Forever Rockwood: Feb. 26, 2026

"Forever Rockwood" is a series in which the Rockwood School District features alumni from Eureka, Lafayette, Marquette and Rockwood Summit high schools who make a positive impact in their communities.

Read some of their stories below. If you have a "Forever Rockwood" candidate in mind, please send information about them to commdept@rsdmo.org.

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Aden Black (Lafayette Class of 2020), singer/songwriter/musician

Aden Black pursued many creative outlets during her time in Rockwood schools, playing music locally, performing at Lafayette High events and participating in an internship at a recording studio through Rockwood Partners in Education. 

She graduated from the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music in 2024 and is in the midst of launching her music career in Los Angeles. The former Babler Elementary, Rockwood Valley Middle and Lafayette student has her first album coming out March 11, and she has also entered one of her songs in this year's National Public Radio (NPR) "Tiny Desk Contest."

A panel of judges is in the process of evaluating submissions, and the winner will play a Tiny Desk concert at NPR in Washington, D.C., be paired with an industry mentor, interviewed on NPR's All Things Considered and go on tour with NPR Music.

You can watch Black perform her original song, "Get Back Up," at this link.

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Tiffany McDonald (Rockwood Summit Class of 2012), first-grade teacher, Bowles Elementary

Tiffany McDonald treasures the memories and lessons she took from her experience in Rockwood schools, as a Vandover Early Childhood Center, Uthoff Valley Elementary, Rockwood South Middle and Rockwood Summit High student.

"Some of my favorite memories were the everyday moments like hanging out with friends, laughing in class and working together on assignments or projects," she said. "I’ll always remember the teachers who made learning fun or took extra time to make sure we understood. School events, activities and being part of the Rockwood community made it feel like more than just a place to go every day. The friendships, lessons, and support I found at Rockwood are things I’ll carry with me forever."

Now a teacher at Bowles Elementary, McDonald values her role in passing on those same kinds of experiences to her students.

"My Rockwood education has meant a lot to me; not just because of what I learned in class but because of the people and experiences that came with it," she said. "Rockwood helped me grow both academically and personally, and it pushed me to challenge myself and try things I might not have otherwise. The teachers genuinely cared about their students and were always willing to help, which made a big difference and motivated me to do my best."

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Angela Steele (Eureka Class of 2000), social studies teacher, Rockwood Summit High

All Angela Steele has to do when she wants to reflect on some of her favorite memories as a Rockwood educator is take a look around her classroom at Rockwood Summit High.

But that doesn't even scratch the surface of all the special moments she has experienced as a Rockwood student, teacher and parent.

"My favorite memories are plastered all over my room: hundreds of pictures of my students, reminding me of why I love my job," she said. "As a student, my favorite memories were made in high school being a part of so many different friend groups and activities. As a mom, my favorite memories are watching my kids thrive in the district that I love."

Steele went to Rockwood schools from kindergarten through graduation, attending Geggie (K-2) and Eureka (3-5) elementary schools, LaSalle Springs Middle and Eureka High. This is also her 22nd year teaching in the district, starting at Rockwood Valley for two years before moving to Rockwood Summit.

She and her husband - also a Eureka graduate - also have three children in Rockwood schools, at Eureka High, LaSalle Springs and Geggie.

"My time in Rockwood has meant far more to me than academics alone — it has truly been my home," Steele said. "Within Rockwood, I received an exceptional education that challenged me to think critically, grow confidently and pursue excellence. More importantly, it has been a community filled with people who have supported me wholeheartedly and shown me genuine care and love. Rockwood has shaped who I am, providing both a strong foundation for my future and a place where I have always felt valued, supported and inspired."