November 04, 2026
For 27 years, Interco Charitable Trust has been a steadfast partner in City Academy’s mission, investing in educational opportunities for students since the school’s earliest days.
The relationship dates to 1999, when City Academy was located at Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club, an organization with which Interco already had a strong relationship. Interco Charitable Trust Executive Director Michael Loynd remembers the influence of Mathews-Dickey co-founder Martin Mathews particularly fondly.
“I just can’t say enough about Martin Mathews and just how wonderful a human being he was,” Loynd said. “He was a mentor to a lot of us. Don [Danforth] and myself included.”
From those beginnings, Interco saw both a need for strong schools in St. Louis and the potential for City Academy to make a lasting difference.
“Any effort with some solid backing where you can see the long-term viability and people who are in for the long haul — that’s who we like to back,” Loynd said. “Don was clearly passionate, and it was obvious that was what he wanted to do for his life.”
More than two decades later, Loynd points to City Academy’s thoughtful growth, dedicated teachers, and strong community as reasons the Trust has remained committed.
“When you walk into the school, there’s always a really positive vibe,” he said. “The kids feel welcome. They feel safe. They feel empowered. They’re dreaming big for themselves, and that’s the biggest thing that you could do for them.”
At the 2026 Annual Luncheon, City Academy honored Interco Charitable Trust with the Oliver Langenberg Award. Named for City Academy’s first individual donor, the award recognizes enduring philanthropic commitment to the school and community.
“Mike and Interco are deeply committed to making St. Louis and City Academy a better place for us all,” President and Co-Founder Don Danforth said in presenting the award.
For Loynd, the recognition was meaningful, but not as meaningful as the experience that came with it.
“The greatest thing about the award was going down to City Academy and seeing all the teachers and all the kids and all the supporters. That was my greatest satisfaction of the whole thing,” he said.
For others considering following Interco’s example, Loynd offered a simple endorsement: “I’d just say it’s a great investment in a great team. You’re investing in a long line of graduates and kids in our city who need places like City Academy.”