Lima schools Superintendent Jill Ackerman, left, shows the participation card that will be used for “Spartan Like a B.O.S.S.,” the school district’s new collaboration with Downtown Lima, Inc. aimed at bringing more people to school events and downtown Lima businesses.
Craig Kelly | The Lima News
LIMA — Lima schools and Downtown Lima, Inc. had a similar vision when it came to community engagement: To instill pride among students and residents. A new collaboration between the two entities aims to achieve that goal on a greater scale.
Lima schools and Downtown Lima, Inc. held a joint press conference Wednesday at South Science and Technology Magnet School to announce the new “Spartan Like a B.O.S.S. (Bring On the Spartan Spirit)” contest. Both organizations hope this event, set to run throughout the school year, will help promote a sense of school and community pride while also helping participants discover more of what Lima schools and downtown Lima have to offer.
“This is a school-year-long event to help you show your Spartan pride, experience all the wonderful events that are happening in downtown Lima and to see everything going on within the district,” Lima schools Superintendent Jill Ackerman said.
Participants start by obtaining a “We Love Our Spartans” yard sign to display at their homes or businesses. These signs are available for free at any school building in the district. Along with that sign, participants will be given a card featuring 18 tasks to complete over the course of the school year, including attending school artistic events like Holiday in Harmony or a student art show, attending school athletic events (excluding football and boys basketball), sharing support for the school district on social media and visiting a downtown Lima business.
Every completed task will receive a stamp on the card. Once 12 tasks are completed, that card can be submitted for a chance to win prizes. These prizes include dinner downtown, tickets to a show at Veterans Memorial Civic Center and an overnight stay at the Wingate.
“The students and staff at Lima City Schools are notorious for doing such a great job getting out into the community and being part of the activities that we love to host,” Downtown Lima, Inc. Executive Director Betsy Billingsley said. “A lot of our businesses are already involved with the city schools, so it was a no-brainer to get involved ourselves as an organization.”
A similar contest will also be held with district staff and Lima Senior students.
Yard signs and task cards can also be obtained by calling 419-996-3411 or emailing [email protected]. Cards must be submitted by May 19 to be eligible for the drawing.
SPARTAN LIKE A B.O.S.S. TASKS TO COMPLETE (12 out of 18):
• Take a picture with the yard sign and share via social media and/or email
• Add other Spartan decorations/support on the home exterior and share via email
• Interact with the Spartan Ride bus
• Attend a fall athletic contest (football excluded)
• Attend Holiday in Harmony
• Attend Evening with the Arts
• Attend Senior Concourse
• Attend a student art show
• Attend other student concerts/performances
• Attend a winter athletic contest (boys basketball excluded)
• Eat at the Spartan Inn
• Attend a spring athletic contest
• Write a letter to the editor in support of Lima schools
• Attend a girls athletic contest
• Attend the open house for Public School Week (March 28)
• Share why you support Lima schools on social media (email a screenshot/picture)
• Visit ArtSpace/Lima, the Allen County Museum or the Lima Public Library
• Visit a downtown Lima business and email a photo of yourself at the business
All pictures must include the participant’s name and can be sent to [email protected].
