Security leaders, Cantors to be honored for strengthening Jewish education in St. Louis

Published April 8, 2026

Scott Biondo and the Creve Coeur Police Department

Hundreds of supporters of Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School will gather April 26 for “Imagine the Impact,” a gala celebrating the school’s influence on generations of students who carry their knowledge, values and Jewish pride into the world.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. at The Reverie, with a cocktail reception for sponsors preceding the program.

Honoring community leadership

The evening will honor community leaders whose dedication has strengthened and safeguarded the school: Fran and Harvey Cantor, recipients of the Kranzberg Visionary Award; and Scott Biondo and the Creve Coeur Police Department, recipients of the Community Service Award, sponsored by the Marshall and Sara Myers Family.

“Each of our honorees has set an example of communal responsibility and leadership,” said Board President Scott Levine. “Their dedication reflects the kind of impact we encourage our students to strive toward each day.”

For Fran and Harvey Cantor, the honor reflects decades of commitment rooted in a simple idea: integrating Jewish life into everyday learning.

“I loved the idea of making Judaism part of the flow of the day, not something students have to compartmentalize,” Fran said.

When Mirowitz’s legacy school, Solomon Schechter, was founded, she became deeply involved, eventually serving as board president while Harvey simultaneously led Congregation B’nai Amoona. During her tenure, the school implemented plans for the building it occupies today.

Now, the Cantors see that vision realized in both the school community and their own family.

“Generations of children, including our own grandchildren, feel proudly Jewish because of the years they spent here,” Harvey said. “This school produces mensches who are well prepared for success in life.”

Focus on safety

The Community Service Award recognizes the critical role of safety in sustaining that environment.

As the Jewish Federation’s Community Security Director, Scott Biondo has worked closely with Mirowitz since conducting a security audit in 2017. He continues to monitor threats, coordinate with law enforcement and help secure funding for enhanced protections, often serving as a visible and reassuring presence at school events.

“If our visibility provides peace of mind,” Biondo said, “then teachers can teach, students can learn, families can fully participate in Jewish life, and Mirowitz can focus on its mission.”

For nearly a decade, the Creve Coeur Police Department has partnered with the school, maintaining a regular presence on campus, conducting safety trainings and responding quickly to potential threats.

“Keeping students safe is not just part of the job. It is a responsibility we take seriously,” said Chief Jeffrey Hartman.

Head of School Brian Thomas emphasized the importance of that partnership.

“We all feel more secure because of the consistent presence and thoughtful guidance of Scott Biondo and the Creve Coeur Police,” he said.

Recognizing educators

The gala will also recognize faculty and staff celebrating milestone years, including 20-year employee Andrea Newstead and five-year employee Alex Hoffman.

The celebration is underwritten with support from sponsors including Michael Staenberg, The Siteman Garland Philanthropy Fund (Dr. Marcie Garland and David Siteman Garland), Fran and Harvey Cantor, Barbara Mirowitz, Marilyn and Marty Levison, Darien and Stephen Arnstein, Delmar Gardens, Nancy and Col. Stephen Keyser and The Gladys Crown Foundation-Nancy and Randy Green.

Event co-chairs are Galia Movitz, Carol Rubin and Pam Shifter.