Students from city high schools tell Springfield School Committee their schools give them second chances and career pathways

Dozens of students from Springfield Public Schools addressed the School Committee Monday evening, describing programs that they say helped them graduate, earn college credit and prepare for careers.

"Commerce now feels like a second family to me," said Jaden Santiago, a senior at the High School of Commerce, as he thanked the committee for supporting internships, staff and extracurricular activities that helped him succeed.

Students from Aspire Academy, Springfield Honors Academy, Discovery/Polytech and Emergence Academy described a range of opportunities: career-pathway classes in nursing, HVAC and culinary at Aspire; the Thrive Scholars and Global Glimpse leadership programs at Springfield Honors Academy; early-college credits and internships at Discovery Polytech; and English-language immersion and a close-knit learning environment at Emergence Academy. Alexandra Daniel of Discovery said she has earned 39 college credits toward a medical-science pathway; Melanie Farrell said she has earned 53 college credits while at Discovery.

Student speakers repeatedly credited teachers and counselors for individualized support. "Aspire is a school where you can be yourself," Yannick Collins, an 11th-grader at Aspire, told the committee. Jasmine Amanfo of Springfield Honors said Global Glimpse took students to Costa Rica "and opened my eyes" to leadership and cultural exchange.

Several speakers urged continued funding and support. Amber Diaz of the High School of Commerce asked the committee to "continue to consider increased funding and support for the students who may struggle but still wish for an occasion," emphasizing second chances and opportunities such as internships and college courses.

The committee recessed for one minute after the student presentations and then continued with its regular agenda.