Emergence Academy - Springfield Public Schools

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were informed of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Many enslaved people in the South were unaware of their freedom due to lack of enforcement. General Gordon Granger delivered the long-overdue news, on June 19, 1865, officially freeing the last remaining enslaved African Americans in the U.S.

Juneteenth became a symbol of Black freedom and resilience, commemorated with celebrations, reflection, education, and community gatherings.
It’s a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and a celebration of Black freedom, resilience, and culture.
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To our FIRST graduating class of Emergence Academy - CONGRATULATIONS - we are SO proud of each and every single one of you! 🎓🎉

From the bottom of your principals, teachers, and staff’s hearts - THANK YOU! 💚💛 Thank you for showing up every day for your school community, your classmates and friends, our younger Emergence students, and most importantly - YOURSELVES!

We know it was not an easy road - there were many challenges and hurdles along the way, but YOU DID IT! There were many difficult days and moments where you didn’t know how you would be able to face the next day, but your resilience, perseverance, work ethic, and heart, got you through to the finish line!

BUT - your journey is not over yet! We know you will go on to accomplish amazing things in life! Your individual stories are truly unique and incredibly powerful - continue to use your story and voice to inspire the next generation. We cannot wait to see and celebrate you through this next chapter and your futures!

As Dr. Gauthier said, “Remember to always be like a sunflower. Even on the darkest days, stand tall and find your sunshine. Continue to bring the light you bring, and hope everywhere you go.” 🌻

Emergence Academy, Class of 2026 - We love you, we are so proud of you - CONGRATULATIONS!!!
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