Student led petition to save Cherry Creek Elementary

SPRINGVILLE – A student-led effort to oppose the proposed closure of Cherry Creek Elementary is gaining traction in Springville. Ten-year-old Willow Copeland, the fourth-grader at the center of the growing movement, is raising questions about what would be lost if the school were to shut its doors. “What made me start this petition was the school shutting down. And just knowing that all the kids are going to get lost with these changes, or get really sad about this, or unsure about all the changes,” Willow Copeland said. “I just was like, this will be a great way to try to [make] those changes, and those things that could happen don't happen. Willow says the possibility of Cherry Creek Elementary closing feels unfair, especially for younger students who may never get the same experience. "I definitely feel like it's unfair or it's not right for them to do this,” Willow Copeland said. “It makes me really sad to know that my school could shut down and that all the younger kids, like my brother, wouldn't be able to experience the education and all the fun stuff that Cherry Creek does." As a Title I school, Cherry Creek receives federal funds for student programs, something the petition says contributes to academic success. During a public petition signing, Willow's father says the impact of a closure goes beyond academics. "It's important to me because I'm concerned about the students of Cherry Creek. I'm concerned about the at-risk youth and their mental health,” said Jim Copeland, Willow's father. “I haven't seen a plan from the school board as to how they're going to address those children, especially with Title I funding going away." Cherry Creek Elementary is the city's only school with the "Leader in Me" program, something Copeland says directly empowered his daughter to speak out. “The leader in me program is a leadership program for the kids that instills confidence and leadership skills,” Jim Copeland said. “Because of those skills, my daughter's had the confidence to start this petition." As the petition grows, Willow hopes her message is heard. The next board meeting is on Wednesday, April 15th.

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