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Generous contributions and grants from individuals, foundations and corporations make possible our efforts to enhance the educational success of students with disabilities. To download a donation form, click here. We accept credit cards and checks.
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FOUNDATION INITIATES LEADERSHIP PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
12/13/2004
STUDENT HOLIDAY SRIRIT ABOUNDS IN SAIGH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The spirit of giving is alive and well with students in the Fred Saigh Leadership Program. On Friday, December 17, Leadership students from Lafayette High School and Rockwood Summit will gather at 1:45 p.m. at the Special School District’s Central Office to prepare holiday bags stuffed with clothing and other items for homeless families served by St. Patrick’s Center in St. Louis City. Last month the students visited St. Patrick’s Center as part of the Special Education Foundation’s Fred Saigh Youth Leadership Program for Students with Disabilities. The many families in need moved the students to initiate and organize a clothing drive to help make the holidays a happier time for the families.
Students participating in the holiday drive are Lafayette High School juniors Michael Manshiem of Wildwood and Paul Fredrickson of Chesterfield, and Rockwood Summit senior Alexa Smith of Fenton. Smith, who spearheaded the drive and sent letters to all 18 students in the Leadership Program, then collected the items from the students. All three students receive services from Special School District.
“Students in the Fred Saigh Leadership Program are developing leadership skills through involvement in community issues,” states Diane Buhr, executive director of the Special Education Foundation. “Their visit to St. Patrick’s Center resulted in their taking a leadership role in managing a project to help those in need. Additional examples of demonstrated student leadership will be seen as the year progresses. ”
Such an example is seen in the leadership assumed by Michael Manshein, a deaf student, who has started a sign language class at Lafayette High School. Through the leadership class, Michael saw that many students have a keen interest in learning to sign. Michael took it upon himself to initiate and develop this class.
The Special Education Foundation received a grant from the Fred Saigh Foundation to initiate and implement a leadership program for students with disabilities. Fred Saigh was the owner of the St. Louis Cardinals who later sold the team to Anheuser-Busch. Fred Saigh was deeply committed to children and youth. Upon his death a foundation was established to assist and enhance student education and health care. The leadership program’s purpose is to develop skills that prepare students for leadership roles, broaden their understanding of community issues, problems, and advantages, gain insight regarding resources needed to assist their school/community, and assist in recruiting and mentoring for the following year. The program is unique in the state of Missouri.
“Many students with disabilities possess the potential to be great leaders,” states JoAnn Hejna, Executive Director, Fred Saigh Foundation. “However, organized and structured opportunities to develop such initiatives and pursue such challenges are not readily available. This program gives students the opportunity to become contributors in their schools and in their communities. Fred would be proud of this program and these young individuals ”
The Special Education Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, kicked-off its Fred Saigh Leadership Program for Students with Disabilities on Friday, August 20, at the Town and Country Municipal Center. Eighteen high school juniors from 14 St. Louis County School Districts gathered to begin a year-long leadership training curriculum that introduces and develops leadership skills by involving students in issues that face the community. Special Education Board President, Gene McNary, and Fox Sports Net Broadcaster, Dan McLaughlin, provided the opening remarks for the leadership orientation.
“Students selected for the Fred Saigh Leadership Program will complete the year prepared to return to their respective schools ready to campaign for school offices, manage school projects and assume leadership roles and responsibilities,” states Gene McNary, Special Education Foundation Board President. “This is a great opportunity to develop leadership skills and broaden student horizons.”
Students in the Fred Saigh Leadership Program for Students with Disabilities visit key sites/locations one day every other month and meet leaders throughout the metropolitan area during the 2004-05 school year. Examples include visits to the St. Louis County Executive’s Office, the Buzz Westfall Justice Center, KTRS 550 RADIO, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St. Patrick’s Center, UMSL for a diversity study day, a recycling center and the State Capitol in Jefferson City. Students also will attend two or three Saturday morning sessions to practice team building and leadership role playing. A graduation will take place on May 12 at the St. Luke’s Hospital Auditorium in Chesterfield.
The Special Education Foundation was established in 1984 to provide assistance in areas not supported by tax dollars. It is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to help students with disabilities achieve success in their endeavors beyond the classroom. The Foundation does this through providing financial resources in areas that go beyond tax dollar support such as scholarships, camperships, teacher mini-grants, specialized equipment, student recognition, leadership programs and parent speaker series. Last year the Foundation awarded $52,000 in college scholarships, $31,000 in mini-grants for special education teachers and $10,000 in summer camps for students with disabilities. The Foundation is depends solely on private contributions and donations. No funds are received from the United Way or the Special School District.
An 18-member volunteer Board of Directors leads the Special Education Foundation. Their sole employee is Executive Director Diane Buhr. Board members include Gene McNary, Matthew Perlow, Linda Fahrenkrog, Mark Botterman, David Diener, Hubert Hoosman, James McClellan, Jr., Mary Steinau, Maro Bottani, John Sonderman, David Neiers, Max Wolfrum, Ph.D, Debbie Bentele, Gregory Keller, Stacey DiMartini, Jane Vickery, Dan McLaughlin and Bob Kijowski. The Board has two liaisons from the Special School District, Paulette Bolazina and Nancy Ide.
For information contact Diane Buhr at 636-532-1442 or visit our Web site at www.sef-stl.org.
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