a n n u a l r e p o r t · sixth grade mathematics teacher, abbie oran, is in her sixth year of...

A N N U A L R E P O R T

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LiftForLifeAcademy.org | Educate. Empower. Uplift.™

A Message from Marshall Cohen & Dr. Katrice Noble

The past 12 months have been a whirlwind. After 18 years without a gym, we opened the Health & Well-being facility in September of 2018, providing space for home games, gym classes and all-school events. A dedicated supporter donated laundry room services, which includes brand new washers and dryers accessible to all students.

In June, the John Mann Wing Addition was completed, providing six new classrooms, a learning studio and two new offices. The clincher was the opening of our elementary school in mid-August. Bright, young faces of Kindergartners, first, and second grade students adorn the new progressive space bringing a fresh feel to our Academy and its vision.

All of this would not be possible without the generous and compassionate support of our donors, both individual and corporate. We are incredibly grateful for the trust and respect that is shown to our students, staff and leadership. Your support strengthens and enhances our academic programs and curriculum.The next necessary phase is to enhance the gym space with locker room and shower facilities for both boys and girls. This will greatly improve students’ access for personal hygiene, and make LFLA more inviting and attractive during athletic events and practices for home and visiting teams.

Our plan also includes the creation of a Black Box Theatre, an intimate space that will increase student interest in the performing arts. Students will have the opportunity to be on a stage, develop self-confidence and their public speaking skills.

Again, thank you for having faith in our students and our work! We will continue to share the stories of their success to show the true impact of your engagement.

Warmest Regards,

Marshall Cohen Dr. Katrice NobleCo-founder, Lift For Life Academy Deputy Director

LFLA ProfilesThe following profiles … student, alumni, teacher, and volunteer … will give you a glimpse into the world of LFLA.

Student Profiles

Thiago Souza, a 17 year old exchange student, traveled over 5100 miles from his home in Taboao Da Serra, Brazil, a city located on the Atlantic coast to the midwest city of St. Louis, MO. Thiago (pronounced Che-ago) is an adventurer, ready to see and feel new places. Through American Field Services (AFS), he was matched up to a couple in St. Louis and the dots connected to LFLA. The students here have totally embraced him. “The students are funny and help me,” he says. “I like it here.”

He enjoys how kids move from class to class through the course of the day. At his school in Brazil, students stay in the same class and the teachers switch rooms. He also states that this school is much larger than his Brazilian school. Since he arrived, he’s very enamored with pizza. “I could eat it every day! In Brazil, everyone eats rice and beans for almost every meal.”

In the future, Thiago hopes to play soccer for the MLS, enjoys speaking in public and is considering a career as a lawyer. But his primary dream is to break out of any routine. “I don’t want to graduate from high school, move on to college and then work for the rest of my life as many people do.” He wants to live abroad and he’s doing just that.

Senior Dakari Gray transferred from another charter school this past year. He assimilated seamlessly. He plays on the Varsity basketball team for Coach Torrey Davie and plans to participate on the track team as a long distance runner.

As a new student, he enjoys the campus-like atmosphere here and the freedom that seniors have during lunch and free periods. “My favorite class is mathematics with Ms. Schmitt and I may pursue a mathematics degree or one in athletic training,” he expressed. He’s already sent an enrollment application to Rust College in Georgia. But he will be joining the college tours to check out other possible schools before he makes a decision.

LiftForLifeAcademy.org | Educate. Empower. Uplift.™ | 3

Thiago Souza

Dakari Gray

4 | Lift For Life Academy | ACADEMY NEWS | 2019 | ANNUAL REPORT

Student Profiles

For senior Jordan Noble, engagement is a priority. He has a passion for getting involved in a multitude of activities and is evolving into a natural leader. In the past couple of years, his interests have included: the Youth Leadership St. Louis Program through Focus St. Louis, an initiative designed to develop leadership skills among high school youth; St. Louis Internship Program, where he worked as a camp counselor intern at Matthew-Dickey; the Varsity football team as a middle linebacker; and senior class leadership as the elected vice-president.

Despite his many activities, Jordan excels academically. He is the valedictorian of his class with the highest GPA in the Academy’s history. Currently, Jordan thinks he will pursue a degree in actuary science and has applied to four colleges so far – Mizzou, Rust, Benedict and Lane.

Ariel Yisrael, senior class president, is a visionary. “I have big plans,” she expressed. Her dream is to be mayor of St. Louis. “I want to make our area better and then maybe people will act better.” Her plan for the city is to remove the vacant buildings by getting the youth involved in both demolition and rehab efforts.

This December she’s going to attend real estate classes so she can obtain her real estate license. Following graduation, she plans to go to college and pursue a business management degree.“LFLA has had a huge impact on me. It’s made me into the person I am today … and Dr. Noble has been an inspiration to me.” As a Varsity volleyball team athlete, class president, school ambassador and Metro Leadership League member, Ariel is most certainly an inspiration to her classmates.

Ariel YisraelJordan Noble


Alumni Profiles “Lift For Life Academy helped me become the person I am today,” expressed Ka-La Harris, 2015 LFLA graduate. Ka-La recently graduated from Illinois College with a degree in mathematics, a subject that she grew to love due to the influence of Ms. Owens, LFLA math teacher.

While at Illinois College, she spent two years as a Resident Assistant (RA) and senior year she was promoted to Hall Director. This experience shaped her career goals. In September she landed a Residence Hall Director position at Truman State University in Kirksville and will also serve as the Panhellenic Council Advisor. In the future, she will pursue a Master’s program in the field of higher education administration. But for now, she’s happy and grateful for the huge impact that LFLA and Illinois College have had on her life!

Justin Plummer, 2019 LFLA graduate, has a knack for forging new territory. At LFLA, he became the first male cheerleader and now, as a freshman at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the school has given him the go-ahead to create a second cheerleading squad that offers a dancing style approach versus their traditional cheerleading squad.

“I love it here [at Southern University] It’s super friendly and family-oriented – just like LFLA,” said Justin. Justin plans to earn a mathematics degree and ultimately, a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership. His ultimate goal is to start his own school, covering Kindergarten through college. Justin dreams big and it’s taking him places!

Ka-La Harris Justin Plummer

Teacher Profiles

Kimberly Burke, Reading & Writing and Senior Composition teacher, states that “this is the best teaching year ever. I’m being very intentional about building relationships with my students. Relationships are everything.” And, apparently, it’s working for her in the classroom.

Her number one rule in class is respect … respect yourself, your teacher and your peers. Students are adhering to the rule and it’s making a huge difference in how the classroom feels and operates.

This semester, each student in her freshman class has been tasked with writing a movie script about how life would be without one specific invention. Once the script is written, they will then create videos for the scripts. This Project-Based Learning project requires students to think through the content of their script and how it will translate into a video. It’s a demanding project that maximizes her students’ potential. Her expectations are high and students are rising to the challenge.

Sixth grade mathematics teacher, Abbie Oran, is in her sixth year of teaching middle school at LFLA. When asked what keeps her here, she replied, “I can’t imagine leaving. I believe all kids deserve an equal opportunity at having a good education.”

Sixth graders are all new to LFLA, coming from different schools with different cultures. “I provide structure, rigor and routine that will make them better and stronger as students. Many are resistant to structure in the beginning but as time goes on they like it and respect me more as a teacher,” expressed Ms. Oran. Her goal is to build her students’ confidence in their math skills, to give them a strong understanding and foundation.

Abbie Oran with student during lunch.Kimberly Burke and student problem-solving.



Volunteer Profile

Beau Herndon, Board member and Software Delivery Lead at 1904labs, moved to St. Louis from Delaware in 2017 and wasted no time immersing himself in the community. He loves weaving his technology expertise in with his passion for working with kids. So he quickly created the 1904 coders program that offers youth the opportunity to learn coding skills and develop their own mobile applications. The goal is to break students’ fear of making mistakes and expose them to the tech field in an empowering way.

Beau is also working on connecting the Saint Louis Chess Club & World Chess Hall of Fame with LFLA’s current Chess Club initiated by Robert Millner. As Vice President of the Saint Louis Chess Club Young Professionals’ Board, Beau hopes to reinforce and enhance our Chess Club by expanding it to the elementary and high school. Imagine young 1st graders learning to play chess. It will be a sight to see! Beau is truly a visionary volunteer and we’re grateful that he’s part of the LFLA family.

Beau Herndon


From Baking to Building … New Career Options Abound

For some students at LFLA, college is not the path they want to pursue. In our quest to meet every student’s needs, we have initiated new subject areas that will give them the exposure and skills they need to pursue careers in trade.

Carpentry ClassHave you ever used a sliding power mitre saw or a coping saw? Students in carpentry class, a new elective this year, are learning to use these tools and more. High schoolers will soon be making wooden shelves and the middle schoolers recently built birdhouses and created building blocks and picnic tables for the elementary school.

According to Mr. Ellermann, LFLA’s high school carpentry teacher, “the kids are enjoying it. Most have not had any experience working with tools.” As students advance, they will have the opportunity to tour work sites and listen to speakers with expertise.

These are skills that will assist them through life, allowing them to fix and maintain various home projects. For many students, If their interest and skills are strong, it may lead to a career in carpentry, a trade that is much in demand.

Student using circular saw.


Another viable career option is the culinary field, particularly in St. Louis where restaurants and new cafes are popping up weekly. This year we’re offering both a culinary class and a pastry class.

Baking & Pastry ClassTyrone Moore, our Baking & Pastry teacher, has a very interesting background. He worked for 20 years as a nurse at such health facilities as BJC Hospital and Missouri Baptist. But he wanted a change, so a few years ago, he attended culinary school and became a chef. “I love what I do. The smell, feel and taste of baking. It brings happiness to people,” expressed Mr. Moore.

First he taught his middle and high school students to bake quick breads. Now he’s teaching them how to bloom yeast and create bread that rises. “I love to teach them and then see them create things.”

The students are very engaged. They’re asking lots of questions and seem excited to learn. But, feasting on their creations is definitely the highlight.

Band ProgramOur new band teacher, Eric Johnson, an UMSL graduate, is bringing the LFLA music program to life. With many generous instrument donations from our supporters, students are learning to play the trombone, flute, clarinet, trumpet, marimba, xylophone, drums and more.

“I came from a musical family, predominantly singers,” expressed Mr. Johnson, “but there was something about instrumental music that moved my soul a bit more than the voice did. And at the time life was rough but music lit a way for me.” He’s been playing music ever since and said he wants to pass on his love for it at LFLA.

“I heard the story about the school beginning 20 years ago. I was really intrigued after speaking with Mr. Marshall {Cohen}. You know he told me that we have all these instruments here and we really want someone that can teach the kids. This is inner city, where I was born and raised, so this is my way of giving back … to share my knowledge of music with the youngsters.”

Tyrone Moore teaching students how to bake cupcakes.

Eric Johnson


The Marvelous Mann Wing Addition

When LFLA high school students returned in August, they were beyond excited to see six new classrooms and a learning studio in the newly opened John Mann Wing addition. The Bayer STEM Center provides much needed space and technological enhancements for Math, Engineering, Science and Forensic classes. The Jones Family Fashion Center, a light filled studio with plenty of space for designing and sewing, provides students with a wonderful place to nurture their creativity. See their amazing looks LIVE during the 10th Annual Celebrating Success Fashion Show on April 19th, 2020. The celebration brought together John’s family, including his mother, Marylen Mann, his step father, Frank Jacobs and his wife, Bonnie Mann, as they cut the ribbon and provided the entire LFLA community with another chance to remember and honor one of its important former Board presidents, John Mann.

Scott Dolan, Board Chair; Dr. Katrice Noble, LFLA; Michelle Insco, Daphne Dorsey and Albert Mitchell from Bayer; and Marshall Cohen, LFLA.

Matthew Jones and Marshall Cohen Marshall Cohen, Bonnie Mann, Frank Jacobs, Marylen Mann, Shamia Banks, Dr. Katrice Noble, Jordan Noble


Welcoming New Young Faces

Lift For Life Academy welcomed 110 kindergarten, first and second graders to its family when its elementary school opened in August. The moment these youngsters and their families stepped into the newly acquired building, they were immediately drawn to the bright colors, warm teachers and creative approach to education.

With a Project-Based Learning curriculum, students are actively engaged in their education, enhancing their confidence and motivation. First graders were recently tasked to assist in the design of the new playground. They took a field trip to visit several local playgrounds to assess what elements they desired in a playground. They then surveyed the Kindergartners and second graders to obtain their input. This type of learning empowers our students to be fully engaged in their education. Thanks to community supporters, like you, we received many extraordinary donations at the onset of our elementary school capital campaign. These gifts, along with a bank loan, enabled us to purchase a suitable building a mere one block from the main campus. Grants provided the funding needed to outfit each classroom, library and multi-purpose spaces with the educational tools for learning exploring and sharing. As we move into Phase II, we continue to seek the additional $3.5 million needed to build additional classrooms, pay off the loan and grow into a fully functional Kindergarten through 12th grade Academy.

Scott Dolan, Board Chair, and Kindergartner Elementary students creating projects in the J&B Creative Corner.

Our elementary students enjoying the grassy hill.

Lift For Life AcademyExpenses

2018-2019

Salary Related $5,759,740 (70%) Building & Equipment Maintenance $1,111,708 (13%)

Student Food, Transportation & Supplies $609,465 (7%) Contract & Professional Fees $779,261 (7%)

Lift For Life AcademyRevenue

2018-2019

Government Grants & Contracts $7,402,652 (80%) Capital Campaign $953,460 (10%)

Contributions $406,411 (4%) Special Events $291,869 (3%)

Program Support $175,772(2%)

2019 - 2020 BOARD of DIRECTORS & OFFICERSScott R. Dolan, President Managing DirectorStifel Bank

Tami Fernandez, Vice PresidentCommunity Volunteer

Gina Wischmeyer, SecretaryCommunity Volunteer

Brian Liberman, TreasurerVice President, Commercial LendingCentral Bank of St. Louis

Ernest (Ernie) BanksGlobal Operational Excellence DirectorCurium

Jeff Bensky, Ph.D.Chief Strategy OfficerHealth Pointe Solutions

Sanford J. BoxermanShareholderCapes, Sokol, Goodman & Sarachan, P.C

John P. Burke, Ph.D. Immediate Past PresidentSociologist

Sheila Gurley, Ed.S.Retired Educator, School Leadership

Kate HatfieldPrincipalHatfield Consulting, LLC

Beau HerndonSr. Associate Software Engineer1904labs

Mary Jo Liberstein, Ph.D.Community VolunteerRetired Clayton School District Assistant Superintendent

Mark Schweiss, CFP, CPA, CFASenior Wealth AdvisorModern Dollar Planning

Debbie Champion SnyderFounding PartnerRynearson Suess Schnurbusch & Champion

Lift For Life Academy1731 S. BroadwaySt. Louis, MO 63104-4050(314) [email protected]

Lift For Life Academy is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Charter sponsored by Southeast Missouri State University

The Academy News Magazine, 2019 – No.6 is produced by the Development Department of Lift For Life Academy. Contributors: Marshall Cohen, Janet Frain, Susan Kelter, Andrew Herndon.


FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tami Fernandez, President Todd Taylor, Vice PresidentScott Dolan, SecretaryKristin Thompson Poelker, Treasurer

Marshall CohenMarylen MannDr. Katrice NobleCarol Staenberg


Our Donors July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019

Our donors are critical to our success and we are grateful for every gift we receive. If we have made an error, please contact Susan Kelter at 314.761.7371.

$100,000+Bayer FundDana Brown Charitable TrustDennis & Judy Jones Family FoundationThe RV Fund of the St Louis Community FoundationWilliam and Mary Louise Wischmeyer Philanthropic Fund

$50,000+AnonymousEmersonInterco Charitable TrustMichael and Carol StaenbergThe Isaac Young Family

$25,000+Lee H. Cruse Charitable TrustMark and Jane HarringtonStaffing SolutionsThe Ritz Carlton, St. LouisWells Fargo Advisors, LLC

$10,000+AnonymousAnonymousAnonymousBenevity Community Impact FundDaniel and Dolores BoehmerChod Family FoundationExpress Scripts FoundationKen and Sally GoldmanGuth Foundation Charitable TrustFlorence Heiman Charitable FoundationInnovative Technology Education FundNancy KalishmanKuhn FoundationBonnie K. MannNestlé PurinaHermann T. and Phenie R. Pott FoundationRotonda FoundationSaigh FoundationSchneider Industries, Inc.Mildred, Herbert and Julian Simon FoundationAl and Nancy SiwakSanford and Gloria Spitzer & FamilyFrank Trulaske Family Foundation Herbert A. and Adrian W. Woods Foundation

$5,000+Ahrens Contracting, Inc.AnonymousAnonymous Henry J. Bangert and Joan LovelaceWilliam S. Barnickel FoundationMaxine Clark and Bob FoxSharon Colona and Scott WibbenmeyerDennis Cope

Frank and Kathleen Danzo Jennifer and Jonathan DeutschScott and Carolyn DolanDuke ManufacturingEdward Jones Corp.Enterprise Bank and TrustJim and Kendra EpsteinTami and Jim FernandezAlyson and Gregg GarlandGateway to InnovationMr. and Mrs. Paul H. HatfieldRobert and Diana JacksonKaren and Craig LundgrenRobert and Christina MannMaritzMercedes Benz of St. LouisMark and Carol MestemacherSusan and Gordon PhilpottBeth and Don RobertsPeter and Stacey SmithTimothy Stern & Julie SternThe Steward Family FoundationTracy Family FoundationVatterott FoundationRochelle Weiss and Stephen LoebWorld Wide Technology FoundationMark Wrighton and Risa ZwerlingGary and Diane Zenk

$2500+AnonymousDavid and Martha AronsonJillian ButlerDebbie Champion Snyder and Jeff SnyderGoldstein Family FoundationJan and Rand GoldsteinMr. and Mrs. Michael HerringHochschild, Bloom & Co LLPTed and Judith IsaacsCarol and Eric KyserKen and Pam LesterMary Jo and Jerry LibersteinMajor BrandsMarylen Mann and Frank JacobsDavid and Christine MasonMilford and Nancy PeabodyPershing Charitable TrustEmily and Richard PittsLaura Silverberg and Bob EllisAndy and Mary Ann SrencoMichael StaenbergThe Staenberg GroupMary StraussTegna FoundationSteve Trulaske & Lisa TrulaskeSteve TschudyHenry and Susan WarshawWeissman DancewearSteve and Charlie Wulf

$1,000+1904labsA.S.K. Foundation, A Donor Advised Fund of the U.S. Charitable Gift TrustAnonymousAnonymousAnonymousAnonymousAnonymousBrad and Anne Bishop Family FundBMO Harris BankSanford and Cynthia BoxermanBrooks Brothers GroupMarshall and Mary Carter

Central Bank of St. LouisKevin CookeDavid and Beth DeutschJeremy and Marni DeutschJohn and Yvette DubinskyDr. and Mrs. Gerald EarlyESCO Technologies FoundationDavid C. and Betty* FarrellRita FreedCheri and Ronald FrommGallop Family FoundationGershman Charitable TrustRonald and Jan GreenbergMr. and Mrs. James HackingBeau HerndonAnne and Tom HerrmannHilliker CorporationImpact GroupInventrix Group LLCEssie and Earl KesslerKevin KickhamKiwanis Club Hampton-MidtownAurelia Konrad Charitable FoundationKenneth and Nancy KranzbergJames and Pam KrekelerTim and Kelli Lovejoy-DaileyAnn S. LuxKen and Tory MallinPatrick McKayLisa MecheleRenee and Bruce MichelsonAndy and Jessica MillnerMarian NunnErnest and Susan PlanckJay and Lisa Ring Charitable FundNancy T. RussellJulie and Will SchmidtScholarship AmericaMary and Steve SchoolmanSusan and David ShermanSidener FoundationPaul SimonsGreg and Stacy SiwakSt. Louis BluesSt. Louis RealtySt. Louis Rotary Club 11TarltonTodd and Sarah TaylorTHRIVE-St. Louis Solomon Thurman and Pat Smith-ThurmanTriversTRUE FitnessTeresia and Richard UrschSean and Carol WalshDrs. Patrick White and Elizabeth BlaneyLinda and Steve WielanskyMr. and Mrs. Christopher WillsCynthia Woolsey Kathleen and Kerry YoungermanZumwalt Corporation

$500+Robert and Maureen AhrensRob and Cathy AltholzBallwin Tire and Auto CenterDianne BennettBig Bend Auto CenterDiana Bourisaw and Russell SmithTim BrennanRachel BrightfieldBudget BillboardsPhillip and Gretchen CaseySuzanne Charak and Norb HoltEmily Coen

Genevieve CortinovisSteven and Andrea DentJulie DerbyNancy Van DillenKim and Timothy EberleinAlex ElzeinFabick CATFox Family FoundationTed and Kristi GallupGess Donor Fund - Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston, Inc.Judy Glik and Harvard MuhmPaula GrahlherrJudy GrandStuart and Elaine GreenbaumDr. and Mrs. Jacques HerzogNicole Van HookIndustrial Soap CompanyHelane and Warner IsaacsJMB AssociatesJen KaslowMs. Diane KruszynskiLafayette Square Restoration CommitteeThe Lawrence GroupCharles and Rosalyn LowenhauptBill and Carolyn McClureHarold and Shirley MosingerNetwork For GoodDr. Katrice and Sean NobleAaron and Nancy NovackAbbie and Dylan OranTracey OunanianEmily OwensAlison and James OwensDr. and Mrs. William PeckJill and David PeckinpaughDavid and Marie PlufkaDanielle PriceEmily Rauh PulitzerWendy RichardsonDrs. Lisa Ring and Gregory StorchSally RosenthalRotary Club of Clayton-LadueMr. and Mrs. John RouseMartha and Robert ScharffJacob SchwartzJudith ShawDiane Seeger SimpsonSharon StockmanMary Pat SullivanChanda SumrallHarriet Switzer and David CroninMr. and Mrs. Peter SwitzerPam and Gregory TrappMartha ValentaJo Anne WarrenWebster UniversityPaul WeissWepayPat Whitaker and Dick MilesElson Williams, Jr.Linda Yatkeman

$250+Ellen AbramsonCheryl Adelstein and Daniel DavisonLucinda Althauser and Joseph KrutzschAnonymousAnonymousJane ArnoldChristine AlsopRonald and Margaret AylwardDebbie BaleyPatty BjurstromBKM Bootcamp


Liz BuchmanCiterman Consulting & Associates, LLCJune CohenMarshall Cohen and Carla Scissors-CohenRose Colona BirdComfort ArchitectureCommunity School Thomas and Brooklynn DevittKate and Mike DunskyEnterprise Consulting GroupEssman Family Charitable FoundationGrace Evans Sam and Alison FoxmanDon and Ann FrankeDebbie Hajec GinsborgPaul and Susan GoldbergRebecca and Robert GoldbergSheila GurleyMichael and Roberta GutweinRobert and Michelle HeyderRobert and Marianne KarshMarcia KerzKissell Law GroupBarbara KohmHelen KornblumStanley and Susan KottlerLindenwood UniversityLeo and Laura MacDonaldRodney MaloneAlison MarkensonMelanie MarksPhyllis and George MarkusMariah MontgomeryRichard and Cynthia MuthMs. Ellen NeedlesSally OwensRochelle PopkinCynthia A. ProstMr. & Mrs. Brian PultmanDr. and Mrs. Steve RadinskyChristine RamatowskiSarah RedelMark ReedKen and Judy RosenthalMark RubinJim and Jane RubinAnn Marie RuhlinBernard SalkySusan SauerMark Schwartz & Lisa Kay SchwartzDonald and Pamela SentiKristen SorthEllen and Gary SouleDr. and Mrs. Stuart SpragueCheryl SteinStoryTrackAlan and Caryl SunshineRobert Sweney and Maria D’Agrosa SweneyTacony CorporationArnold and Dotty TepperGenie and George ThomaJennifer TomlinsonMadge Treeger & Thomas TreegerChad and Katie TuttleRoxi Whetstone

$100+Joseph and Brenda AckermanJermanda AdamsAmazonSmile FoundationAncient Order of HiberniansAnonymousAnonymous

AnonymousPatricia ArnoldTammy ArnowMeredith ArnsDarien and Stephen ArnsteinBeverly and Phil BarronDebbie BarstowSharon L. BatemanKara BeardsleyLinda BearmanSabrina BecktonDavid and Cynthia BenavidesMr. and Mrs. Philip BergerJoan BerkmanPamela BlandSusan BlockGregory and Stephanie BogueGeorge BollozosAlan and Carol BornsteinJohn and Glenna BreenRobert and Edith BrownSelina BrownTimothy and Jane BruinsSusan BurkBurr Family FoundationRuth ByersCafe PiazzaElissa CahnCathy and Bob CarneyKev CattrellCentury LinkAmanda Cernich Neil ChaceKaren CoburnCynthia and Darryl CooneyWendy CopeDavid and Jean CowellMeg CraneGretchen CurtisRobert and Patricia DenlowTom and Kathleen DewoskinKristin DiFateKevin and Anna DoyleDeb DubinBarbara EagletonJill and Matthew EdwardsJill EichwaldRachel EikmannSara and Fred Epstein Family FoundationDexter Evans & Jenel EvansKathleen FalkDorothy and William FirestoneLois FrankChuck and Karen FriedmanCarol FrohlichsteinFrontenac Engineering GroupLee and Ashley FurnaceMr. David Garland and Dr. Marcie GarlandLaurie Garland and Michael WeismanLaurie GatermanGivableLeah GlassLinda and Benjamin GoldsteinRobert GoldsteinKaren GoodmanKim GoodwinMichal Grace and Walter CarrMr. and Mrs. Harvey GreensteinMs. Shari GrossMichael and Roberta GutweinMatt HanewinkelJudith HarmonHats By Dianne Scott HerbertLilly Christy Busch Hermann Foundation

Nancy HerzogAnne von der HeydtAngela HoangBruce HorwitzHurst Family TrustJackson Supply, IncClay and Lynn JenkinsAmber JohansenAmy JohnsonMs. Tiana JonesDarcella JonesRaizell and Mark KalishmanNeal and Susan KalishmanTaylor KelseyMobin KhanSummer KirganVictoria KoblinerDr. Ira and Barbara KodnerEugene KornblumJane H. KrasnoffJeffrey & Jill KrogenGerre LangtonAnn LazaroffDavid and Janet LeMayRonald LindseyMarilyn LipmanChris LundebergPaul and Leslie LuxHyman MankowitzVirgil and Linda MantleAndrej MarichKatherine MathewsDaniel and Christine MattsonMary McCabePeggy McClellanShayna McClendonJudith and Gerald MedoffJoe and Laura MillerNikki MillsOrianna MoccioKristin MorseCindy MurdochMindy NathanNeiman MarcusSanford NeumanSusan Newman & George NewmanNPO Yourcause Patricia Miller O’DonnellMeg O’HaganMs. Mary OttosonAshby OwensJudy OwensPanera LLCStacey ParkerPaypal Giving FundPerficientAnthony and Sandra PerriconeSunny PervilMichael and DeAnn PomattoDean and Jean PorterMorgan PowersSerena ProctorSuzanne RackersLori RasmussenJim and Kristin RedingtonMarti ReichmanMary RisbergNancy and Al RoseGreg and Adrienne RusbarskyDr. Liz and Matt SamsonCraig SandvigLisa Schlesinger and Charles AllenMs. Amy SchmittThomas and Susan SchneiderRich and Barbara Scissors

Dr. Kenneth Scissors and Mary ThomDonald ScottPeter and Cecilia SeppKyle SmithSteven Goldstein and Laura StaleyStarrcoThe Study GroupLisa SuntrupAlicia Tierney & Michael TierneyKatie TillotsonEvelyn TischlerTrinity Lutheran ChurchTueth, Keeney, Cooper, Mohan & JackstadtDeWitt and Caroline Van Evera FoundationWaldinger Corporation Renee WalshLin WangRichard and Josephine WeilMary and Richard WeinstockEllen and Sanford WeissJames WilmothCarol and Dan WofseyMichael and Patricia WolffSharon ZelmanIvo and Jitka Zvolanek

Other GiftsJennifer AbelAloft Philadelphia DowntownAmerican Society of Concrete ContractorsAnheuser-BuschAnonymousAnonymousAnonymousKristina AnthoneyApple StoreKristen ArnoldAware AdvertisingJesse and Debra BarashMs. Barbara Barenholtz & Mr. Milton HiekenPamela BeckwithJune BiermanKevin and Carol BlinderSuzy BoddonDr. and Mrs. Benjamin Borowsky Catherine and Jay BoulangerBoundaryCindy BrinkleyBrown Smith Wallace LLCThe Buddy FundJennifer Bush and Margaret RobertieCapes SokolCarnival CorporationMs. Dorothy CarpenterMark and Lisa CarrollCenter for Hearing and SpeechCharter MediaTom CheckCintasCircus FloraMs. Allison CohenShirley CohenScott and Julie CohnKim CommackDenise CookAlexis CookCouture Beauty SalonCrossfit GambitThe Cutest Little ShoppeElle DaltonDanne DancyBernard and Ruth DeHovitz


Miriam DennisMr. and Mrs. Adam DentMaria DiazElizabeth Eikmann and Monica DuwelEdele & Mertz HardwareJeffrey EdwardsGail and Charles EisenkramerWilliam ElliotEmbassy Suites by HiltoneScripEvntivExperience on DemandRobert FishboneForrest GalleryFour Muddy PawsFour SeasonsMs. Irene FowleJohn and Janet FrainAbbie and Mark FrankRoxanne FrankMr. and Mrs. Tom FreemanAlan and Maxine FriedmanFrost Electric Supply CompanyMary FuchsCarolyn and Chuck FurfineToni GackaThe Gathering ChurchGeneral Mills Box Tops For EducationDemario GillespieRon GlazerEleanor GlickGlobe Drug StoreMolly GoldsteinRobert and Marilyn GoldwasserMr. and Mrs. Mark GoodmanGrateful PetsGreat LengthsHager CompaniesHall TechnologiesLynn Friedman HamiltonFrank Hamsher and Peggy GuestOla HawatmehAndrew and Stephanie HerndonHilton St. Louis FrontenacJudith Hodge and Henry FrechetteHolston HouseKelly HopsonZipheng “Jude” HuangHyatt RegencyHyatt Regency DallasJohn D. McGurk’sJust Landscape LightingKelly KaighinCasey KalishmanJames and Amy KalishmanSandy KaplanAbby and Jesse KassebaumKDR ShowroomsSusan KelterKidSmartSally KleinDrs. Mark and Claudia KrasnoffJeanne KrissHadassah and Buddy LebmanElaine LendingJackie and Marty LipsitzLlwelynsBuddy and Eleanor LoebnerLooking Glass DesignsBarbara LowenbaumJoe LudewigLux & NYXMadco PrintingMagnolia HotelJulia Mann

Marriott St. Louis Grand HotelCuyler and Nancy McGinleyMexico Road FloristMarilyn and Geoffrey MorrisonMs. Bettye MosleyDr. Julia Muller and Mr. Earl ShreckengastEdwin MunguiaSharon and Mark NaesNeiman MarcusCarol NoellschDiana PadratzikChandra PalmerAnne and Bill PerkinsErika Pflueger Play it ForwardLiz and Chris PoelkerMs. Becky PovichRafael Adón-Elements of LivingBill and Jan RaischGary and Marilyn RatkinRegional EyecareJay ReiterBaily RenfroSue Rich & Jodie RichCarol RighiHoward Sacks and Tanis KnelsenSaks Fifth AvenueAbby SanfordSchlafly BeerTom SchmidtBeverly SchraibmanRobert and Dale SchreiberKristen ScrogginsAudrey ShanfeldMargaret SheaAlvin and Adrienne SherBetsy and Kevin SigmanSteve and Linda SkrainkaBarry Smith Jr.Jacklyn SmithSoft SurroundingsMyrna and Jerry SokolikMark and Nancy SophirSoulard Mardi GrasSt. Louis Fashion FundSt. Vincent DePaul ParishSugarfire Smoke HouseSunRise United Methodist ChurchSweet SeedRichard and Eliot TaoTechnigraphicsTrattoria MarcellaAlisha TruemperAriel TurnerAndrew UlrichUrban Chestnut Brewing CompanyVilla LightingVin de SetLinda VittMarcia and Alan WeberWebster Groves Buy Nothing GroupWells FargoCarmen WiedenhofferMr. and Mrs. Bob WolffMr. Ken Zheng

*Indicates donor has passed away

Tributes June – September, 2019In Honor of the John Mann Wing AdditionDrs. Lisa Ring and Gregory Storch

In Honor of Rochelle Popkin’s Special BirthdaySid and Frances AxelbaumWilliam ElliotRobert and Maureen GreenbergPhilip and Joan Siwak

In Honor of a Speedy Recovery for Marylen Mann and Frank JacobsRochelle Weiss and Stephen Loeb

In Honor of Sandy Spitzer’s BirthdaySusan Kelter

In Honor of Steven Dent’s BirthdaySusan Kelter

In Honor of Bob Goldwasser’s 80th BirthdayGordon and Terry Bloomberg

In Honor of Gary and Diane Zenk’s AnniversarySuzanne Charak and Norb Holt

In Honor of Marshall CohenPhyllis Goldberg

In Honor of Michael and Carol StaenbergBrad and Anne Bishop

In Honor of Julia Mann’s Bat MitzvahRobert and Christina Mann

In Memory of John MannLinda and Benjamin GoldsteinHelen KornblumJudith and Gerald Medoff

In Memory of Henry and Caroline BangertHenry J. Bangert and Joan LovelaceSharon CorcoranSusan KelterKuhn FoundationDavid and Linda MaechlingMillstone WeberKevin and Martha Toebben

In Memory of Sanford ZimmermanScott Brown and Jane Schapiro-BrownRobert and Emilie BurrPatrick and Sarah CarrollDavid C. FarrellLouis and Ada Lee GlaserBret HeinrichSandy KaplanBarbara KellyLjuba KnezevicJoseph and Carolyn LososMarylen Mann and Frank JacobsRobert and Christina MannVirginia McCannCharles and Dorene McKennaMary MillsapFreeman and Sherry PutneyMark and Mary Ryan Cathy Steele

In Memory of Laura Lee ScissorsBernard and Ruth DeHovitz

In Memory of Robert Lewis EberhartDoretha L. Norman

In Memory of Bonny LanderMs. Allison Cohen

In Memory of Nannette HoltzmanMs. Barbara Barenholtz & Mr. Milton Hieken

In Memory of Mel BloomMrs. Marilyn Young

In Memory of Homer ButlerDebbie Champion Snyder and Jeff Snyder

In Memory of Dr. Jerome LevyDebbie Champion Snyder and Jeff Snyder

In Memory of Rick GwydirDebbie Champion Snyder and Jeff Snyder

In Memory of Ann RynearsonDebbie Champion Snyder and Jeff Snyder

In Memory of Jack MarquitzDebbie Champion Snyder and Jeff Snyder

In Memory of Patricia HoltDebbie Champion Snyder and Jeff Snyder

Lift For Life Academy1731 South BroadwaySt. Louis, Missouri 63104-4050

Phone: 314-231-2337Email: [email protected]

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S PostagePAIDSt. Louis, MOPermit No. 5700

LiftForLifeAcademy.org | Educate. Empower. Uplift.™

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@Lift4LifeAcad

@liftforlifeacademy

Lift For Life Academy | ACADEMY NEWS | 2019 | ANNUAL REPORT

Thanks to our Volunteers! The following volunteers donated their time and expertise from June - September 2019. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Susan Kelter at [email protected] or 314.761.7371.

Frank AlbenesiusRebecca AndersenBrittany AndersonHenry BangertErnie BanksSharon BatemanJeff BenskySusan BlockDenise BogardDiana BourisawSanford BoxermanNathan BruceJack BurkePatty CarnahanChad CarpenterDebbie Champion-SnyderTom CheckBarb & Harvey CitermanSharon ColonaDennis CopeRene CrosswhiteSimone CummingsScott DolanKendra EpsteinTami FernandezKristi GallupAnisha Garodia

Demetrius GibsonDanny GoldblumJan GoldsteinPaula GrahlherrSheila GurleyMatt HarrisMark HarringtonJoe HasenmuellerKate HatfieldBeau HerndonAnn HigbyBruce HorwitzMaria HyrcZoe KaufmanJason KennedyKevin KickhamRen KleinStephen KomorekMissy Korenblat-HaninSophie KronickCourtney LasserreMatthew LaydenAlli LevitasSteve LewisBrian LibermanMary Jo LibersteinMarilyn Lipman

Kelli and Tim Lovejoy DaileyMarylen MannKit MenkePaul MenkerRenee MichelsonRob MillnerLiz Murphy Chaney NoahJeanette OesterlyMarilyn OlschanskyJulie OlivarriRoxann ParkerJulie ParnesMilford PeabodyIan PearsonKatie PearsonJill PeckinpaughCarolyn PetiteSarah PickerillEmily PittsKristin Thompson PoelkerRochelle PopkinRon PresentLauren PuplampuJake RenfroDaniel RodenbergJohn Ross

Eve RudolphCraig SandvigMatt ScaperothLisa SchlesingerJulie SchmidtMark SchweissKathy SehnertIan SessionsMeg SheaShawna SmithCarol StaenbergCaitlin StanleyJulie SternKen SwansonTodd TaylorKristin Thompson PoelkerErica TocksteinJen TomlinsonAlisha TruemperMartha ValentaDavid WelkenerBill WilsonMargaret WintersGina & William WischmeyerRyan WithersEmily Xu

a n n u a l r e p o r t · sixth grade mathematics teacher, abbie oran, is in her sixth year of...

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