STLCC Honors 25 Years of Mentoring the Dream at 2026 MLK Celebration

December 15, 2025

Posted by STLCC in News Resources 

St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley and North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice will host the 25th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Tuesday, Jan. 20.

This in-person event will include inspiring speeches, celebrating excellence in the community with a formal award presentation, and more.

Guests are invited to enjoy light refreshments and students’ art, music and poetry from 5-6 p.m. in the Terry M. Fischer Theatre lobby, located at St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley, 3400 Pershall Road. The program follows from 6-7 p.m.

The keynote speaker for this year’s event is Kimberly Norwood, JD, Washington University Henry H. Oberschelp Professor of Law, who will speak on the celebration’s theme, Mentoring the Dream: Leading with Light and Love.

Norwood’s research focuses on colorism, implicit bias, and the intersection of race, class, and public education in America. She has created and developed a unique high-school to law-school pipeline course (for which she has won several local and national awards) where judges, lawyers, law students, and high school students work closely together for a semester on various educational matters and legal experiences.

This year’s celebration will also recognize two organizations that have worked to make Dr. King’s dream a reality. The Florissant Valley Presbyterian Church will be recognized as a founding partner of this 25-year partnership and tradition with STLCC-FV.

The Hazelwood School District (HSD) is being honored with the 2026 Dr. Rance Thomas Excellence in Community Partnership Award. Hazelwood School District has strengthened its partnership with STLCC, expanding its dual credit/dual enrollment programs to include Central High School’s Friday Academy. The partnership has also seen the growth of the district’s Hazelwood East early college program, which comprises 46 percent of the College’s STEM Academy enrollment.

The late Dr. Rance Thomas, for whom the honor is named, was a beloved community member who made numerous contributions to north St. Louis County. He worked with his organization, North County Churches United for Racial Harmony and Justice, to support the MLK event each year.

“We are deeply honored to receive the Dr. Rance Thomas Excellence in Community Partnership Award. This recognition affirms the hard work of our students, staff, and parents who are committed to expanding opportunities and strengthening our community,” said Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart, HSD superintendent. “Hazelwood School District values our collaboration with STLCC–Florissant Valley, and this award inspires us to continue building pathways that empower our scholars and uplift the community.”

Partnerships with organizations like HSD help STLCC make Dr. King’s message of equality and opportunity possible for youth.

“Our partnership with the Hazelwood School District is the blueprint for successful programs where students can make a positive impact in our communities,” said Jeff L. Pittman, PhD, STLCC chancellor. “Through our combined efforts, we are building connections and programs allowing students to get a first-hand look at what’s possible after high school, opportunities to earn college credit, and experiences that will have a positive impact on their future. We look forward to continuing to partner with HSD and other forward-thinking school districts to bring these important programs and resources to students and communities.”

The contingency date for the celebration, should the College close due to inclement weather, is Thursday, Jan. 29 on the same time schedule.