December 18, 2025
For the past two summers, City Academy has welcomed two standout interns through the Pershing Fellowship in Nonprofit Leadership. Established in 2023 with the support of Pershing Charitable Trust, the paid summer internship program places undergraduate students from Harris-Stowe State University, Saint Louis University, University of Missouri–St. Louis, and Washington University in St. Louis with nonprofit organizations across the region. This year, 29 organizations participated, including the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, Forest Park Forever, St. Louis Community Foundation, Nine PBS, and YouthBridge Community Foundation. Fellows work at their placement site for 35 hours a week for 10 weeks, with professional development sessions every Wednesday afternoon.
“Our goal is to truly connect organizations with potential future leaders in their field, giving them the opportunity to help mold and inspire those who will make the St. Louis community what it will be in years to come,” said Kelly Weidenmiller, Pershing Fellows Coordinator. Joe Bradley, City Academy’s Director of Marketing and Communications and supervisor of the fellows, added, “Having talented, driven, local college students in our office the past two summers has been a tremendous asset. Each intern brought their own unique perspective and energy to our business, development, and academic teams.”
City Academy’s first Pershing Fellow, Kira Radichel, supported Evelyn Rosario’s junior kindergarten summer school class and assisted with business development projects. “At first, I was nervous, I didn’t know what to expect,” Radichel said. “However, after my first day, I knew this was the right place for me, and it solidified my future dream of being a teacher.”
The fellowship culminates in a storytelling event, hosted by Campfire, a nonprofit that empowers people to become confident public speakers and share their stories. Fellows are asked to share a three- to five-minute story about their internship experience. Radichel shared how helping students navigate their emotions affirmed her path: “I knew that what I wanted to do was truly important. I had already started accomplishing my goals, and that just felt amazing.”
Since then, Radichel has remained actively involved at City Academy — volunteering at Trivia Night, working in Extended Day, and returning to help teach junior kindergarten again this summer. She also collaborated with Head of School Jarrett Young to make City Academy a student teaching site for Harris-Stowe. Radichel plans on completing her student teaching with City Academy during the Spring 2026 semester.
Mason Shaver, this summer’s fellow, shares similar insights about the value of the program. “I have learned so much about City Academy, non-profits, and the educational landscape,” Shaver said. Shaver assisted in Michele Lemèe’s kindergarten classroom, researched data for grant proposals, digitized student records, wrote press releases, and attended a board meeting. Shaver shares that one of his favorite memories from the past summer is the kindergarten class screaming “Mr. Shaver!” in the morning and being so excited to see him. “I will never forget the experiences this summer at City Academy,” Shaver said. “The skills I acquired will carry with me, making me a better future lawyer and advocate.”
At the storytelling event, Shaver shared, “I am glad a place like City Academy exists, students can express themselves authentically and get the best education that they desire. I wish I had a City Academy growing up!” He plans to stay connected by serving as a pen pal, a volunteer at Trivia Night, and visiting during Buddy Morning.
Pershing’s support of City Academy long predates the fellowship. Oliver Langenberg, who established the Pershing Charitable Trust in 1966, was City Academy’s first individual donor. Langenberg remained a steadfast supporter until his passing in 2012. Today, his stepson, Bill Polk, serves as President of the Pershing Charitable Trust. “I have been committed to carrying on Mr. Langenberg’s enthusiastic support of City Academy that began all those years ago,” Polk said.
Pershing continues to support the school’s annual fund. “City Academy helps us support our mission by delivering such an excellent education to so many talented young students who might not have otherwise had the chance to succeed, and who are now making important contributions long after they graduate,” Polk shared.
Reflecting on the relationship, Don Danforth said, “We are thankful for the partnership with Pershing and look forward to continuing to work with them and hosting amazing interns for years to come.”