Latest news with #JenniferMcGrath
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Springfield shows off its Pride at parade
SPRINGFIELD — Feathers, glitter, pride flags and festive looks filled the Springfield Technical Community College parking lot Saturday as the rain trickled down, accompanied by the thump of drums playing in the distance. The fourth annual Springfield Pride Parade was led by the families the parade organization serves through its Safe Space Program. 'Show up as who you are and not who you're not,' said a Springfield Public fifth-grade student, Darya Kahab, who has supported the parade for all four years. With a rainbow flag painted on her cheek, she smiled, thinking about how many people would come out to support this year's parade. Despite the rain and cloudy sky, supporters still gathered around festively, ready to begin their mile walk from STCC down to Springfield City Hall. MGM Springfield had a float designed with metallic fringe garlands, rainbow magnets, flags and handwritten hearts with notes that read, 'Love Wins!' Julianne Surrette, one of the supporters in the truck, shared that their theme for the truck this year was 'sparkle and shimmer.' 'Our message behind it is to be yourself and to love yourself 100% all the time.' Director of philanthropy and community engagement at MGM Springfield, Jennifer McGrath, said, 'It's an absolute honor to walk side by side with people who celebrate the beauty of this world that makes us different. We've participated every year since its infancy and will continue going strong.' Taurean Bethea, founder of the Springfield Pride Parade Committee, said that the You Ball Gala and Pride Parade are held to support the Safe Space Program, which is currently in place in six Springfield Public Schools. The program offers year-round support for LGBTQIA+ youth in Springfield, combining the opportunities of summer and after-school programming with ongoing support. Designed for students in grades 6-12, the program aims to build community, fosterg leadership and nurture resilience, creating a safe and supportive environment to support every student to thrive emotionally, socially and academically. 'We need to be a lot louder and reach more of the youth and LGBTQIA community. Our goal this year is to be loud and proud and bring back the essence of what pride is,' said Bethea. Caicy Welz, a Springfield educator and member of the Springfield Education Association, marched with the Massachusetts Teachers Association. She shared that she felt a sense of contagious happiness from the crowd while waiting to begin. As a lifelong Springfield resident and teacher in the city, it feels great to come out and support the LGBTQIA+ community. 'My goal has always been inclusivity in my classes, school and district as a whole. Having students be able to see themselves reflected and see that their teachers support and validate them,' Welz said. Anyone looking to support the Safe Space Programs can do so by visiting their website at Mass. casino winner: Table game player wins thousands of dollars Mural pays tribute to Malcolm X and his Springfield legacy Mass. casino winner: $2.50 bet won gambler jackpot prize WTA celebrates graduating Class of 2025 Springfield Pride headliner Dawn Richard told 'Diddy' jurors of threats, violence, abuse Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
MGM Springfield honors veterans with thousands of flags at St. Michael's Cemetery
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – MGM Springfield volunteers were at St. Michael's Cemetery in Springfield helping to prepare for Memorial Day, and now, you may notice thousands of flags in the area. More than a dozen volunteers from MGM Springfield spent their lunch break placing flags at the graves of veterans at St. Michael's Cemetery, making sure they are honored for their sacrifice ahead of Memorial Day. Wednesday's event is part of a city-wide effort with the Department of Veterans' Services to honor and remember those who have served our country. MGM Springfield told 22News, their staff couldn't sign up faster to be able to help with the flagging today. Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement, Jennifer McGrath, told 22News, 'It's a very special day for our staff. We get personal stories of folks affiliated with the military and certainly with family members who have passed. Even one of our very own has a grandfather buried here, who will get a flag today. So, several of his colleagues and friends are here to support that moment.' There are around 22,000 veteran graves located in the city of Springfield, and roughly 6,000 of those are in the St. Michael's Cemetery, and after today, they will all be marked with an American Flag. Memorial Day is recognized this year on Monday, May 26th, honoring the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Springfield Public Schools to host job fair
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – For those seeking a career in public education, Springfield Public Schools has many opportunities for qualified applicants. Parents, educators to protest against potential job cuts in Belchertown school district The department is hosting a job fair on March 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at MGM Springfield. Available job openings include teachers, paraprofessionals, security officers, and crossing guards. 'Whether you have a degree and years of experience or you're looking for a new career path, this job fair is an opportunity to find a meaningful role where you can make a real impact on students and the community,' said Superintendent of Springfield Public Schools Dr. Sonia Dinnall. 'Our district is beautifully diverse, and we are committed to building a learning community that reflects the brightest and best. We're excited to welcome job seekers to downtown Springfield on March 15.' Attendees can apply in person and speak directly with recruiters and hiring teams to discuss salaries, benefits, and career opportunities. 'MGM Springfield is proud to support Springfield Public Schools in its mission to recruit dedicated professionals who will make a lasting impact on students,' said Jennifer McGrath, Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement at MGM Springfield. 'This partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the local workforce and investing in the future of our community.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
