A Central graduate and a former school board member will join SPS Hall of Fame

Two graduates of Springfield Public Schools who made a mark in their professional careers and spent decades volunteering to help their hometown will be honored in early October.

The SPS Hall of Fame's Class of 2024 inductees were announced Tuesday.

They include Billy Gene Cooper, a community volunteer and mentor, and Denise Fredrick, a community leader and retired educator.

Each year, SPS picks two or more alumni who have achieved success professionally, contributed to their community, or distinguished themselves in ways that may inspire current and future students.

The ceremony will be at noon, Friday, Oct. 4, at White River Conference Center, 600 W. Sunshine St.

Cooper, a 1968 graduate of Central High School, was employed for 28 years as a workforce development specialist, guiding others to success, ultimately earning the honor of Missouri’s Workforce Development Professional of the Year.

Overcoming many challenges and barriers in his own life, Cooper is dedicated to helping others realize their full potential.

His lengthy volunteer roles include coaching youth sports for 40 years through the Boys and Girls Clubs and serving for 31 years at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.

Fredrick, a 1972 graduate of Hillcrest High School, started her career as an educator at Kickapoo High School where she shared her love of science with students.

She was an outstanding educator and received multiple honors including SPS Teacher of the Year, National Milken Educator award, Missouri State University Outstanding Young Alumni and Science Teachers of Missouri Presidential Citation.

In addition, Fredrick served on the Springfield school board for 12 years, including seven as president or vice president.

She played a role in the success of two bond proposals that generated $330 million to improve schools.

The SPS Hall of Fame is made possible by sponsors including: Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, 417 Magazine, Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center, Ozarks Coca-Cola Dr Pepper Bottling Company, ADsmith Marketing & Advertising and KY3.

Tickets for the 2024 Hall of Fame luncheon are on sale through Sept. 18.

Tickets are $36 each and may be purchased through the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools at www.supportsps.org/donate. In the donation designation box, indicate "Hall of Fame tickets."