MAY

CITY ACADEMY received a $1 million gift from the Crawford Taylor Foundation for endowment. The gift supports the school’s efforts to offer an expanded Early Childhood Program. With the help of this grant, plans to expand to a total of 175 students by 2014 are in place. Pictured: D’Niya Ammons, Chantell Johnson and Chontell Johnson of City Academy's new Early Childhood Program.

Story: The final days of Jesus’ life on Earth, covering the eight-day period now known as Holy Week that runs from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday, is dramatized. Included are scenes from the Last Supper, Jesus’ trial for heresy before the Roman ruler Pilate, his crucifixion and death and his resurrection and ascension into heaven.

Stephanie Barton Mitchell & Con Curran Coulter II

If there is anybody who had a more exciting prep career in West County over the last quarter of a century than Bobby Keppel, I would like to meet him. In 1999, Keppel was a star 6-foot-5-inch junior point guard for the De Smet Spartans. In the state championship game, De Smet squared off against the big, bad Vashon Wolverines, who had beaten them badly the year before. Keppel exploded for 19 points in the first half, and De Smet went on to win the state title, 70 to 64. Then in his senior year, Keppel won another state championship—this one was in baseball. Keppel was a flame-throwing righthander who threw 94 on the radar gun and hit homeruns with regularity. When he was on the mound, major league scouts always were behind the plate, all holding up radar guns.

 Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis

Chesterfield Montessori School

In the history of St. Louis basketball players in the NBA, David Lee takes a backseat to very few. Ed Macauley, Bill Bradley and Jo Jo White are the only players from our area who have accomplished more than Lee.

After putting together one of the most dominant seasons ever recorded in Missouri, the defending Class 2 soccer champion Priory Rebels will look much different this fall. Much different.

Jayson Tatum has a target on his back that’s bigger than his size 14 shoes. A soon-to-be freshman at Chaminade, Tatum has a name people recognize and a basketball game few have seen in someone so young.

Through Food Outreach’s nutritional support, 2,000 local low-income residents facing HIV/AIDS and cancer are living happier, healthier lives.

David and Kathleen Broughton of Chesterfield are pleased to announce the engagement of their son, Chris Broughton, to Carolyn Gibbs, daughter of Thomas and Sheila Gibbs of River Forest, Ill.

Drew Hanlen is the most motivated young athlete I have ever covered. In the dead of a cold winter in Webster Groves, while every other student was sleeping, Hanlen was in the gym at 5:15 a.m. He would shoot between 750 and 1,250 jump shots per workout. Then he would shower, go to class, practice with the team and finish with a skills workout.

FRIDAY, MAY 25

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens…and Julie Andrews! The NATIONAL CHILDREN’S CANCER SOCIETY is celebrating its 25th anniversary in a big way: Academy Awardwinning actress and entertainer JULIE ANDREWS will headline the organization’s Chase Park Plaza gala on Sept. 29. The evening’s proceeds will provide direct financial assistance to young cancer patients and their families. For more information, visit children-cancer.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 12

Alex Groesch has fleet feet and nimble fingers. A sprinter for the St. Louis University High track and field team, Groesch is an accomplished cellist. He somehow finds the time to balance his athletic, musical and academic endeavors while performing at a high level in each (he’s carrying a 4.1 grade point average). “I stay up super late,” Groesch, 17, says. “I stay up as late as it takes.”