Special Education Foundation's Starfish Awards

About the Starfish Awards

The Starfish Award is reserved for individuals who have brought about significant change through seemingly small yet deeply meaningful actions. Ideal candidates for this honor exhibit the following qualities:

Consistently demonstrates unwavering compassion and kindness.
Leaves a remarkable imprint on the lives of students and families within the Special School District and the 22 partner districts in St. Louis County
Offers vital support during challenging circumstances.
Their actions generate a ripple effect of positivity, creating a nurturing environment for all.

Who Can Be Nominated?

While specifics may vary year to year, ideal nominees are those who:

Work with or support students with disabilities (employees, volunteers, possibly staff in partner organizations)
Demonstrate consistent care, kindness, and initiative
Have made meaningful, positive impact in students’ lives
Often work behind the scenes rather than seeking the spotlight

Nominations for the 2026 Starfish Awards are open now though December 19, 2025!

Community Starfish Awardees

Leadership Starfish Award - Brad & Sara Hagemeyer

Custom Coatings has been a supporter of the Special Education Foundation for many years. As longtime friends of the Dan McLaughlin Charity Golf Tournament, Custom Coatings' contributions to SEF and the Tournament have positively impacted countless children who receive services from the Special School District of St. Louis County. Brad is also a former board member of the Special Education Foundation and has served for several years as one of our golf tournament co-chairs.
Spirit of SEF Award - Laurie Williams

Laurie is one of the Special Education Foundation's founders, served on the SEF Board of Directors for decades, and continues as a Director Emerita. Among her many roles on the board, Laurie served as Chair of the board’s Program Committee and was an active member of the SEF Women Leaders. Laurie is a retired teacher and administrator in the Ritenour School District. Laurie’s leadership role with SEF and her work on the front lines of education make her the perfect recipient of the Spirit of SEF Starfish Award.
Community Starfish Award - Dr. Daniel Cuneo

Dr. Cuneo began his tenure on the Special School District Board of Education in 2000. Dr. Cuneo represents Subdistrict 2 on the SSD Board of Education, which includes the Affton, Bayless, Hancock Place, and Mehlville school districts. Cuneo was elected Board President in 2021 and again in 2024. He was elected Board Vice President in 2025. Before retiring, Dr. Cuneo conducted mental fitness and sanity evaluations for the judicial districts of Southern Illinois and, at times, for federal government agencies. He worked for the Illinois Department of Mental Health for 24 years, primarily at the Chester Mental Health Center, where he served as clinic director. A tireless advocate for the students served by the Special School District, Dr. Cuneo’s dedication to improving children's lives is remarkable.

The Inspiration Behind the Starfish Award

Powered by the Women Leaders

The Special Education Foundation's Women Leaders is an active women’s group committed to helping children and youth with disabilities. More specifically, to fund special projects that support students with disabilities served by the Special School District of St. Louis County. It was established in 2009 based on guests’ interests at a friend-raiser in how they could help.

The Special Education Foundation's Starfish Award recognizes the unsung heroes who may not seek the spotlight but, through their daily efforts, embody the belief that every small action can create waves of positive change in the world around us.

See the 2025 Starfish Award recipients here and view the photos from event on June 12, 2025 at The Reverie!

See the 2024 Starfish Award recipients here and view the photos from the event on June 13, 2024 at CITYPARK!

November 20, 2025

Who Will be Our Next Starfish Award Honorees?

byShannon Benedek

We invite you to nominate individuals who go above and beyond to support our students—whether they are special education teachers, general education teachers, paraprofessionals, SSD staff members, or other community partners. These “starfish savers” embody the spirit of compassion, patience, and dedication that transforms lives and inspires others to do the same.

November 13, 2025

Inspiring the Next Generation of Givers

byShannon Benedek

At the Special Education Foundation, we see the impact of giving every day — in classrooms, at events, and in the faces of the students we serve. When children grow up understanding the joy of helping others, they don’t just change one life — they help build a more caring, inclusive community for everyone.

October 30, 2025

Nominations Open for the 3rd Annual Starfish Awards--Submit Yours Today!

byJill Salinas

Whether it’s a classroom breakthrough, a gesture of compassion, or a moment of unwavering support, these acts collectively strengthen our entire community. The Starfish Awards give us the opportunity to pause and recognize those who make the Special School District an inspiring place for students to learn and grow.

Starfish Awards