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Now Open: 2020 Turner Reading Award Nominations!

Do you know a teacher who goes above and beyond the call of duty to help their students learn how to read? If so, we’d love to hear about them because we know reading is a fundamental stepping stone in … Read More

Grant Delivery Day set for Thursday, September 13

“Back to School Grant Delivery Day is our most exciting day of the year!” according to Natalie Murdock, Executive Director of the Foundation for SPS. Volunteers will gather at 8:30 a.m. at the Foundation office on Boonville to receive their … Read More

Giving Tuesday, December 1

This Giving Tuesday, when you make a gift to the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, you are supporting over 25,000 students throughout the district. The FSPS helps bridge the gap between what schools need and what they can afford. Since … Read More

FSPS Spotlight

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The Bill & Joyce Hawkins Choral Dedication Scholarship was started in 2005 after the passing of Bill Hawkins, by their son Kevin Hawkins. Kevin was the Choral Director and Head of the Music department at Glendale High School for 12 years. As a graduate of Springfield Public Schools, Glendale High School, Kevin believed it was important to honor his parents and provide financial support to vocal students. “This scholarship was a way of passing on the blessing that we received from others,” said Kevin.

Bill Hawkins was the Commander of the Missouri National Guard’s Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot. He attended college at Missouri State University where he met Joyce. Joyce, along with Kevin and his wife continue to support the fund today.

The Foundation for SPS manages more than 70 scholarships that provide support for students to continue their educations beyond high school. These scholarships benefit students from all five high schools and Study Alternative High School. In May of 2019 the Foundation awarded $116,000 in scholarships awards.

Scholarship funds are permanently restricted funds, often established to honor a loved one and benefit a specific school, or area of interest. Foundation staff works with donors to provide needed support to students through these funds.