It is impossible to celebrate the success of the recent Tee It Up for Technology golf tournament without acknowledging the Springfield Schools Foundation (SSF).
SSF recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Newly installed board president Denis Poirer described the foundation. “We enrich the education experience in the school district by bridging the gap to fund projects that otherwise may not be possible through traditional funding sources.”
He noted one of their strengths is that everyone is a volunteer.
“The commitment, energy and capacity for growth is spurred by motivated individuals who want what is best for children and the adults who teach them,” he said.
The desire to host a local Laws of Life essay contest served as the springboard for creation of the foundation. In the early 2000s, Superintendent Cynthia Beekley recognized the need to infuse additional dollars into the district, and the creation of a voluntary, independent foundation was the right opportunity.
“Whether raising awareness for projects, creating new friends for the organization or raising needed funding or all three, an independent, voluntary foundation can provide that, and fall outsides of the school district’s traditional mode of operations. It allows you to think a little further outside the box. I for one believe that SSF has been one of the most creative contributions to the district’s success,” she said.
Originated by Sir John Templeton in 1987, Laws of Life began as a way to encourage young people to write about their thoughts, feelings, and values–their laws of life. The contest quickly spread around the world and Springfield High School has long been the only high school in northern Ohio to provide the opportunity to students.
Students choosing to enter their work did so knowing that the competition is intense, as would be the rewards. SSF secured sponsorship, first from the George Ballas Foundation and later from SSF board and community members, to fund the prizes and a celebratory breakfast for students, teachers and families.
“Even when the national and state components to the were paused, SSF continued to sponsor the contest,” Dr. Beekley said. “Our last celebration was in December 2019. We laughed, cried and were again reminded how Springfield teachers provide an environment in which students feel safe to reveal both their talents and vulnerabilities. This is the kind of education I believe people want to invest in.”
The foundation also is known for the quality and success of its events and activities. One such event was the brainchild of Scott Walsh, SSF treasurer. Ten years ago, he volunteered to organize the Tee It Up for Technology golf tournament.
“In our earliest years, the district simply did not have the financial ability to provide each student with an electronic device. As a board, we wanted this to change,” he said, adding, “We were surprised by the level of participation and dollars raised. That was 10 years ago, and the event just keeps getting bigger.”
This year, Tee It Up for Technology took place July 26. The winning foursome featured Springfield High School alum Steve Decker playing with Scott Stigall, Jeff Gill and Jake Wargacki. The true winners, though, were the almost 4,000 Springfield students who will benefit from the funds raised.
Over the past four years, the tournament has provided the district with more than $150,000. These funds have supported the district’s aggressive technology strategy to place electronic devices in the hands of all students.
Since the golf tournament’s inception a decade ago, there has been very little change from the state to appropriately fund Springfield Schools, Mr. Walsh pointed out. “Funding from the state just hasn’t been there.”
With the foundation’s help, significant progress was made prior to the onset of the pandemic. “I am glad that my colleagues and I found a way to leverage the dollars raised, partnering with the district’s parent and booster organizations to get the job done.”
The foundation welcomes those interested in sharing their talents and treasures, inviting those interested to join the voluntary board.
“I believe that SSF provides everyone with the chance to contribute– whether you have ideas, contacts, or resources,” Mr. Poirer said, adding, “We are grateful for the perspective of Ev Harris and Dr. Beekley who have been with SFF since its start. We are grateful to professionals like Scott Walsh, a product of private school education, who is a vocal advocate for the quality of the education provided by Springfield. SSF grows and thrives because of our efforts to bring together like-minded, caring individuals who want to make a difference for today’s learners and tomorrow’s leaders.”
To learn more about school district or foundation, visit springfield-schools.org and click on a link to the foundation’s website.
