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Letter from the President- Black History Month
February 29, 2016

“Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others.” – Rosa Parks

These words are stenciled on the walls of City Academy along with several other inspiring quotes. So many schools celebrate Rosa Parks and many other influential African-Americans during Black History Month each February. I like to think that City Academy continually celebrates history and the heroes who have inspired us. I spend much time reflecting on the great many people who have shaped our school, as well as my belief that children, regardless of income or race, will overcome barriers with their determination, hard work, and a support system of exceptional educators with bold expectations. This has been City Academy’s mission since opening in 1999 to 42 students.

Two such influential people in my life are Willette Carter and Martin Mathews.

Mrs. Carter was a master teacher who dedicated her life to children as an instructor, reading specialist, writer and poet. She taught for more than thirty years in the St. Louis Public Schools, as a Remedial Reading Specialist. Additionally, Mrs. Carter was the producer of The Reading Is Terrific Show for KSLH radio, a reading instructor for a bridge program – Saturday Academy – at UMSL , and a writer for the Central Midwest Regional Education Laboratory. She was also the Instructional Coordinator for the Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club’s Tutorial and Summer Scholars programs, where I met and worked with her before starting City Academy.

Mrs. Carter’s high expectations and can-do attitude inspired the lives of many people, old and young. Her work at Mathews-Dickey helped spark the idea to start a school where high expectations, academic rigor and scholarship are the norm. In 2004, we established the Willette J. Carter Reading Award to recognize a City Academy student whose “improvement in reading demonstrates academic rigor and scholarship.”

I think about Mrs. Carter often. Although she passed away in 2012, she still inspires me. She still guides me.

Martin Mathews, retired President and CEO of Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club, believes that children, regardless of the circumstances of their birth, are the same everywhere; and it is our job to prepare them for a pathway towards success. Mr. Mathews taught me that we must provide all children with quality education, exceptional teachers, and a variety of comprehensive extracurricular activities. When we do, they will flourish. Mr. Mathews believes in the importance of preparation, opportunity, and possibility. When children are prepared and receive equal opportunities, their possibilities are endless; their futures are bright; and we, as a community, benefit.

City Academy was influenced by people like Martin Mathews and Willette Carter and their incredibly high expectations and vision for children. Their works and deeds will always continue in the lives of each of our City Academy students and graduates. Today, I celebrate them.

Written by President and Co-Founder, Don Danforth