Memorial Baptist Church identified a need and found a way to make a difference at Eugene Field through Bright Futures Poplar Bluff. 

Congregation members fabricated dozens of sound panels and installed them in the elementary school gymnasium over the summer in order to improve the experience during annual community events like Leadership Day. 

“Improving the sound was a pie in the sky type of idea that we never thought would be possible due of fiscal constraints,” said Jennifer Taylor, Eugene Field principal. “Through the mission of Bright Futures and the contribution from Memorial Baptist, the sound quality has been greatly improved for students and faculty who are going to reap the benefits for years to come.” 

Memorial Baptist only paid a fraction of the estimated $18,000 the project would cost if done commercially, according to Family Pastor Tim Ingle. Church members tailored the cloth for the boards, which were constructed in Worship Pastor Scott Cheshire’s shop. A lift was rented to attach the 36 panels to special piping hanging from the ceiling. 

Senior Pastor Dennis Ward has been a member of the Bright Futures Advisory Board since the organization’s foundation in 2014, with church representation on Eugene Field’s Site Council. He said he did not know whether such in-kind contributions were welcomed until becoming involved with the nonprofit, which partners with churches, businesses, social service agencies and parents to meet the physical needs of students so they can focus on academics. 

“Bright Futures brought the faith-based back in schools,” Ward stated. “Then it was just about finding out how we can help, and showing up.” 

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Cutline: (From left) Tim Ingle, Dennis Ward, Jennifer Taylor and Bright Futures Co-Adviser Donna Moore stand in the gym under the new sound panels.