On Tuesday, March 11, Springfield High School hosted the eighth grade open house. During this time, parents had a chance to meet the administrators, ask questions and tour the building, but the main draw for the night was really our extra-curriculars. SHS has so many options for students to connect and get involved in an activity. These groups create memories, leadership opportunities and lifelong friendships for so many students. Often when we speak of extracurricular activities, we think about sports, band and drama, but our list goes so much further. This week, I happened to have a conversation with Mr. McDaniel, the leader of our photography and anime clubs. Mc-Daniel shared a few stories from the photography club and I thought I would share some of his highlights. Following is a short on the photography club and a couple of student photos. You might take notice of the photos that have local celebrity Dudley, the SHS resource dog. Dudley made a special appearance to be the model for the day.
The Photography and Photo Arts Club is a new student organization here at SHS that began in the 202324 school year after a student (since graduated) approached the club advisor in April of 2023 about starting up the club. This school year marks its second year in existence and has brought together a dedicated group of students who want to learn and grow their photography skills. So far, the club has spent time in the grove, enjoying the late summer/early fall flowers, took a photo walk during the fall as the colors started to change and then this past February practiced their portraiture skills with a very willing model who only asked that he be paid in treats and head pats. All of the photos shown were taken by students using their own cameras or ones donated by the club’s faculty advisor for student use.
Meetings are every other Monday after school, with plans for visits to various Lucas County Metroparks in the area for spring flowers. All students are welcome to attend the meetings to learn more about photography, editing photos and to receive constructive feedback from their peers.
OMEA Band Results
I wanted to take a few minutes and congratulate the Springfield symphonic band, the concert band, Mr. Pennell, Mrs. Hoskins and all the parents who help support our great Blue Devil band.
On Friday night, I had the privilege, once again, to attend the sight reading. I really wish I could share that experience, because the way our students handle it is so impressive. Students are given a piece of music and four minutes to look over the piece and then play. Our band members work so hard, and in that moment, as the judge is counting down on their time to prepare, it is so impressive to see their skills come together. Section leaders supporting their members, upperclassmen supporting underclassmen and the ultimate, a friend sharing that calming smile building confidence. Hearing that authentic feedback from the judge and being placed in that authentic moment to show your skills is rarely repeated in other activities. I am always amazed how Pennell has the kids prepared and ready and I am always amazed how the kids have the amazing tenacity in that moment to prove their skills.
Congratulations to the symphonic band for finishing with a top score of “1 Superior rating.” It was so well deserved.
