The St. Louis region is celebrating a milestone that has shaped generations of families. Head Start, the federally funded early childhood education program, is marking its 60th anniversary, and four of the region’s largest providers, alumni and supporters came together this week to honor its legacy and impact.

That impact demonstrates just how imperative quality early childhood education is.

At just 4 years old, Tony Thompson entered St. Louis’ first Head Start class in 1965. Today, he is a respected business leader, serving on the Regional Business Council and chairing its K-12 Education Committee.

Looking back, he credits Head Start with sparking his early love of math, science and building — a foundation that led to an architecture degree from the University of Kansas and a career de

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