference in special education. Through their efforts, proceeds from the Starfish Awards support SEF’s Principal Grant Program, which provides critical funding to Special School District schools for innovative classroom and school-wide projects that benefit students with disabilities.
Every ticket purchased and every dollar raised helps bring ideas to life — from sensory-friendly learning spaces to adaptive technology and inclusive extracurricular activities, ensuring that students with disabilities can access the tools and experiences they need to thrive.
This exclusive event promises to sell out quickly, and we don’t want you to miss the chance to be part of it. Whether you’re an educator, supporter, family member, or community advocate, this is your invitation to join us in recognizing the difference-makers who bring light and possibility into our schools every day.
Join us for a night that honors the quiet heroes, celebrates small acts with big impact, and reminds us all that one person can make a world of difference.
We can't wait to see you there!
For more information about the 2nd Annual Starfish Awards, contact SEF Events Manager Jill Salinas jill@sef-stl.org | 865.405.4420
