SPS inducts two alumni into Hall of Fame

During a luncheon today, Springfield Public Schools will induct two graduates into the district’s Hall of Fame.

Billy Gene Cooper, community volunteer and mentor, and L. Denise Fredrick, community leader and retired educator, make up the 2024 SPS Hall of Fame and are honored for dedicating their lives to supporting and elevating others through their professions and volunteer work, according to a news release.

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

His 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, according to the release.

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 distinguished herself as 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, according to the release.

Fredrick also served on the SPS Board of Education for 12 years, including seven years as president or vice president. She played a key role in the passage of two bond proposals that resulted in an investment of $330 million into the district.

This is the 15th year SPS has honored alumni who have achieved success in their profession, contributed to their community or distinguished themselves in ways that make them inspirational examples for current SPS students.