Buerkle's STUCO won the position of 2nd VP at the Missouri STUCO meeting. To be demonstrate their leadership, the students had to showcased their organizational and motivational skills.  They put on a skit (that they created) for about 1000 people (mostly high school students), created - vote for Buerkle handouts, made posters, and convinced people that we are willing and capable of leading the way. Our students presented a workshop that informed other schools about two different STUCO lead programs at Buerkle: our Sr. Prom and the Blowout. During the remainder of the day, our students attended workshops and listened to a guest speaker. They were busy all day! Buerkle's STUCO did great!

When the students learned that one of our school’s teachers, Tim Brennan, had been diagnosed with throat cancer, their outpouring of support was tremendous. In addition to individual donations, the students in the school’s National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) donated all of the proceeds from their annual talent show towards Brennan’s medical expenses. So far, the school has collected $3,445 on Brennan’s behalf.

“We always use the proceeds from our talent show to benefit our school,” said MBMS social studies teacher and NJHS advisor Lynn Ruder. “But this year when we heard Mr. Brennan was sick, it was a no-brainer.”

The generosity of students, parents and community members has led to the sizable donation for Brennan, who taught at Hagemann Elementary prior to joining the staff at MBMS. This support has impressed staff members at MBMS, including Ruder, who helped the NJHS host its ninth annual talent show.

“We raised more money this year than we usually do because our kids are so wonderful,” Ruder said. “And the donations continue to come in.”

Individuals who are interested in helping to defray the cost of Brennan’s medical expenses can send their donations to Margaret Buerkle Middle School, 623 Buckley Road, St. Louis, MO 63125. Checks can be made payable to Tim Brennan.

The Margaret Buerkle Middle School Student Council knows how to throw a party. On Friday, April 9, the school hosted its annual Senior Citizen Prom themed “Happily Ever After, A Fairy Tale.” The community members who attended, including a large group of residents from Swiss Chalet, had an enjoyable time dancing and eating food and drinks prepared by the Student Council members.

“The evening was just nice,” said Student Council co-sponsor Susan Weedman. “Everyone danced together and really enjoyed themselves.”

The Student Council members who attended the Senior Citizen Prom also had fun and appreciated having the opportunity to get to know local residents during this event, which was offered as a benefit to the Mehlville School District’s community members.

“This was my favorite prom. I had a great time, and I think the senior citizens did too,” said seventh grader Jake Johnson. According to his classmate, Anna Strzembosz, “I loved the senior prom. It was so much fun, and everybody looked great. The seniors were so nice. I hope I can go again next year.”