Springfield schools, city partner for student community projects

The Springfield City School District and City of Springfield's Legacy 24 kickoff event was held at Springfield City Hall. Contributed

The Springfield City School District and City of Springfield's Legacy 24 kickoff event was held at Springfield City Hall. Contributed

The Springfield City School District and the City of Springfield have partnered for student-led projects that “empower young people to make real change” in their neighborhoods and community.

Through the initiative called Legacy 24, the two organizations formed Legacy Clubs at six Springfield buildings — Fulton Elementary, Lagonda Elementary, Haywood Middle School, Schaefer Middle School, Springfield High School and the School of Innovation — and they meet on a regular basis.

“These students are Springfield’s future leaders, thinkers and innovators,” said Superintendent Bob Hill. “We are very excited to see their ideas, creativity and problem-solving abilities come to life because of this partnership. This is their opportunity to have their voices heard and directly impact their community.”

Each club is awarded $2,000, through funding provided by The Springfield Foundation and The Crabill Family Foundation, and must create, plan and complete a project in the Springfield community related to beautification, safety or neighborhood improvement.

“The ability to build neighborhood leaders within our schools is a creative way to implement the district’s leadership development strategies as well as building a legacy for our future,” said Springfield Community Development Director Shannon Meadows. “The City of Springfield is growing in ways not seen for generations, and our city is proud to be a part of the development of our community’s leadership into the future. The Legacy Club partnership truly defines the motto, ‘Forward Together’.”

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