The Darren Valeriote Family Foundation Helps UCHS Students Attending Mizzou

Family and friends of the late Darren Valeriote have recently established “Darren’s Lions2Tigers Foundation, Inc.” in support of University City High School (UCHS) graduates headed to the University of Missouri - Columbia (Mizzou) in Fall 2018. The Foundation will host its first fundraiser, a golf tournament, at Pevely Farms Golf Club in Eureka (400 Lewis Road, 63025) on July 31 (see details below).

Chris Valeriote, UCHS class of 1984, says the scholarship program is a fitting tribute to his brother. “This is our way of honoring Darren who was a U City graduate; attending from kindergarten at Flynn Park, then Brittany Woods and graduating from the High School in 1988.”

He added, “Darren was always so proud that he was a U City grad. He developed a lot of friendships during his time at U City that lasted his entire life.” In fact, Valeriote says Darren was part of a group of UCHS classmates that went on to study at Mizzou. “Decades later, they are still friends. It seemed like a natural transition to include Mizzou as well,” said Valeriote.

“College is expensive these days and every little bit helps,” Valeriote says. “I have one daughter in college and another who will start in two years. I thought it would be nice to provide some financial assistance to students who are following in Darren’s footsteps.”

Darren Valeriote graduated from Mizzou in 1993 with a psychology degree and went on to establish a successful home healthcare business, Senior Services, which provides hourly or live-in help for seniors who wish to stay in their homes. Tragically, Darren (45 years of age) passed away suddenly on February 1, 2016 after being diagnosed with Mesothelioma a few weeks earlier. He is survived by his wife of more than 20 years, Stacey, and sons Steven, a Eureka High School 2017 graduate who will be attending Mizzou in the fall and Alex a rising sophomore at Eureka High School.

Students will be considered for the scholarship based upon a combination of academic excellence, community/volunteer service and an essay. The Foundation will host a golf tournament at Pevely Farms Golf Club in Eureka (400 Lewis Road, 63025) on July 31, 8 a.m. shotgun start. The entry form for the golf tournament is available on line at www.ucityschools.org/L2TGolf2017. The cost is $125 per golfer and the deadline to enter is July 15. To participate, sponsor a hole or to learn more about Darren’s Lions2Tigers Foundation, please contact Chris Valeriote at 314-341-2710 or cvaleriote@msn.com.

For information on the scholarship, please contact Lori Willis, director of development for the University City Education Foundation at (314) 290-4037.