On Friday, May 2, 2025, the Springfield Public Schools community came together for a memorable evening at Celebrate SPS hosted by Foundation for Springfield Public Schools. This event shines a spotlight on the incredible teachers, counselors, librarians, and educators who dedicate themselves to the academic excellence and well-being of our SPS students.
Launched in 1994, Celebrate SPS was founded by David Harrison with the vital understanding that a thriving educational environment is built on the mutual support and connection between a strong community and its dedicated educators. Mr. Harrison shared, his initial goal was to ensure students would continuously witness the respect their teachers receive throughout their educational journey. “In 1994, my aim was to organize a minimum of 13 yearly banquets,” Harrison remarked. “This was so that children beginning kindergarten that year would regularly hear about the respect their teachers receive throughout their school journey. I am immensely proud of all of you and grateful to be part of a community where numerous exceptional educators and staff dedicate themselves to our children. Your efforts are truly appreciated.”
The evening’s success was made possible by the incredible generosity of our sponsors. A heartfelt thank you to CoxHealth, Mercy, Bass Pro Shops, Missouri State University, Central Bank of the Ozarks, The Nelson Family, Esterly, Schneider & Assoc., Inc. & DLR Group, Johnstone Supply, Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center, Inc., Sapp Design Architects, and the many other community partners who invested in our educators.
We were thrilled to honor the following outstanding individuals and organizations:
Kai Isaia from Glendale High School, a dedicated and inspiring math teacher, was celebrated for fostering an inclusive classroom where every student feels valued. She skillfully empowers her students by encouraging critical thinking, promoting student voice, and nurturing a growth mindset to face academic challenges, ensuring all learners are actively engaged and excited to explore the beauty of mathematics. For her exceptional work, Kai received the Malori McGhee Rookie of the Year Award, established in memory of Malori McGhee, a passionate and enthusiastic first-year fourth-grade teacher at Disney Elementary. This award honors her legacy by recognizing an exemplary beginning teacher within the district who demonstrates the outstanding dedication, enthusiasm, and love for students that Malori embodied.
David Stockton of McBride Elementary was recognized for his innovative efforts to ignite a student passion for literacy, notably through initiatives like “Camp Read S’more.” He champions inclusivity through vibrant cultural displays and engaging book tastings, and with deep care, David mentors students facing challenges, reinforcing the library as a vital space for connection, growth, and belonging. David was presented with the Linda Luke Librarian of the Year Award. This award was established at the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools as a permanent fund in memory of Linda Luke, a dedicated Hickory Hills and Disney librarian renowned for her commitment to excellence. It is presented annually to one district librarian who makes an outstanding, positive impact on students, carrying on Linda Luke’s enduring passion for education and her belief that ‘Librarians are teachers, too!’
Crystal Elliott from Pittman Elementary, who has served SPS for seven years, was honored for her exceptional contributions as a school counselor. Known for dreaming big, thinking creatively, and loving hard on her school family, she freely shares ideas and welcomes others to learn alongside her. Crystal received the Counselor of the Year Award, a recognition that honors an individual who exemplifies the highest standards of this vital profession. This award celebrates the recipient’s exceptional dedication, innovation, and profound impact on students, while also highlighting the crucial role all counselors play in creating supportive learning environments.
With 22 years of experience as a Title 1 Reading Specialist, Manden Matz of Pittman Elementary was lauded for her excellence in building literacy and confidence in struggling learners through personalized support. She masterfully fosters a love of reading and creatively introduced Doak, a therapy dog, which has significantly boosted student engagement, comfort, and well-being school-wide. Manden was awarded the Turner Reading Teacher of the Year Award. Established by the Turner family in 2002, this prestigious fund, managed by the Foundation, is dedicated to recognizing outstanding educators who demonstrate exceptional excellence in reading instruction, going above and beyond to instill a lifelong passion for reading in their students.
The Queen City Free Runners, a Masonic motorcycle organization, along with the Masonic Home of Missouri, were celebrated for their profound dedication to local philanthropy and significant impact on Springfield students. Their most notable contribution has been their long-standing support of the FSPS Coats for Kids program and the Bus Transportation Fund, fueled by their annual “Rock n Rides” fundraiser which has raised over $75,000 for FSPS programs over the last decade, also benefiting initiatives like the PTA Clothing Bank. For their active embodiment of their Masonic oath to give back, the Queen City Free Runners were presented with the Advocates for Education of the Year Award, an honor that celebrates an organization’s significant and ongoing commitment to enhancing educational opportunities within the Springfield community.
Liberty Games, and the Ron Kinney family, were recognized for their steadfast and generous support of the Foundation and Springfield students. As proud Parkview Vikings, they have not only supported efforts at Parkview High School but their contributions of over $90,000 have also provided countless opportunities for students to have unique academic experiences through Foundation programs like Back to School grants. For their incredible partnership, Liberty Games received the Corporate Partner of the Year Award. This award acknowledges an organization that has provided significant financial support, enabling the Foundation to effectively serve the students and teachers of Springfield Public Schools.
SPS Teacher of the Year: Danielle O’Neil, Sherwood Elementary Physical Education Teacher “Teaching is more than just a profession for me – it is a calling. At the end of the day, if I can be the light for just one student, then I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.” Danielle O’Neil believes movement is for everyone and strives to be a “light” for her students and community. Her innovative gymnastics/parkour unit uses highly adaptable challenges, requiring only a student’s body and willingness to explore, fostering confidence, balance, and risk assessment in a safe environment. Danielle actively builds strong community connections through initiatives like Active Families Week, a Bike Bus, and establishing Girls on the Run. Danielle considers her greatest accomplishment creating a nurturing space where every student feels seen, valued, supported, and capable of achieving their best.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Celebrate SPS and to all our educators, staff, and community members who work tirelessly to support Springfield Public Schools. Your dedication makes a profound difference every day!