Alex Holden was born and raised in Springfield, MO. He attended Rountree Elementary, Jarrett Middle School, and Parkview High School. Alex was active in band, baseball, soccer, tennis, track, DECA, Parkview’s student cabinet, and debate. He was the captain of his soccer team at Parkview, 2nd in the nation for debate, and state champion as well as internationalist finalist in DECA.
Alex passed away in January of 2020. One way that his family wanted to honor him was through establishing the Alex Holden Memorial Fund. The fund honors his memory and provides support to students of Rountree Elementary and the Parkview High School Debate team. Calie Holden, Alex’s sister, said, “When trying to think of a way that Alex would want to give back to the community, education and opportunity were two of his biggest passions. Growing up, he had the fortune of going to strong schools, each of which shaped him in a distinct way.”
The Holden family believes education is key to the strength of a community. “The strength of any community starts with its schools. Springfield is lucky to have such a strong district through SPS. The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools is critical to providing resources and scholarships that allow SPS to continue to be one of the best districts in the state.”