Group performs, inspires Springfield youth to go to college

It’s a step on the path to encouraging local kids to dream big and achieve their goals.

Students from Wilberforce University traveled to Springfield to perform in front of about 100 students Wednesday evening. The Wilberforce students, representing fraternities and sororities, danced and performed step routines for the kids. They also took time to teach the local children how to do some of the dances.

Dr. Robert Welker, Director of the Springfield Promise Neighborhood, said the event was put on to show local kids what they can do if they pursue a college education.

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“It’s another window to a university for our children and the opportunity to learn more about what college is,” Welker said. “It sends a message that they can go to college and that they should say ‘yes’ to the dream.”

Springfield students Valarie Leinasars and Jaemichael Edwards said they enjoyed the show and learning more about the different fraternities and sororities.

Johnson said he enjoyed learning a step dance.

“It’s really hard to do, but then it’s kind of easy at the same time,” Edwards said.

Meanwhile Leinasars said she enjoyed when the group danced to the popular song Juju on that Beat.

They both said the event reaffirmed that they would like to go to college one day.

The step group also shows that college can be more than school work and tests, and instead also be a place to explore the arts and finding a passion.

“That’s a good message, life has challenges but it has a lot of joy,” Welker said.

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He also said he was impressed with the college students who traveled to perform for the children.

“These are our young people using their own time to give back to the community,” Welker said.

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