A Night to Remember: Celebrating the Heart of Springfield Public Schools

On the evening of April 29, 2026, our community gathered for the Celebrate SPS Banquet, an event defined by shared purpose, inspiring stories, and a profound appreciation for those who dedicate their lives to our students. The energy in the room was palpable as we honored the remarkable educators, advocates, and community partners whose tireless efforts are the bedrock of our district’s success.

It was our absolute privilege to spotlight these outstanding 2026 award recipients, whose commitment to excellence sets a standard for us all:

  • SPS Teacher of the Year: Clarissa Pohlman (Pershing)
  • Linda Luke Librarian of the Year: Lara Garrett (Wanda Gray)
  • Turner Reading Teacher of the Year: Alison Crane (Carver)
  • Malorie McGhee Rookie of the Year: Megan Stegeman (Rountree)
  • Counselor of the Year: Brittany Groves (Hickory Hills)
  • Corporate Partner of the Year: Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Advocates for Education: Peter Lai and Jackie Fu

This banquet was a powerful reminder that when our community unites, we bridge the vital gap between funding and classroom innovation. By supporting these initiatives, we aren’t just funding programs; we are investing in the potential of every child in Springfield.

This evening would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our corporate partners and community champions. We extend our deepest, most sincere gratitude to the following sponsors for their commitment to our students and educators:

Presenting – CoxHealth; Platinum Sponsors – Edward Jones (Peter Lai), Mercy Springfield Communities, Sapp Design Architects; Teacher of the Year Sponsor – Missouri State University – College of Education; Gold Sponsors – Bass Pro Shops, Central Bank of the Ozarks, Commerce Bank, Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center, Inc., Paragon Architecture, Inc, Penmac, Rick’s Automotive, Hoffman Supply Company, Inc. DBA Johnstone Supply, Esterly, Schneider & Associates, Mark and Lori Nelson; Silver Sponsors – Mark L McQueary, Point C, SRC Holdings Corp., The Elder Law Group, True Engineering Group; Bronze Sponsors – Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, RMMC, CPAs, Evangel University – Education Department, Hy-Vee, SMC Electric Supply, Tal & Rosalie O’Reilly Wooten, Gail and Denise Fredrick.

Special thanks to our School Table Sponsors for helping a school attend the banquet: BKD Design Collective, BUF Studio, Bingham PTA, Cherokee PTA, Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, Connect Church, David Mrad, Delaware PTA, Dr. Doug and Susan McNeal, Ellis Ellis Hammons & Johnson PC, Esterly, Schneider & Associates, Inc., Field PTA, Forvis Mazars, Glendale High PTSA, Haley Gatewood, Hickory Hills PTA, Horace Mann PTA, MSU Jordan Valley Innovation Center and eFactory, Mark & Lori Nelson, McBride PTA, Mia Wilkins, Neosha Mackey, Ozarks Coca-Cola Dr. Pepper Bottling Company, Parents and Advocates for Gifted Education, Pershing MS PTA, Preferred Title of Missouri, Rountree Elementary PTA, Sequiota PTA, Stephen and Anna Gintz, Wanda Gray PTA, and Wild Horse Development.