Ten individuals have been named 2014 Lindbergh Leaders.
This year’s winners were chosen from a pool of 32 outstanding nominees, according to a district news release. Lindbergh Leaders are nominated by fellow community members for their leadership and service at Lindbergh Schools and in the community.
This year’s honorees, along with comments from their nominators, include:
Laura Conti, Lindbergh High School German teacher — “Laura is an outstanding teacher who leads largely by example. She has been a tireless advocate for high-quality professional development in the district. She never complains and gives of herself in a way few others will in their lifetime.”
Craig Hamby, Sappington Elementary School principal — “Craig has steered students and faculty on a highly academic course, the effort of which has been made evident in Sappington’s recent acquisition of the National Blue Ribbon Schools award. He demonstrates the perfect combination of strength, compassion, intelligence and wittiness.”
Cyndi Heutel, Lindbergh Schools Foundation and LHS Alumni Association assistant — “Cyndi is the ‘glue’ that holds together both the Lindbergh Foundation board and the Lindbergh Alumni Association board! She is an unbelievably dedicated, hard worker with a great love for the district.”
Brian McKenna, LHS graduate and host on 590 AM “The Man” — “When Brian found out that Sappington fifth-graders were hosting a ‘Lemonade for Lonnie’ day to benefit a fallen classmate, he arranged for his radio show to broadcast from the school parking lot, secured many prizes and donations, and helped raise enough money to cover funeral expenses for the family.”
Jen Merlo, Concord Elementary School PTG past president — “What stands out about Mrs. Merlo is her willingness to always go above and beyond to support our schools and district. In addition to her work at Concord, she has been part of the district Demographic Task Force and District Growth Committee. She shines as a parent and community member, always seeing what is best for students, supporting it, and advocating for it.”
Irv Mueller, LHS honors coordinator — “Under Irv’s supervision, the number of AP (Advanced Placement) tests taken annually has risen from about 50 to almost 1,000, and the number of students who have completed the International Baccalaureate diploma has also reached record numbers. His guidance over the years has led LHS to be one of the top schools in the nation. Irv is approachable and knowledgeable in his field and always willing to help lead any new initiatives.”
Al B. Moore, Sunset Hills resident — “I want to thank Mr. Moore for his generous 10-acre property donation at the Tapawingo Golf Course. This legacy gift will benefit Lindbergh students for decades to come, and we are grateful for his overwhelming generosity, which could not have come at a better time considering the district’s aggressive student growth. I feel this setting will enable our staff to discover new solutions to the issues we face every day in the classroom.”
Tara Sparks, Truman Middle School principal — “Tara is enthusiastic, capable, positive, warm, energetic and a true leader in every sense of the word. She maintains a positive, focused demeanor in the midst of myriad responsibilities, while performing in an exemplary manner.”
Michael Steeno, Lindbergh Schools Foundation president and former Board of Education member — “Mike has dedicated nearly two decades in his life to support Lindbergh Schools and he has only one agenda: what is best for students. In 1998, he and a small group of parents established the Lindbergh Schools Foundation. Over the years, the foundation has expanded to include the financial management and administration of 24 scholarships and the Spirit of Lindbergh Teacher Grants program.”
Todd Thomas, Dads of Concord founder and organizer — “When Todd attended a ‘Donuts with Dads’ event at Concord, he was struck by how many great guys he saw at school, and wondered how the dads might find a way to become more involved. In less than two years, Dads of Concord has completed numerous projects for the school and its teachers, as well as accomplished the original goal of making fathers a more involved and visible group in the school.”
The 2014 leaders will be honored March 7 at a recognition dinner banquet at Royale Orleans. The event is open to the public and tickets will be available beginning Jan. 20 by visiting
or by calling Judy Dunn at (314) 729-2400, Ext. 4607. Reservations are due Feb. 14.
