The high school experience continues to be a right of passage that fills the phones with memories, the brain with knowledge and starts the path to adulthood. At Springfield High School, we repeatedly talk with students about champions of character and the four pillars, respect, responsibility, integrity and community. The focus of my thoughts today is the last pillar, community. I would like to take a few minutes and thank all of those parents who get involved, but I really want to encourage a few others to take the leap and help in our efforts, whatever they may be.
Have you ever noticed that sometimes a high school kid is less than engaged. Now I say that with love as I also have witnessed the slow teenage walk into school where I know, and they know, those teenage legs could move a little faster. I say this because sometimes the bar is set pretty high to engage a teen in a school event, but each and every year, with the help of parent groups, we seem to excite them.
At SHS, we have four different booster groups of which you could be a part. JROTC, band, athletic, and academic and activity boosters. Each of these parent groups create the “wow” for our teen students and really help create memories.
For example, the JROTC Mil Ball is one of the coolest events driven by the students, but could not happen without the JROTC boosters.
Band boosters are everyday amazing keeping the kids in uniforms and fed as they travel across the state.
Athletic boosters gear our students up, but also provide big ticket items in the weight room and other equipment.
Finally, the Springfield academic and activity boosters are the go-to group for variety. This group is responsible for awards at academic nights, painting the parking lot, meals for teachers, the honors dinner and, finally, the After Prom. The parents and volunteers in these groups really create the memories and finishing touches on so many things we do.
My message, then, is get involved. Be the parent who works behind the scenes helping out or the one leading the committee. Be the volunteer working concessions or running the hospitality room. Be the parent who gets to see the fun all of the kids have at After Prom until the wee hours of the morning.
I encourage you to get involved. And whatever you do, don’t let your teen talk you out of it. Once you’re at an event, you will be surprised how many times your teen will come up to you and share in the fun they are having.
Take a few minutes and search out a group on social media and get involved.
Sportsmanship Conference By Andrew Screptock Five Springfield High School students had the opportunity to attend this year’s Northern Lakes League (NLL) Sportsmanship Conference at Wildwood Metropark, which was facilitated by Leadership Toledo. Joined by student leaders from all 11 member schools, our students spent the day learning, connecting and sharing ideas about how to promote sportsmanship across the league.
One of the highlights was hearing from University of Toledo Women’s Basketball Coach Ginny Boggess, who encouraged students to embrace leadership and maintain a growth mindset in athletics. Her message set the tone for a day filled with activities that helped students build relationships with peers from other schools. Together, they discussed what sportsmanship looks like in action and brainstormed ways to bring those lessons back to their own teams and communities.
The group also helped refine the league’s official definition of sportsmanship, which is shared with all NLL athletes and coaches at the start of each season. Our Springfield representatives came away with fresh ideas and a renewed commitment to making every game a positive experience. We are proud of the leadership they displayed and the spirit they bring back to our school.
