GALA ON GRAND

We're thrilled to honor Jake Hummel, a proud 1994 graduate of St. Mary’s High School. Jake has dedicated his life to public service and workforce development. As the President of the Missouri AFL-CIO, he represents hundreds of thousands of union members and their families across Missouri. His career spans from serving in the Missouri Senate and House of Representatives to leading the Democratic Caucus as House Minority Leader from 2012-2016.

Jake’s leadership extends to education, where he played a pivotal role in securing funding for St. Mary’s groundbreaking Pre-Apprenticeship program, now in its second year. This program is revolutionizing secondary education by emphasizing career opportunities in the trades.

As a current member of the St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School Board of Directors, Jake continues to shape the future of our school and community. His dedication to St. Mary’s and the city of St. Louis is unmatched, and we’re proud to celebrate his incredible impact at the Gala on Grand.

It is our great pleasure to honor Marie Kenyon for her unwavering commitment to social justice and advocacy at our Gala on Grand. Marie has been a tireless advocate for those in need, both within the Catholic Church and the broader community. As the Director of the Office of Peace & Justice and founder of the Peace & Justice Commission of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, she has led countless initiatives for immigration reform and human dignity.

From 1987 to 2015, Marie served as the Founder and Managing Attorney of the Catholic Legal Assistance Ministry (CLAM), where she provided vital legal assistance to underserved populations. She continues to serve as Diocesan Director for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and Catholic Relief Services, ensuring support for marginalized communities.

A former Peace Corps volunteer in Niger, Marie has also served on numerous non-profit boards in the St. Louis area, including St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School. Her work reflects her deep commitment to Pope Francis’ vision for social justice, and we are proud to honor her for her extraordinary contributions to both our community and the world.