More than 400 people are expected to attend Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School’s gala at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, May 7 at the Ritz-Carlton in Clayton.

The event, themed “Full STEAM Ahead,” will highlight the school’s integration of science, technology, engineering, art and math (S.T.E.A.M) in education and feature the drum troupe Cadence. Ben Nordstrom will emcee the event.

The gala will honor Michael and Carol Staenberg with the Meyer and Marcelle Kranzberg Visionary Award. Betsy Dennis will receive the school’s Community Service Award. 

“Michael, Carol and Betsy set an example of communal responsibility and leadership,” said Cheryl Maayan, Head of School at Mirowitz. “They are role models for our students, and we are thankful that Mirowitz is among their priorities.” 

The Staenberg Family Foundation’s support has provided need-based scholarships for Mirowitz students,  funded improvements to the school’s building and grounds, and helped launch the school’s athletics program.  

“Jewish camping, Israel trips and Jewish Day Schools — all three play an important role in Jewish continuity and what we are trying to accomplish,” says Staenberg. “We are fortunate that St. Louis has a strong community day school to educate the next generation of leaders and philanthropists.”

Dennis and her husband, Joel, chose Mirowitz for their daughters Rebecca and Leigh 15 years ago, but she has remained involved with the school. She recently completed a two-year term as president of the Mirowitz board of directors. In addition to her work for Mirowitz, Dennis serves on the boards of Jewish Federation of St. Louis and the Saul Brodsky Jewish Community Library, and works as a donor-relations manager for the Foundation of Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

The gala also will honor teachers and staff who are celebrating 5, 15 and 20 years at Mirowitz including five-year-employees Lizzie Berkowitz; 15-year-employees Patti Boggs and Rick Schmidt; and 20-year employee Mali Haberer.

Tickets are $150. Visit mirowitz.org/gala to purchase tickets online, or call Margo Newman, 314-576-6177. 

The gala is co-chaired by Susie Knopf and Rick Lerner. The event’s sponsors include Barbara Mirowitz; The Cherrick, Karsh and Rosenthal Families; The Millstone Foundation; The Chod Family Foundation; Gladys K. Crown Foundation, Nancy and Randy Green; Betsy and Joel Dennis; Ellen and Jack Deutsch; Dr. Barbara Green; Staenberg Family Foundation; Marilyn and Marty Levison; Dr. Arlene and Rabbi Jeffrey Stiffman.