Every February, in observance of Black History Month, MICDS holds the Bond Lecture, in which a noted African-American comes to campus to speak with students, parents and alumni, as well as spend time in our classrooms. Past participants have included authors, lecturers, and civil rights leaders. The Erik Lyons Bond ’77 lecture is named in honor of the first African-American graduate to complete all eight grades at Saint Louis Country Day School. During his years at CDS, Erik Lyons Bond ’77 distinguished himself in scholastics, athletics and student government. He served as student council president, captain of the varsity football team and was selected by his team as the league’s most valuable player. Erik was named a National Merit Scholar, and he was also an accomplished musician and artist. He died unexpectedly in 1985.
This year’s lecturer was Dr. Maya Warren, who came to campus on Thursday. A native of St. Louis, MO, Dr. Warren is a food scientist, reality television star and world traveler. She completed her Ph.D. in 2015 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she specialized in the microstructure, behavioral and sensorial properties of frozen aerated desserts. She is currently the lead scientist and Tastemaster™ at Cold Stone Creamery where she utilizes her scientific expertise both domestically and internationally. The Face of Cold Stone Creamery, Dr. Warren loves to share her passion for the science of ice cream with the world and inspire kids to follow their dreams! She is a passionate supporter of STEM education for youth and enjoys helping youth discover opportunities in unsuspected places.
Dr. Warren is also known for her participation and success on the Emmy Award-winning reality television series, The Amazing Race. She and her former lab mate became the 3rd female-female team to win The Amazing Race (Season 25) and the $1 million grand prize!
“We had this idea, and we decided to just try,” Warren said about her decision to try out for the show. “We’re scientists, but we’re so much more than meets the eye. We wanted to show people that we are more than what’s just shown on T.V. or the Internet.”
During the lecture, Warren encouraged students to optimize those moments that might be opportunities.
“What’s your one-minute opportunity? Is it sitting with someone new at lunch or trying out for a different sport? You never know where opportunity might lead you. You can take advantage of that one-minute opportunity, and it can change your life.”
She concluded her time with the students with this takeaway:
“Take advantage of time and place. Think big and act bigger. And find opportunities in obscure places.”
During the day, Dr. Warren also visited Christy Moore’s 4th grade science class and Upper School AP Chemistry classes, where she talked about the science of ice cream. Upper Schoolers also got to enjoy a small tasty treat of ice cream at the end of her visit!
Watch an excerpt from her presentation here: