Annuziata School in Ladue celebrates 25 years of serving special-needs students

There was a momentary hush when school principal Gerre Book dropped in during a spelling class at Annunziata School. A few seconds later, one student introduced herself and her classmates. Some of the students were playing games on the floor, and none of them were in their seats. But Book, dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans, was not there to scold them.

"Awesome job, Mary!" she told her, before explaining that one year ago, the student would likely have hid behind a desk. "I love hearing about the little milestones they reach," Book later said.