Student Standouts and Faculty Feature for February 21

Announcing Our Three Skippy Keefer Nominees

Congratulations to our Skippy Keefer Nominees: Caroline Carr ’20, Barbara Dreyer Rentz-Ribeiro ’20 and Palmer Mihalevich ’20. The Skippy Keefer Award, named in honor of a longtime athletic director at John Burroughs School and one of the founders of the Metro Women’s Athletic Association (MWAA), is given annually to a senior female athlete within the MWAA league who exemplifies the qualities of athletic participation and excellence in sportsmanship. Here’s what we included in their nominations:

Caroline Carr ’20

Caroline is the type of teammate who everybody wants to play with. From Coach Kate Haffenreffer, “Caroline plays with intensity and grace under pressure, and with focus and intention, and she leads her team by example. Caroline is a leader and a student of the game, always striving to make herself and her teammates better. Caroline also shines in the classroom. I have no doubt Caroline will continue to impress at the next level. Every coach hopes to have players like Caroline come through their program, and I am forever grateful to have had her come through mine.” Coach Lynn Mittler adds, ”Caroline is a true competitor who never quits on herself or her team. She always sees a way to make her team and herself better with each practice and each game. She can be found enthusiastically announcing that she “loves this drill” and leading the team cheer prior to each game. Caroline’s belief in the team is contagious and she sets a wonderful example for younger players.”

Barbara Dreyer Rentz-Ribeiro ’20

Barbara has been the type of student-athlete who you hope you have the chance to coach during your career. From Coach Jack Fischer, “Since the moment she joined in ninth grade, she has been a major contributor on and off of the field. She holds herself to a high standard in all aspects of her life and sets an outstanding example for younger girls in our program. Over the past four years, her work ethic, character and commitment to program ideals have been invaluable. The respect she shows to her teammates, opponents and the game is unparalleled and something all athletes should emulate.” Coach Lynn Mittler adds, “As a goalie, Barb lives the definition of selflessness. No other position requires the sacrifice that a goalie, especially a field hockey goalie, requires. From roasting in the heat in all of her equipment to taking blistering shots from teammates and coaches to being the last line of defense, Barb lives the life of the goalie for the benefit of her teammates every day. Her easy-going nature, generosity of spirit and wry sense of  humor make her a perfect teammate, and her quiet leadership will be deeply missed.”

Palmer Mihalevich ’20

Palmer puts the team first. She competes while uplifting her teammates around her. From Coach Jim Lohr, “Palmer has been a great leader in our program since her arrival. She has quietly led by example in practice with her performance and is always there to encourage teammates with kindness and care while earning multiple All-State honors in both track and cross country. Palmer has a certain maturity that transcends sports. She is able to survey team situations and handle them, keeping unity and respect in the forefront when dealing with peers. Palmer has been a great role model, and she will be missed.” Coach Paul Zahller adds, “Palmer has led our teams in conduct and character. She has been an outstanding mentor to all athletes and has exemplified excellence by the way that she carries herself, by the kind words and validation she gives, and by her firm tone to drive discipline and dedication. Almost no one in our program’s history has contributed as much to our team culture as Palmer has in her four years at MICDS. She is special.”

Dancing for a Great Cause

Madeline Bluestone ’21 and Sasha Shanker ’22 recently put on their pointe shoes and danced their hearts out, participating in a charity event called Dance for Food. Together, they performed a ballet dance called Biset Suite at The Grandel Theater in St. Louis.

Another Boys Basketball Triumph

At Thursday’s Boys Basketball game, MICDS triumphed over Principia 68-22. Highlighted players in STL High School Sports include Brandon Mitchell-Day ’22 for scoring 17 points and Dillan Sant ’21 for scoring 12. Next up, the Rams take on Priory Monday at 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball Defeats Burroughs

Last Friday, the Girls Basketball Team defeated John Burroughs 39-37. Check out the brief recap of the game by STL High School Sports highlighting Jessica Brooks ’20 for her 16 points and Ellie Gira ’22 for her rebounds. Way to go, Rams!