Special Education Foundation's Starfish Awards
See the 2026 Starfish Award recipients here and view the photos from event on June 11, 2026 at The Reverie!
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 a meaningful, positive impact on students’ lives
- Often work behind the scenes rather than seeking the spotlight
Nominations for the 2027 Starfish Awards will open this winter
The Inspiration Behind the Starfish Award
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!
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.
The evening was made possible through the dedication of the SEF Women Leaders, planning committee members, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and attendees who came together to celebrate these exceptional individuals and support the mission of the Special Education Foundation.
Every bid placed supports the Special Education Foundation’s vital mission: empowering students with disabilities through programs and opportunities that enrich their educational experiences and help them achieve greater independence. Because of your participation, we can continue funding critical resources, scholarships, and assistive technologies.
As we celebrate these remarkable honorees, there is another exciting way to support students with disabilities: the Starfish Awards Silent Auction.
