Copyright stltoday

Colleen Schrappen | Post-Dispatch
ST. LOUIS — At the bottom of a staircase at Sumner High School is a mural that was completed almost two years ago. Painted in block letters, the words pop off the tile wall: motivation, dedication, hard work. A multicolor arrow points up the steps.
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Serenity Terry, center, a sophomore in the Sumner High School Pathways Dance Program, leads members in a rehearsal on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in front of the school. They were preparing for a parade to kick off the Sumner Alumni Association’s homecoming tailgate. With Serenity are, left to right, senior Kaya Jones, junior India Johnson, senior Ra’Niya Gibbs and sophomore Nevaeh Rhodes.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
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Julia Allen, Sumner High School Class of 1967, poses with her collection of school yearbooks from that era on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at her home in The Ville neighborhood.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
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Sheila Steed, Sumner High School Class of 1968, points out her senior yearbook photo on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at her home in the Ville neighborhood.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
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