Kimberly Berry, who has taught in the Ferguson-Florissant School District for more than a decade, uses running as a tool to teach young girls to build self-esteem and confidence. She will run the Chicago Marathon later this month. (Photo by Wiley Price for The St. Louis American)

Whether she is applying the philosophy to her own quest to run the Chicago Marathon or her students’ efforts to learn and grow, Kimberly Berry believes that “one step at a time” is a motto to live by.

Her infectious energy and positive attitude are just two of the reasons Berry, who earned both a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a master’s in elementary education from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, was honored this past weekend at The St. Louis American Foundation’s 29th annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala.

The gala, which was held Oct. 1 at America’s Center, honored exceptional individuals who have done incredible work within or on behalf of the field of education in St. Louis.

“I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do every day. Most teachers go through their entire career without recognition,” a humble Berry told The St. Louis American’s Tavia Gilchrist, who recently caught up with the kindergarten teacher to discuss her deep commitment to her students – and by extension the community.

Berry, who has taught at Bermuda Elementary in the Ferguson-Florissant School District for the last 15 years, is also the founding coach for the Bermuda chapter of Girls on the Run, which she started in 2013. The national nonprofit organization shares the same positivity-centered approach as the kindergarten teacher.

“It’s not about who is the fastest or finishes first, but that you complete the race,” Berry told Gilchrist.

To read The St. Louis American’s full story on Berry, click here.

Several other UMSL alumni were also honored during the evening, including Stacy Gee Hollins, Deborah Patterson and Gladys Smith.