Last year, our District set out to celebrate something that often gets overshadowed by headlines and test scores: the everyday successes that define the Springfield City School District. What started as a simple idea quickly became a favorite tradition, highlighting 100 reasons to be proud of our Wildcat community.
This year, we're back with a new list, but narrowing it down to just 100 was no easy task.
From academic achievements and athletic victories to inspiring acts of kindness, innovative programs, and unforgettable milestones, the 2025–2026 school year was filled with moments that showcased what Our Wildcat Family is all about. Every success, big or small, reflects the dedication of our students, the passion of our staff, and the unwavering support of our families and community and should give every ready numerous reasons to be proud of Springfield.
As another school year comes to a close, we invite you to celebrate alongside us. In no particular order, here are 100 Ways Springfield City School District Succeeded this year.
1. Fulton Elementary’s Junior Lighthouse Team and Lighthouse Ambassadors held a blanket drive for the Springfield Cancer Center. After receiving an abundance of donations (more than 150 blankets), the school was also able to donate items to several churches.
2. Springfield High students were selected to participate in Bottom Line, a free national college guidance program.
3. The Treasurer’s Office was recognized with two different accolades for its financial responsibility: The Auditor of State Award with Distinction and the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association and the Association of School Business Officials International.
4. Hayward Middle School hosted a visit from the Sinclair National UAS Training and Certification Center. Sinclair came equipped with simulators where students could test their skills at flying.
5. Senior student-athletes Caelyn Cave (Most Digs, Volleyball), Mileyana Portis (Most Points, Basketball) and Jada Crockran (Most Steals, Basketball) all broke school records in their respective sports.
6. Elementary artists had their works on full display as part of an official exhibit at the Springfield Museum of Art thanks to the coordination by elementary art teachers.
7. Lagonda Elementary received the ‘Momentum Award’ from the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce. The award recognizes Lagonda’s improvement on the state report card.
8. Springfield High Senior Isabella Narcelles led a social media campaign dedicated to spreading awareness about homelessness and ways to help those in need.
9. Horace Mann Elementary’s student group, ROX (Ruling Our Experience) coordinated a visit from ‘Pete the Therapy Dog’ to give their fellow students a mental break after weeks of state testing.
10. The Wildcat Athletic Club hosted its second annual Trivia Night fundraiser, bringing in thousands of dollars for Springfield athletic teams.
11. Horace Mann Elementary took a break from their routine schedule once a week to allow students to explore clubs that suited their interests. Specifically, the Sign Language Club learned an entire song in sign language and performed it for staff.
12. Every student at Fulton Elementary gathered around ‘Fulton’s Longest Table’ for Thanksgiving, symbolizing unity and togetherness ahead of the holiday season.
13. State Senator Kyle Koehler visited ‘The Cat Cafe’ at Springfield High to present students and Transition Coordinator, Kelli Liebherr with a proclamation celebrating the cafe’s opening and the doors it opens for students with disabilities.
14. Springfield High students participated in the Lesotho Nutrition Initiative for the seventh consecutive year, packing more than 42,000 meals for malnourished children.
15. The District’s Human Resources Department hosted staff members and their families for an end-of-year celebration at Young’s Jersey Dairy. More than 2,000 guests attended and enjoyed free activities and ice cream.
16. Multiple Springfield High alumni from the Class of 2025 ranked among the world’s best students who took the International Baccalaureate end-of-course exams.
17. Six alumni were recognized as this year’s Alumni of Distinction. Their professional contributions include education, law, historic preservation and psychology.
18. Students gained expanded access to careers in healthcare through the new CNA program at Springfield High.
19. Fulton Elementary's Student Drumline performed in the Memorial Day Parade for the second consecutive year.
20. The District’s Family Programming Department distributed more than 200 bags of clothes, 400 winter coats & assisted with providing Christmas gifts to more than 300 children this school year.
21. The Wildcat Girls Track & Field 4x1 team placed 3rd at the OHSAA State Championships, breaking their own existing record with a time of 47.14 seconds.
22. More Springfield High School students than ever before secured summer internships through the Greater Springfield’s Magnify summer internship program.
23. Six Springfield High students earned their state Seals of Biliteracy, demonstrating their fluency in another language besides English. Two students received their seals in multiple languages.
24. The Health Center at Springfield High added mobile dental and vision services to its offerings, including providing eyeglasses.
25. Perrin Woods Elementary held a Rubik’s Cube Club competition which showcased the school’s fastest Rubik’s Cube solvers.
26. The District Communications Department came home with nine awards from the Ohio School Public Relations Association annual awards for several projects related to the positive promotion of the District, including two Best in State awards for writing & photography.
27. Dave Lyle, the District Safety & Attendance Operations Manager, was named the ‘Safety Leader of the Year’ by the Greater Springfield Partnership for his efforts and innovation in student safety.
28. Clark Preschool students in Ms. Jones’ class began weekly yoga instruction to regulate their minds and bodies with the help of Sunflower Yoga.
29. The Wildcats were Clark County champions in several spring sports: Boys Tennis, Boys Track & Field and Girls Track & Field.
30. 16 Springfield High Wildcat Theatre students were recognized for their talents at the Miami Valley High School Theatre Awards. 4 of those students received ‘Outstanding’ ratings, the first SHS students to receive such a designation.
31. Kenwood Elementary students were part of an interactive literacy lesson when they were visited by a donkey from Kent’s Feed Barn.The donkey helped to illustrate how people in other countries receive access to books via traveling donkeys.
32. Simon Kenton Elementary’s Student Leadership team concluded a weeklong ‘Kindness Drive’ by delivering more than 200 snacks and treats to the Springfield Fire Rescue Division Station #7.
33. Schaefer Middle School hosted a ‘Tattoo the Teachers’ fundraiser, which ended in Schaefer staff rocking some very colorful body ink!
34. Lagonda Elementary held a ‘pink parade’ to celebrate 1st grade teacher, Ms. Hammontree being cancer-free for five years.
35. 21 Springfield High student-athletes signed their letters of intent to participate in athletics at the collegiate level.
36. Snowhill Elementary 2nd grade students completed a ‘Hearts Around the World’ project, in which they collected Valentines from 42 states and three countries.
37. Warder Park-Wayne Elementary’s Student Lighthouse team organized a schoolwide pop tab collection for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
38. More than 50 Springfield High students took an exciting field trip to Ohio State University, where they competed in several different games and activities in German against schools around Ohio. The Wildcats walked away with first place in the poetry competition!
39. Hayward Middle School’s drone soccer team again advanced to the National Drone Soccer Competition, which was held at Embry Riddle Aeronautical Institute this year.
40. The District’s Food & Nutrition Department coordinated the Summer Food Program, which ensures students can still receive regular meals over the summer.
41. Former Springfield High Wrestling Coach Joe Cochran was inducted into the Greater Miami Valley Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
42. Roosevelt Middle School students put their knowledge to the test with ThinkFast Interactive, a game-show-style experience that makes learning about the dangers of vaping and substance abuse anything but boring.
43. 3 staff members (Sara Gillespie, Hayward; Patrick Smith, Lincoln and Doug Stoll, SHS) were named the District’s ‘Employees of the Year’ as nominated by their coworkers for going above and beyond in their daily roles.
44. The Haitian Dance Team at Springfield High took their moves to the next level when they hosted professional choreographer Barbara Samantha Cajuste ahead of a competition.
45. Schaefer Middle School expanded extracurricular activities for students, including the addition of ‘Homesteading Club,’ where Schaefer students learn to make several items including strawberry jam and ‘Diamond Art Club,’ where students make bedazzled crafts.
46. Several former alumni were inducted into the 2026 Springfield Athletic Hall of Fame, including the 1995 South High School Softball Team, which finished their season as state semi finalists.
47. Job opportunities for high school students with disabilities were elevated with the addition of more community internships at locations like Villa Springfield.
48. The District’s Business Advisory Council earned a 3-star rating from the State of Ohio, highlighting the emphasis that the District has placed on students’ career-readiness.
49. Perrin Woods Elementary hosted building families to ‘Lunch on the Lawn,’ where students and their families could enjoy a picnic lunch together to celebrate the end of the school year.
50. Fulton Elementary students got ‘fresh for the test’ when the school facilitated free haircuts, braiding and other self-care services ahead of Ohio State Testing. Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center Cosmetology students added a new element to the event by offering to style female students’ hair and give them manicures.
51. Elementary students participated in the District’s second annual ‘Battle of Bots’ competition, which teaches students skills in robotics, as well as teamwork.
52. Springfield High’s Mock Trial Team continued their legacy of success, advancing to the state competition for the 5th consecutive year.
53. School of Innovation students put their creativity to the test in the ‘Duct Tape Challenge,’ transforming their ideas into 3D duct tape sculptures.
54. The Springfield High Student Lighthouse hosted a building wide end-of-year award ceremony where students of all achievements were celebrated in front of the entire school.
55. The District Communications Department celebrated the importance of public education during National Public Schools Week, interviewing more than 150 students about why they love their school and sharing the videos on social media.
56. 31 new Wildcats were inducted into the Springfield High National Honor Society.
57. Dozens of Lincoln Elementary’s students who achieved a 95% attendance rate earned their way to the ‘Atten-dance’ floor as a special reward for showing up to school.
58. The addition of a middle/high school intramural boys volleyball team showed a promising future for the growing sport.
59. Hayward Middle School expanded their regular student-produced broadcast, 'Hay-WORD,' which has allowed students to gain skills in public speaking, interviewing and technology support.
60. Kenwood Elementary students facilitated a heartwarming Veterans Day program, in which they gave handmade American flag blankets to local veterans in attendance.
61. Snyder Park Elementary collected more than 2,000 items and 25 turkeys, assisting 50 families with holiday meals.
62. 5th grade students at Lincoln Elementary became budding entrepreneurs when they started their own coffee cart, delivering orders to Lincoln staff members.
63. Sophomore Makenzie Williams earned a prestigious scholarship to the National Flight Academy. As part of this incredible opportunity, she will spend six days this summer immersed in a hands-on aviation experience in Pensacola, Florida, aboard a simulated U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.
64. Lagonda Elementary Student Lighthouse Team students and staff teamed up to ring the bell at a local Salvation Army red kettle, spreading holiday cheer, generosity and a lot of community spirit!
65. Clark Preschool earned statewide recognition with the Bronze PBIS Award for the implementation of a framework that reinforces positive behavior.
66. $10,000 was awarded to graduating seniors as part of the Business Advisory Council’s annual Award of Excellence, which recognizes students who exhibit high levels of service, leadership, character and academics. Topre America generously donated three $2,500 scholarships for students pursuing STEM-related degrees.
67. Springfield High sophomore Izabelle Vanderpool was selected as this year’s student host of Cat Chat, the District’s Podcast. Vanderpool co-hosted 8 episodes and won over viewers with her bubbly personality.
68. The District’s Food & Nutrition Department celebrated the contributions of cafeteria staff as part of ‘School Lunch Heroes’ Day.
69. Springfield High Girls Powerlifting brought home their 3rd consecutive state championship, proving that Wildcat Strength is an unstoppable force!
70. The District invited the public to ‘The Dome Experience,’ an open house event that allowed guests to explore the immersive student programming available at The Dome.
71. Snyder Park Elementary built on the success of their daily student announcement show, ‘The Park Show’ when the group did a live broadcast from the District’s monthly leadership meeting.
72. The District’s 2024-2025 state report card showed an .5 overall star improvement, with several areas showing improvement from the previous year.
73. The Springfield High Junior Marine Reserve Officer Training Corp (JMROTC) celebrated the Marine Corps 250th Birthday. SHS’s program is one of only three Marine-focused JROTC units in Ohio.
74. Lincoln Elementary hosted 'Waffles with Wildcats,' a breakfast event with students and their families, created by the school's new Parent Lighthouse Team.
75. 5th and 6th grade girls from the District’s 10 elementary schools tried out different sports at the fifth annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day at Wittenberg University, which recognizes the importance of women in athletics.
76. Lynn Payton, District Coordinator of Family Outreach Connections, was named a 2025 Legacy Leader by the Nehemiah Foundation for her service and investment in the District’s students.
77. Seniors at the School of Innovation surprised educators around the District who have made the greatest impact on them during Teacher Appreciation Week.
78. The Health Center at Springfield High celebrated its one-year anniversary. In that time, the health center facilitated more than 4,000 appointments.
79. Springfield High's library underwent a major renovation, bringing the space into a more modern era for students and staff.
80. Roosevelt Middle School student La’Majestie Blake was selected as the winner of the Ohio Attorney General’s ‘Do the Write Thing’ challenge, in which students are asked to write essays about how to end violence in their communities.
81. Snowhill Elementary 5th and 6th grade students hosted an interactive science fair for younger students called 'Sno-Sci,' where older students led younger students in various experiements.
82. The Springfield High HOPE Squad led students in several positive mental health activities this year, including a ‘Shred Your Stress’ event, where students could put their stressors through a shredder.
83. The Dome received a historical marker that honors the legacy of Major League Baseball player, Brooks Lawrence who broke several color barriers in the sport throughout his career, including becoming the first Black baseball player to be inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame.
84. Two Springfield High basketball athletes were named the male and female Clark County Basketball Players of the Year.
85. Lincoln Elementary held a weeklong celebration of literacy, including the Scholastic Book Fair and a Family Night where parents and students could enjoy reading together.
86. 15 adults were recognized for completing their high school education as part of the District’s GED/Adult Diploma program. All graduates were invited to participate in a ceremony complete with caps and gowns.
87. The Springfield High Wrestling program fielded an all-girls team for the first time, creating a new opportunity for female student-athletes.
88. Lincoln Elementary 3rd grade students learned essential water safety and swim skills with a unique field trip to the Springfield YMCA.
89. Roosevelt Middle School’s Legacy 24 Club teamed up with the City of Springfield to plant trees at Snyder Park & Roosevelt. A marker under one of the trees reads, ‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot.. Nothing is going to get better. It’s not,’ a quote from Dr. Seuss.
90. Kenwood Elementary’s ‘K-Kids’ student club completed several projects this year that gave back to the community including collecting donations for the local animal shelter, cleaning up their school’s campus and leading a month-long ‘Kindness Drive.’
91. The District provided school supplies for students in grades K-8 for the fifth consecutive year, easing the financial burden of back-to-school shopping for families.
92. 2 Snowhill Elementary Kindergarten classrooms cared for baby chicks through a partnership with 4-H and a few weeks after hatching, presented them back to 4-H to live on farms.
93. Roosevelt Middle School students in the ‘Unplugged’ student group coordinated a day without technology to demonstrate the benefits of taking screen time breaks.
94. Lagonda Elementary collaborated with local artist Stacey Hoenie to create the school’s first Leader in Me mural: a vibrant tree with colorful leaves that represent the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
95. Clark Preschool was awarded with a designation from the State of Ohio for inclusive practices.
96. Simon Kenton Elementary showed how we are One Wildcat Family when they rallied around a staff member who was battling leukemia, wearing shirts that said ‘Sintina’s Support Squad.'
97. The Human Resources Department launched the Teacher Mentor Program, which connects new teachers with veteran teachers who share their tips, tricks and best practices in the classroom.
98. District Maintenance Teams helped to make several improvements in buildings including new flooring installed at Snowhill, Fulton & Warder Park-Wayne and fresh paint at Lagonda & Lincoln.
99. The District’s Technology Department facilitated live streaming of graduation ceremonies so that all Class of 2026 families and friends could celebrate the event.
100. The District’s Dual Language Program at Perrin Woods Elementary expanded to 2nd grade, allowing students in three grade levels to continue their journeys toward biliteracy.