It is impossible to quantify or offer enough thanks to the countless number of organizations and individuals who invest in our students. I hesitated to use the word countless, actually fearing that by doing so I might minimize even one of the donations of time, talent or funds so generously offered to us. Perhaps it is the time of year afterall, as the many photos that accompany these words demonstrate, our boosters and community partners have outdone themselves.
As you might expect, the privilege of being Springfield High School’s principal is that the position gets me invited to a lot of events and activities during the school year. I’ve written about a lot of these in prior messages. If you will indulge me this week, there are a few more that demand putting pen to paper. Let me start with the senior scholarship assembly held on May 3. It was at this wonderful morning gathering that our 261 soon to be grads cheered for one another as awards and more than $75,000 in local scholarships were awarded. That’s one of the highest totals we’ve had for a while and demonstrates the commitment of organizations like the Alumni Organization/ Springfield Schools Foundation, Springfield Township Fire Department and Chamber of Commerce; individual and groups of alumni, school organizations like the unions that represent our teaching/non-teaching staff, former teachers … darn it–I just don’t have space to list everyone so I will simply offer a huge “THANK YOU” to each and all for continuing to show our students that their community is proud of them.
Next, I’d like to recap the event coordinated by our academic boosters, with support from a lot of friends. These wonderful volunteers resumed their annual academic honors dinner for grades 10 through 12 scholars achieving a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5. It was held in the Malawi Conference Center at the Toledo Zoo on Sunday, May 7, and in addition to enjoying the great food and friendships, the more than 325 guests partook of the zoo’s carousel, train and even fed a few hungry giraffes. It was fun to watch these emerging adults take a little time to enjoy this local treasure–a place that many had not been to since the early days of their school careers. I wish each of the donors who made the evening possible could know how unique and memorable it was. Even the great photos we caught struggle to do it justice.
Last, but not least, this week is a bit of a smash-up reflection of two very different yet surprisingly similar events. The Educational Services Center of Lake Erie West’s annual “I Make a Difference” breakfast and the JROTC’s annual senior formation. Both took place on May 12–one held at the Toledo Club and the other in our field house. Principals like myself have written about the ESC’s event every year and we’ve all shared similar thoughts–that listening to the top two scholars from most area high schools discuss the impact of their chosen teachers evokes a lot of emotion. We laugh, our eyes leak a little and we are all reminded that teachers/mentors connect with kids in ways that can’t be scored on standardized tests. Perrysburg’s superintendent made a comment that day that resonated– he mentioned that few will remember who their doctor or dentist was when they were 10-years old, but we all remember our teachers. As our Valedictorian Ava Bal and Salutatorian Jewel Horak reflected on the life lessons gained from McKenna Reitz and Travis Pennell, we were filled with immeasurable pride.
In attendance at the JROTC event later that day, I experienced the same pride as cadets reflected on those who have helped them become better versions of themselves. Later in the program, former Springfield teacher and now representative for the Daughters of the American Revolution, Alicia Lipinski, presented an honor to outgoing Battalion Commander Shelby Salatin. Also in attendance was mom Maria Kurz, there to celebrate all the accomplishments of her son, Evan (who it was announced will succeed Shelby as the 2023-24 battalion commander). After Mrs. Lipinski finished, Mrs. Kurz made her way to where she was sitting and asked if she remembered her–folks, Mrs Lipinski (known at that time as Miss Heebink) was young Maria Poggi’s fifth grade teacher. Mrs. Lipinski told us that in that moment, she saw not the “mom,” but the same smile and curls of her 10-year-old student and I immediately thought of Tom Hosler’s comment– his words played out in front of me–we never forget our teachers.
Perhaps it is not just the time of year–I’m thinking it’s these many reminders that the traditions, support, sense of community and pride that exists for Springfield High School continues to rise.
