On Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools held its donor appreciation luncheon. This annual event honors individuals who, through their donations to the Foundation, provide for the classroom needs of SPS’ 25,000 students.
During the event, Mercy Health Systems was named the 2019 Corporate Partner of the Year. Mercy has provided over $630,000 in support to SPS since 2008. Mercy’s partnership with SPS in the Health Sciences Academy provides the opportunity for 50 eighth grade students to learn, outside of the traditional school setting, about the healthcare industry.
The Bill and Ann Turner family was named the 2019 Advocate for Education. They have supported the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools since its inception in 1990. Each year the Turner family recognizes five outstanding reading teachers with a monetary gift. They have invested more than $180,000 to support literacy efforts in SPS.
Hickory Hills K-8 principal, Tracy Williams received a donation for his school in honor of the Foundation's outgoing board president, Marc Mayer.
The final individual recognized during the event was Weller third grade student Sylvia Pope. Sylvia donated her life savings of $120 to the Weller playground project.
Superintendent, John Jungmann provided the attendees an update on the Proposition S bond projects.
