Sancta Maria in Ripa, located in the community of Lemay and part of St. Louis County, has been a home to School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) since 1895. From this long-time address, the sisters have been beloved and engaged neighbors, serving as educators in the schools, administrators in the local parishes, volunteers across the community and welcoming friends.

While SSND are found in multiple states and countries across the globe, the Affton-Lemay Chamber of Commerce sought a way to recognize and celebrate the special and deep-rooted relationship St. Louis-based SSND have with the area. This year, for the first time, the chamber bestowed The Legacy Award as part of their Annual Awards & Dinner Auction Gala, and SSND were the first recipients.

According to the Affton-Lemay Chamber of Commerce, The Legacy Award seeks to recognize local organizations that:

• Have operated in the Affton-Lemay community for an extended period of time
• Continuously contribute to the economic vitality and character of our community
• Maintain a tradition of excellence, integrity and community involvement
• Serve as anchors, role models, and long-standing partners in supporting local growth

A nomination for School Sisters of Notre Dame read in part, “While you could easily single out the individual efforts of many in the SSND community for their work in Affton and Lemay, it is the sum of years of devoted service, educating the youth in our area and beyond that makes SSND one united front spreading hope, shepherding guidance and ministering to many through years of devotion, prayer and fortitude. They are the quiet guardians through years of selflessness who answer the call when the need arises.”

“As a School Sister of Notre Dame, I am honored and grateful for The Legacy Award,” said Sister Nancy Becker. “I am appreciative of the award and the recognition that we have made a difference in the Lemay area for 130 years. As a past member of the former Lemay Chamber of Commerce, I am also grateful for the support and the friendships I experienced.”

As an education congregation, sisters residing at Sancta Maria in Ripa have taught and administered at many grade schools and high schools throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan area. Within the borders of Lemay and Affton specifically, they were impactful and inspiring presences at Seven Holy Founders, St. Andrew, St. Bernadette, St. Dominic Savio, St. George, St. Mark, St. Matthias and St. Timothy and the former Notre Dame College. Throughout the years, sisters were tutors at Notre Dame Tutorial and worked with the youngest students at Notre Dame Pre-School. They remain active at St. Martin of Tours and Notre Dame High School, which is part of the larger Sancta Maria in Ripa campus and is currently amid a significant expansion.

Outside of their roles as educators, SSND have participated in the community in other ways. SSND have been on the boards of local nonprofits, Feed My People and The Housing Partnership, with individual sisters still actively volunteering in the efforts of these groups. SSND was a member of the Lemay Chamber of Commerce and continues with the now-merged Affton-Lemay Chamber of Commerce, where they also hold a board seat. For many years, SSND was responsible for picking up litter along a nearby roadway. They have been a Presenting Sponsor of the commerce’s yearly parade, held in September, since 2023, and will be again in 2026. Even in retirement, they continue to advocate, volunteer, tutor and serve as a source of guidance and comfort to others in and around Affton and Lemay.

Ten sisters were on hand for the Affton-Lemay Chamber of Commerce 33rd Annual Awards & Dinner Auction Gala, held Feb. 28, 2026, at River City Casino & Hotel Event Center. Sister Joan Andert provided a prayer at the event, and Sister Joan DiProspere, a graduate of Notre Dame High School and Provincial Councilor for SSND, accepted The Legacy Award on behalf of SSND.

“I grew up in Lemay and always considered it ‘home.’ My family, my education and a part of my ministry were in Lemay,” said Sister Kathleen Koenen, who attended the gala and is another sister who also graduated from Notre Dame High School. “Over the years, the schools, businesses and first responders created a real community here. The SSND presence has been part of that community through the Chamber and Notre Dame High School and the former Notre Dame College. Education was our first gift to this community, and our care of the land we own.”