Students, staff recognized at the Oct. 8, 2024, board meeting
Each month during the school year, the Pattonville Board of Education honors students, staff and volunteers who have gained recognition outside of the district or who’ve made a special contribution to Pattonville. Learn more about students and staff who were recognized this month.
Pattonville High School
WashU College Prep Program
Sophomore Samuel Gunawan was accepted into WashU’s 2024 College Prep Program cohort. This summer, Samuel was among 37 high school sophomores selected to participate in two weeks of on-campus academic and social programs. The program will continue throughout the participants’ high school careers offering a range of activities such as ACT prep, college trips, attending cultural performances and workshops focused on the college application process.
Synagogue Youth Board
Junior Sydney Fowler was elected president of the Congregation B’nai Amoona’s United Synagogue Youth (USY) 2024-2025 executive youth board. Board members of the high school youth program help plan weekly meetings, organize special programming events and attend regional and national USY programs.
Federal Reserve Bank
Senior Nmesomachukwu Ezeokafor was accepted into the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’s Student Board of Directors Program. This program gives St. Louis high school seniors a way to learn about the national central bank and offers a unique opportunity to explore careers in the financial services industry, enhance their financial literacy and receive mentorship from Federal Reserve employees. Participants attend meetings, complete assignments and present about the Federal Reserve at their school.
Internship Program
Ten students from Pattonville High School were selected to participate in the St. Louis Internship Program (SLIP). During this year-round program, students attend workshops, complete an eight-week internship and receive various industry training. Opportunities also include obtaining college credit, portfolio development and credentialing opportunities like ServSafe and CPR. Students who were selected for this program and completed internships are: Prabhleen Bhullar with Mercy Hospital in patient services; Courtney Fox with the Center of Creative Arts; Julissa Garcia Ortiz with Mercy Hospital in nutrition and culinary administration; Elijah Johnson with the Skilled Trades Exploration Program (STEP); Zachary Killion with Accenture; Chris Martir-Hernandez with St. Luke’s Hospitals in pulmonary rehab; Simon Muthemba with St. Luke’s Hospitals in outpatient therapy services; Lydia Pan with Mercy Hospital in lab administration; Rhaiza Jane Sebial with St. Luke’s Hospitals in materials distribution; and Asah Wharton with Emerson Electric in enterprise IT. These students were assisted by school counselors Megan Harrison and Rebecca Krohn. SLIP’s mission is to provide hope and opportunity for high school students by ensuring students graduate from high school prepared for college and careers and to create a pipeline of diverse, talented workers for the St. Louis region.
Transportation
MAPT Competition
Pattonville transportation technician Rodney Brown Sr. earned fourth place as an inspector at the annual Missouri's Best Technician and Inspector Competition, hosted by the Missouri Association for Pupil Transportation (MAPT) on July 11. This written and hands-on training and skills challenge recognizes top school transportation inspectors, technicians and mechanics in the state.
District
Pinnacle of Achievement Award
Pattonville chief financial officer Mary Jo Gruber received a Pinnacle of Achievement Award from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). This award recognizes school districts for resourcefulness, creativity and innovative solutions that maximize resources and enhance student achievement. Pattonville is one of just four districts in the nation honored this year. The district received recognition for using its purchasing process through the business services office to create career exploration opportunities for students. By incorporating value-added services from businesses, Pattonville offers students hands-on learning experiences through extended learning opportunities, internships and project-based learning.