As you read this story today, a Yahrzeit candle will be lit in memory of Charlie Jeffers Glik, honoring his life and legacy. Sixteen-year-old Charlie died early in the morning on July 17, 2006, before his sophomore year at Ladue Horton Watkins High School on Price Road in a single-person car accident after dropping a friend off at home that he had promised a ride. His tragic death not only led to the creation of a scholarship in his name but also inspired his father, Robert Glik, to become a substitute teacher to help young students like his son.
“I have always enjoyed the energy of being around students of all ages. I used to help at times with my son’s second-grade teachers, Leigh Palmer and Bethany Bogosian, at Forsyth School, 24 years ago,” said Glik, a member of Congregation Shaare Emeth.
After Charlie’s passing, a group of longtime friends of Robert Glik created a scholarship in Charlie’s name.
“Henry Elbert came up with the idea for the scholarships right after my son’s passing in 2006,” said Robert Glik. “The award was a way to honor Charlie’s memory and support young students in their educational journeys.”
Over the last 15 years, the Charlie Glik Scholarship has been awarded annually to a deserving student at a north St. Louis Catholic middle school. This year, the scholarship expanded to include an additional award at an East St. Louis Catholic middle school, broadening its impact on the community.
Glik in the classroom
Robert Glik’s journey into substitute teaching was profoundly influenced by two key experiences and the people involved in them.
Seven years ago, while considering substitute teaching, Glik sought advice from two longtime family friends, Nancy and Steve Weinreich of Olivette. The Weinreichs, regular substitutes at Old Bonhomme Elementary School, met with Glik to share their experiences.
“Nancy and Steve Weinreich shared how much they enjoyed working with the kids. Nancy would bring school supplies and clothes for students in need, driven by a genuine love for helping others, especially after losing their son at an early age. Their dedication truly inspired me,” Glik explained.
In addition to the Weinreichs, another significant influence on Glik was Robert Rubin.
“Robert Rubin was a neighbor and a substitute teacher at Ladue Middle School, where he faced the challenges of handling unruly middle schoolers. My son Charlie often came home and told me how he would stand up for Mr. Rubin, urging his classmates to respect him. After Charlie’s death, Mr. Rubin was so moved by Charlie’s support that he donated to the scholarship in Charlie’s name every month for nearly 13 years, without seeking any recognition. His dedication and generosity profoundly influenced my decision to become more involved in education,” Glik shared.
Glik continues to work as a substitute teacher for Ladue Schools, Gateway Science Academy, and Grand Performing Arts Academy in the city of St. Louis.
The 2024 Charlie Glik Scholarship
The Charlie Glik Scholarship continues to celebrate student success and inspire future generations, ensuring that Charlie’s legacy lives on in the achievements of young scholars.
“Nancy Weinreich introduced me to Carol Lasker and the Vaterott Foundation, which provides assistance to people in need across all racial lines, albeit through Catholic institutions,” said Glik. “This diversity appealed to me, especially after seeing the need firsthand during my many years involved with United Way in the Metro East as president and head of allocations.”
For 15 years, the Charlie Glik Scholarship has awarded $1,000 to one outstanding student from the three eighth-grade classes. The selection criteria include,an essay titled, “How I Will Give Back to My Community After College Graduation.”
This year, two Charlie Glik Scholarships were awarded to Ashanti Wilson, a student at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School, and Dayancy Rodas from St. Cecilia School, both part of the Access Academy group.
