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Celebrate Extraordinary Impact at the 2nd Annual Starfish Awards – Final Tickets Available Now!

event venue on a circle with starfish logo

There’s still time to be part of one of the most inspiring nights of the year! The 2nd Annual Starfish Awards, hosted by the Special Education Foundation (SEF) and powered by its Women Leaders group, will take place on Thursday, June 12, and final tickets are going fast! This is your chance to join a community of change makers, celebrate true difference-makers, and support students with disabilities across the Special School District.

A Night to Celebrate the Ripple Effect of Kindness

The Starfish Awards were inspired by the parable of a young girl throwing starfish back into the ocean, symbolizing how one act of kindness can change a life. In this spirit, the awards honor individuals and organizations who go above and beyond to make a lasting difference for students with disabilities.

This year, we are proud to honor an incredible group of 2025 Starfish Award recipients—each of whom has created a wave of impact in their own unique way:

Titus "Mr. T" Cothrine - Arrowpoint Elementary - Hazelwood District

Jamie Heidmann - Westridge Elementary - Rockwood District

Wendy Hopkins - Parkway South High School - Parkway District

Shunna Joshua - Michelle Obama ECAC - Riverview Gardens District

Bridget Linders - Iveland Elementary - Ritenour District

Amanda Moran- Dressel Elementary - Lindbergh School District

Gail Ross - Ackerman School - Special School District

Julie Sanders - Hancock Place Elementary - Hancock Place District

Spirit of SEF Starfish Award - MaryLee Burlemann

Community Starfish Award - Debbie Smith

Leadership Starfish Award - Dr. Germaine Stewart

Titus “Mr. T” Cothrine

Jamee Heidmann

Wendy Hopkins

Shunna Joshua

Bridget Linders

Amanda Moran

Gail Ross

Julie Sanders

MaryLee Burlemann

Debbie Smith

Dr. Germaine Stewart

Each of these honorees exemplifies what it means to "make a difference to that one," and on June 12, we’ll shine a spotlight on their efforts in a night filled with joy, gratitude, and connection.

Don’t Miss Out – Get Your Tickets Now!

Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to SEF’s mission, we invite you to attend this moving and memorable event. The Starfish Awards will feature dinner, drinks, entertainment, and heartfelt stories that will leave you inspired and ready to create your own ripple effect.

 Date: Thursday, June 12
 Location: The Reverie in the District - 17089 N Outer 40 Road; Chesterfield, MO 63005
 Final Tickets: Purchase here

Come celebrate the difference-makers. Be part of the impact. Help us continue to change lives—one student, one classroom, one act of kindness at a time.

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