An inspiring exhibition honors Scullin School’s legacy, showcasing its educational excellence and community impact.
For VaNetta Clark, restoring the legacy of Scullin School is more than a project—it’s a homecoming, a mission, and a deeply personal tribute to the community that raised her. Growing up in the inner city of St. Louis, Clark once walked the halls of Scullin as a student. Now, decades later, she is breathing new life into its story through an exhibition that not only honors the school’s legacy but redefines what restorative education looks like.
Scullin School, located in the Penrose community of North St. Louis, was once a school of educational excellence. Known for its innovative, student-centered learning, and mission to “Teach Each Child Each Day,” Scullin produced generations of accomplished graduates in the areas of PK-12 education and higher education, community advocacy, journalism, the arts and entrepreneurship. However, in 2003, its doors were abruptly closed. For many, the loss of Scullin was emotional and unresolved.
Two decades later, Clark is changing that narrative. Through her work as a PhD candidate in Educational Policy at Washington University in St. Louis, she has curated An Exceptional Legacy: The Scullin School Artifact Collection (1985–2003)—a powerful exhibition that restores honor to the school, its teachers, and its students. On view from October 11, 2025, to February 1, 2026, at Washington University’s Olin Library, the exhibition highlights the institutions impact on student achievement and community partnerships with organizations including Mathew’s Dickey Boys and Girls Club, Annie Malone, NASA, Missouri Botanical Gardens, the McDonnell Planetarium – St.Louis Science Center, while showcasing the enduring legacy of Scullin School’s exemplary educational community.
“This is more than an exhibit—it’s a restorative moment,” Clark says. “It’s honoring the legacy of Scullin School and the Penrose community.”
The exhibition features over 80 rare artifacts preserved for more than 20 years, including test scores, letters of recommendation, and photographs captured by one of the original school cameras used before the building’s closure. Among the notable pieces are a White House Proclamation – an extraordinary feat for an inner – city institution, Susan E. Blow induction materials – including the gold bell; news footage from ABC World News; and an autographed book, all underscoring Scullin’s national recognition for educational excellence.
For Clark, this exhibition also serves as the foundation of her doctoral dissertation, offering a model that can be replicated in schools across the nation. Her 13-and-a-half-month research journey not only documents Scullin’s history but showcases how exemplary education can emerge from communities often overlooked. Three of the teachers featured in her study still reside in St. Louis, adding authenticity and depth to the narrative.
Clark’s connection to Scullin runs deep.“Whether in a classroom in a school or in a classroom inside a prison for youth, the commitment to student achievement remained the same. In every classroom I gave my best because the teachers at Scullin gave their best–everyday. I am proof that high-quality education is crucial for student outcomes in the moment – and long-term.”
Clark’s vision to preserve the voices and memories of Scullin School’s unique story is paramount to her research initiative for advancing high-quality education. “When we examine someone’s lived experiences through their own narratives, we are provided a window seat to explore those experiences and how they impacted their lives.” Clark will share her community initiative on November 8, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the University City Public Library (6701 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO 63130). If you’ve preserved Scullin School materials or have a school experience to share, you are encouraged to attend. Attendees will also have an opportunity to view Scullin School’s photo books which capture experiences such as the Kindergarten Prom and multiple blue ribbon awards from the Monsanto Science Fair.
Through this groundbreaking work— a first of its kind—VaNetta Clark is not only honoring Scullin’s past but ensuring its story continues to inspire future generations. Her exhibition stands as a reminder that even when institutions fade, their legacies can still shine—illuminating the power of community, creativity, and education that transcends time.
#ScullinLegacy #EducationMatters #CommunityImpact
