Thanks to our incredibly generous community, the Second Annual Minds in Bloom Spring Soiree was a huge success! 

The event, held on Saturday, April 5, at Clayton Plaza Hotel, raised more than $212,000 in total, with $121,308 specifically going to our Fund the Future scholarship fund to help make Miriam more affordable for families who need us. 

Mariah, a Miriam freshman who received a scholarship, spoke at the event. “The time I got my first A, I didn’t think that I was gonna get an A because it was a hard test. I knew what I was doing, but I had no faith in myself. I showed my mom and she was like, are you proud of yourself? All the support and things that I had up to taking the test, I wasn’t used to it,” Mariah told the crowd.

“I don’t know what the future holds, but it’s going to be okay. I feel Miriam is the reason for this, and I know it was mainly possible for me to come here because I was awarded the Fund the Future scholarship. Thank you to everyone who donated the time and money for this scholarship. It is so helpful for me.”

Sarah Dull, whose son is in sixth grade at Miriam School, also addressed the guests to share her son’s journey and thank the Miriam community. “Miriam has given Jack a place where he is cared for and accepted exactly as he is. This acceptance and understanding has led to so much growth.”

Minds in Bloom, Miriam’s primary fundraising event, included a live auction and the Fund the Future paddle raise, as well as recognition of key supporters. Dan and Cathy Flynn served as honorary chairs for the night, and Judy Scissors and Stephanie DePlanty led a volunteer committee to ensure the event’s success.

Fannie Landau Award for Volunteerism - Trish Winchell

The Fannie Landau Award for Volunteerism recognizes a special individual or family that demonstrates incredible passion in helping to coordinate fundraising events, and motivating donors and/or other volunteers for fundraising projects for the benefit of Miriam School and Learning Center.

Trish has been an unwavering advocate for Miriam since joining the Board of Directors in 2013. A long-time executive committee member, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s future, serving on governance, DEI, variable tuition, and strategic planning implementation committees. She led the development of Miriam’s 2020-2024 Strategic Plan and, as board president from 2020-2022, helped implement a new leadership model to position Miriam for long-term success.

Trish is senior counsel at Thompson Coburn LLP, where she specializes in employee benefits law. Her commitment to service extends beyond Miriam, as she has also served on the Board of Trustees for Thomas Jefferson School, University City Public Library Board, and the Council of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Clayton.

Legacy of Giving Award - Stanley and Lucy Lopata Charitable Foundation

Miriam recognized the Stanley and Lucy Lopata Charitable Foundation with the Legacy of Giving Award, which honors those whose enduring generosity has shaped Miriam School and Learning Center for generations. 

Lucy and Stanley Lopata were passionate advocates for education as a source of empowerment and dignity for all individuals, including those with learning challenges. Their dedication to Miriam spanned decades - Lucy became a member in 1954 and spent more than 50 years serving in leadership roles, including as president of Miriam Foundation in 1965-1966. She was a relentless fundraiser for the organization, helping to secure vital resources that continue to impact Miriam students today. 

Their legacy of generosity lives on through their foundation, which continues to support Miriam’s mission. The Miriam School and Learning Center building in Webster Groves bears their name - a testament to their belief that every child deserves a chance to thrive.

Shannon Lopata Kastor, granddaughter of Lucy and Stanley Lopata, accepted the award on behalf of their family and foundation.

Lifetime Achievement Award - Carol Walton

The Miriam Lifetime Achievement Award was established to honor those individuals who have made a positive impact on Miriam through their service over the course of 20-plus years. These individuals have demonstrated their commitment to and passion for the mission of Miriam in an ongoing capacity, and will forever be remembered as part of the Miriam legacy.
Carol Walton is a passionate advocate for educational equity and a lifelong champion of students who learn differently.

Carol’s commitment to ensuring that all students have access to the education they deserve started early - at just 6 years old, she protested the unfair treatment of classmates by boycotting school for three days. Inspired by her father’s own experience overcoming dyslexia at a time when learning differences were widely misunderstood, Carol’s passion for education only grew stronger. 

Although she didn’t pursue a formal career in education, Carol dedicated her life to serving students - volunteering in schools, tutoring countless students in math, and advocating for innovative approaches to learning. Her journey with Miriam began at Miriam Switching Post, and she later served on the Board of Directors from 2017-2021, helping drive critical initiatives that expanded student opportunities.

She played a pivotal role in encouraging donors to establish Named Endowment Scholarship Funds, ensuring more families could access Miriam’s life-changing programs. Inspired by her father’s success in accounting and design - despite his dyslexia - Carol understands that achievement looks different for every child, and she has made it her mission to help each student discover their own strengths.