Propelling students to future success.
Announcing our 2026 Scholarship Recipients!
John Cary Scholarships - $5,000
Will Cleer of Parkway South High School - attending the University of Missouri, Columbia
Nicole Dozier of Normandy High School & North Tech - attending St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley
Caidyn Harris of Lafayette High School (Rockwood) - attending Webster University
Lillian Hodel of Webster Groves High School & South Tech- attending the University of Missouri, Columbia
Nathan Hudson of Clayton High School & South Tech - attending Southeast Missouri State University
Jane Vickrey Leadership Scholarship - $5,000
Deshon (DJ) Burks of Clayton High School - attending St. Louis Community College
Christopher Davis Scholarship $2,500
Edwin Plancarte-Reyes of Ritenour High School -attending St. Louis Community College
About the Scholarships
John Cary Scholarship Presented by Emerson
The Special Education Foundation established the John Cary Scholarship in 2016. In naming the $5,000 scholarship after him, the Foundation recognizes John Cary, the late superintendent of Special School District of St. Louis County, for his commitment to excellence and his tireless support of students with disabilities.
Jane Vickrey Leadership Scholarship
The Special Education Foundation has established this scholarship in 2025, in beautiful remembrance of Jane Vickrey, who had a strong belief in giving back to the community. On retiring, Jane served as secretary on the Board of Directors of the Special Education Foundation. She served as the Board liaison to the Board's Fred Saigh Leadership Program which entailed her monthly participation in all leadership activities. This $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a selected student who has completed the Fred Saigh Leadership Academy.
Christopher Davis Scholarship
The Christopher Davis Scholarship, generously provided by the Ronald Davis family, awards $2,500 to a deserving student from the Ritenour School District. Established in 2005 and in memory of Christopher Davis, who tragically lost his life in a car accident in 1993, this scholarship honors his legacy by supporting students in their educational pursuits. Davis, a proud Ritenour alumnus, has dedicated several years to funding this scholarship, ensuring that students in his former district have opportunities to achieve their academic goals.
Criteria for Scholarships
The Special Education Foundation's Scholarships will be given to selected graduating students who receive services from the Special School District of St. Louis County – special education and/or technical education. Scholarships will be awarded towards tuition to those students seeking post-secondary education. Those who plan to attend a community college, university, trade school, or educational institution to obtain a certification are eligible to apply.
The John Cary Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to selected students, who reflect the characteristics most admired by John Cary – resiliency, courage, and determination. Well-rounded individuals, particularly those with exceptional achievement in a particular area, are likely to be successful applicants. Overcoming obstacles carries weight in the screening process. Financial need and teacher recommendations are also considered.
The Jane Vickrey Leadership Scholarship: This $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to one student who has graduated from the Fred Saigh Leadership Academy and reflects the characteristics of those who knew and admired Jane: kind, compassionate, courteous, hands-on with no agenda but to do good work. Financial need is also considered.
The Christophe Davis Scholarship: This $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to one student who is graduating from Ritenour High School and selected by the Ron and Marsha Davis family. Financial need and teacher recommendation are considered.
The funds awarded for the above scholarships may be used for tuition only.
See the 2025 Scholarship recipients
See the 2024 Scholarship recipients
See the 2023 Scholarship recipients
From the Newsroom
SEF scholarships celebrate perseverance, leadership, and academic achievement among students served by the Special School District of St. Louis County. Through the generosity of our donors and partners, these awards help students continue their education and pursue their future goals.
SEF will award seven scholarships, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, to support students with disabilities as they pursue their educational goals.
These scholarships are designed to support students wherever their path may lead, as long as it helps them build skills, independence, and a meaningful future.
Supported by Emerson
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Constance Anthony* Lindenwood UniversityThis scholarship has been instrumental in my pursuit of higher education, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on financial constraints. I completed freshman year with a 3.9 GPA. Some of these opportunities include joining a multicultural student engagement cohort, being elected as a board member of my school’s fashion society, and being able to showcase my designs at a local fashion show held on campus. I am thankful for SEF's financial support!
