SPS Foundation launches commemorative brick project, 'SHS Bulldog Walk of Honor'

SIKESTON -- Patrons of the Sikeston R-6 schools now have a way to leave a lasting impression through a commemorative brick fundraiser by the Sikeston Public Schools Foundation.

A contribution of $100 for a 4x8-inch or $250 for an 8x8-inch entitles individuals or businesses to recognition on a brick paver in the "Bulldog Walk of Honor," which is located in front of Sikestson High School. The clay bricks will be laser engraved.

"We have been looking for another fundraiser, and we want to grow the Foundation," Lauren DeWitt, executive director of the SPS Foundation. "To do that, we tried to come up with something unique for a few years now."

After looking at what other foundations, such as the University of Missouri-Columbia, YMCA of Southeast Missouri, local Boy Scouts and Dexter schools, the SPS Foundation's Board of Directors decided to do the brick paver fundraiser, DeWitt said.

"This is something we can put in place that will make a difference, and this will last forever. It stays in Sikeston and at the school," DeWitt said.

The bricks will be placed at the high school's A building and the path will be from the driveway in the front of building toward Pine Street

"The Sikeston R-6 maintenance department will be doing the work, and they have been a huge help in preparing the layout, contacting the (brick) company and getting pricing," DeWitt said of the department headed by Mike Brown.

Order forms are available via a link on the Foundation's website and Facebook page.

"We are also sending out a bulk mailing to Sikeston alumni as well as our sponsors," DeWitt said, adding any alumni interested in receiving information about the brick pavers can also email her at ldewitt@sikeston.k12.mo.us.

DeWitt will have a table set up at the remaining SHS home basketball games where forms will be available as well as samples.

"We've reached out to the district employees, and the counselors will be sending out forms to all of the senior parents," DeWitt said.

DeWitt noted the paver bricks would make great gifts for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentine's Day, graduations and memorials.

"The reasons are endless," she said.

The deadline for the first round of brick orders is March 10, and the project is expected to be in place this summer.

"So when the new school year begins, the bricks will be in place," she said.

With this project, there is room for growth, DeWitt said. It can build upon itself with many options for expansion of the walkway, she said.

Amy Blanton, who is a member of the Foundation's Board of Directors and an R-6 school board member, agreed.

"The Foundation has started growing, and we have established more of a presence in the community. We are hoping to expand upon that," said Blanton, who is also a Sikeston alum.

Blanton said she has already received positive feedback about the commemorative bricks from community members.

"This project is going to allow us to connect not only to people who are in the community, but also our alumni who live elsewhere and family members of alumni who want to order a brick as a tribute or memorial," Blanton said. "They want to have a piece of Sikeston Public Schools and their relationship to the school there."

Blanton said she thinks businesses in town will want to buy a brick to show their support for the Foundation's mission.

"I think it's going to be such an impressive tribute to all of the people who have bricks inscribed for them, and it's a neat way to have something lasting," Blanton said.

Money raised goes back into the R-6 classrooms, both DeWitt and Blanton pointed out.

"The Foundation wants to supplement and enhance classroom learning, and so every spring we give out all of these classroom grant scholarships," Blanton said. "Any money we raise for this brick commemoration project will allow us to do that, and, hopefully, increase our ability to give more money away to the classrooms."

This project is something in which everyone can participate, Blanton said.

"You don't have to have set a sport record, or you don't have to have accomplished a great variety of things to be recognized," she said. "Everyone can be recognized. Everybody can contribute to this -- whether they're a student, teacher or community member."

DeWitt agreed.

"It's something that will last forever," DeWitt said. "It's a way to put your name in Sikeston history and help the current students and faculty in the district build a foundation so we can continue to provide the services we provide."