The Fred Saigh Leadership Academy is launching into its 21st year with a Getting Acquainted meeting scheduled for this Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. It's the first gathering designed to welcome the new class, set expectations, and ignite enthusiasm for the upcoming year.
Class of 2026
The 2025–2026 cohort includes a diverse and promising group of high school students representing schools across St. Louis County. Selected for their leadership potential and drive to make an impact, the participants are:
- Lucas Bemister (Affton High School & South Tech)
- Isaiah Brown (Clayton High School)
- Tanyla Chairse (Parkway North High School & North Tech)
- Phoebe Gross (Bayless High School)
- Mario Holmes (Valley Park High School & South Tech)
- Xavier Kadlec (Parkway South High School)
- Alen Kajtazovic (Bayless High School & South Tech)
- Lilly Kilgore (Parkway West High School)
- Alyssa Kuhstoss (Ladue Horton Watkins High School)
- Eric McMath (Riverview Gardens High School)
- Tyshawn Rice (McCluer High School)
- Christin Turntine (Brentwood High School)
A Look at the Program
Founded in the fall of 2004, the Fred Saigh Leadership Academy is a transformational initiative from the Special Education Foundation (SEF), dedicated to empowering high school students with disabilities through community-focused leadership training.
Key highlights of the program include:
- Year-long leadership development: Structured sessions focus on communication, goal-setting, advocacy, and teamwork.
- Monthly experiences: Students take a day out each month to visit notable institutions and meet leaders across the St. Louis metropolitan area—spanning government offices, nonprofits, civic organizations, and more.
- Practical leadership application: Participants become equipped for student school leadership, lead school projects, and take on roles that foster positive change within their schools and communities.
- Graduation: The program concludes with a ceremony where students reflect on their growth, share memorable experiences, and celebrate their accomplishments. Past events have featured peer-chosen leadership awards and moving personal reflections.
This Saturday marks not only the start of a new academic cycle for these impressive young leaders but the beginning of a journey designed to unlock the best in them—leadership, confidence, and community engagement.
