The 2nd Annual Starfish Awards was an unforgettable night made possible by the incredible support of our community. From our dedicated ticket holders and generous sponsors to our volunteers and nominators—thank you for standing with us in celebration of those who make a difference in the lives of students with disabilities in St. Louis County.
Your presence gave power to our mission, and your generosity allowed us to recognize 11 incredible individuals who go above and beyond each day. Whether you were clapping in the crowd, supporting behind the scenes, or sponsoring the Starfish Awards from afar, you helped create a moment of true impact.
With Deep Gratitude, We Thank Our Sponsors:
Award Sponsors
We would like to thank both of our returning Award Sponsors, Lodging Hospitality Management and Graybar. Your leadership-level support was vital in helping us honor our 11 outstanding Starfish Award recipients in a meaningful and memorable way. You once again set the tone for the evening’s success and continue to be champions for students with disabilities.
Valedictorian Sponsors
World Wide Technology, Parkside Financial Bank and Trust, Ray and Debbie Bentele, Allen and Jill Palmquist—thank you all for your generous commitment to the mission of the Special Education Foundation, the SEF Women Leaders, and the Starfish Awards. Your support helped us bring the vision of this event to life, celebrating the often-unsung heroes in our schools and communities.
Honor Roll Sponsors
We are deeply grateful to our Honor Roll Sponsors for standing with us in recognition of those who go the extra mile every day. Thank you to Greg and Tracey Heckman, Tim and Kathi Eby, Total Rewards Strategy, McKelvey Homes, Julia Burke PhD, BJC Healthcare, St. Luke’s Hospital, Mike and Carol Corry, and Mercy for your incredible generosity and support.
Patron Ticket Supporters
And to our Patron Ticket Supporters—Chris and Kameron Aaron, Eric and Courtney Crider, Jennings School District Superintendent Paula D. Knight, Todd and Kimberly Streff, Richard and Carin Shulusky, and Eugene and Lynn Toombs—thank you for joining us and investing in this powerful evening of celebration and impact. Your support helped ensure the evening was both meaningful and memorable for our honorees and guests alike.
Special School District Board of Education
We also extend our sincere thanks to the SSD Board of Education for their ongoing partnership and presence at the Starfish Awards. We were honored to be joined by Superintendent Dr. Michael Maclin and Board President Carmen Stayton, whose leadership and dedication to students with disabilities continue to inspire our work. Their attendance was a meaningful show of support for the honorees and a powerful reminder of the shared commitment we all have to making a difference for students with disabilities.
Join Us Next Year — Make a Difference for That One
As we look ahead, we invite you to be part of the 3rd Annual Starfish Awards in 2026. Whether by nominating a deserving individual, becoming a sponsor, or simply attending the event, you can help us continue this meaningful tradition. Stay tuned for next year’s event details!
Inspired by the beloved Starfish Parable, this event is a reminder that even one act of kindness—one effort to lift someone up—can create lasting change. Just as the child in the story throws one starfish at a time back into the sea, saying, "It made a difference to that one," we gather each year to celebrate the people who make a difference for that one student, that one moment, that one need—day in and day out.
Your participation matters. Your involvement creates lasting change for students with disabilities. And your decision to show up helps us recognize the quiet heroes who never stop showing up for those students.
We hope you’ll be part of the movement again next year. Together, we can continue to shine a light on those who help students not only succeed—but thrive.
