Celebrate Mardi Gras!

Laissez les bons temps rouler! Donned in masks and feathers, The Wilson School families and friends gathered on February 25 to celebrate Mardi Gras during the 34th Annual Thistle Auction.

Parent chairs Heather Akred and Susy Stark planned plenty of New Orleans-themed fun throughout the night. After bidding on 200 silent auction items, guests joined in a second line parade led by St. Louis Big Band. After feasting on a New Orleans specials, including bourbon chicken and red beans and rice, the Wilson School class of 2017 performed. Adorned in beads and boas, the sixth graders hip hopped to Zydeco music.

During the live auction, emceed by Wilson parent Ray Hartmann, attendees bid on a shopping spree at Frontenac Plaza, a Neil Diamond concert package, a St. Louis Blues suite and more. 

The head of the Alumni Leadership Committee, Steve Shepley, presented two alumni with achievement awards. Amber Draper, class of 2007, received the Young Alumni Award and Katie Vagnino, class of 1993, received the Distinguished Alumni Award. 

Wilson parent Andrew Ruben led a celebration of the Excellence Program's 10th anniversary. He hoped to raise $10,000 for the program, which the community rapidly reached and even surpassed. With over $16,000 raised during the auction, the total funds for this year's Excellence Program reached $100,000.

Thank you to all those who helped make the night one to remember! Says Susy, "The auction was so successful because of the amazing Wilson community members who worked together to make it happen."

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