Who should be crowned SLPL PROM Royalty?
To kick off St. Louis Public Library's next exhibit, "PROM Magazine: Where did you go to high school?," the SLPL is holding its very own PROM event at 7:30 p.m. on March 31 at Central Library!
During the event, SLPL will crown two community members who are making a difference each day with their kindness and actions.
Below are the six members of the SLPL Royal Court nominated by the community. We would like you to help us select two individuals to crown as SLPL Prom Roylaity during SLPL's PROM!
Tickets are still available for SLPL PROM by clicking here!
James Blake
James Blake goes out of his way to help members of his community, specifically older residents at the YMCA. James has dedicated his free time to assisting senior citizens in developing a customized workout that fits their needs and limitations. He’s also known as the tech guru and go-to person for help with computer and smartphone basic and troubleshooting. He also mentors young men in the community, helping them to complete high school and stay on a positive future path.
Loretha Cain
Loretha Cain tutors young people every day, many times at Kingshighway Library. One parent said before her child started working with Loretha, they had given up and were not even trying in school. After attending tutoring with Loretha, the student started earning As and Bs and bloomed into the person their parent always knew they could be. Loretha said she enjoys tutoring and helping her students overcome their challenges, and reach their full potential and hopes that each one will go on to make a difference in someone’s life.
Cyrhonda Hill, Ph.D.
In 2020, Cyrhonda Hill, Ph.D., founded the Academy of Scholars Performing Arts School, a small micro-school in the Baden community. Her mission was to stop the “school to prison” pipeline within the neighborhood and empower young people to take control of their futures. Her students say she’s firm but caring and they know that without her, her dedication, and her fight, they wouldn’t be the young scholars they are today.
Rosetta Jackson
Rosetta Jackson runs the Arthur R Johnson Community Outreach (ARJ), named after her father. The ARJ distributes food, school supplies, Christmas gifts, and more to 400 to 500 local families each year. ARJ has made an impact on hundreds of families in need, from providing food to families going without to hosting baby showers and back-to-school drives to make sure all children in the community have what they need. Community members say Rosetta works tirelessly every day to support the community, gives of her time, and never stops looking out for people. She is married to Stanley Jackson and the couple has 5 children.
Amanda Reynolds
Amanda Reynolds works with Bethel Church to serve those in need. Last winter when shelters were at capacity, she orchestrated a program to take in the unhoused community. She provided cots, clothing, and food. This act of kindness has continued and she works every day to provide for the underserved individuals of St. Louis. She is an advocate for the community and always gives her all. One individual, who she helps continuously, said that she’s an angel and really has saved his life.
Marquise Thomas
Marquise “Quise” Thomas volunteers his free time coaching basketball, mentoring young people and making sure he is a positive influence in the lives of those around him. He’s dedicated his free time to giving back to young people in St. Louis and hopes that he’s making a differents in someone’s life and that they do the same for others.
