employees enter the building

Cape Girardeau Public Schools (CGPS) welcomed all faculty and staff back to work for the annual Opening Day event. The day kicked off with the SEMO cheerleaders serving as door greeters, celebrating a new, exclusive educational partnership with SEMO. 

semo cheer poses for a picture cheerleaders cheer as employees enter the building

Dr. Howard Benyon, CGPS Superintendent, started the morning’s program introducing Cabinet and the Board. Each building had a chance to announce new staff members. The Cape Girardeau Public Schools Foundation and Care to Learn also talked about how each organization supports the District. 


Dr. Carlos Vargas, President of SEMO, had the chance to explain more about the new exclusive educational agreement, granting 20% off tuition for CGPS employees. Dr. Vargas, SEMO marketing reps, and Redhawk cheerleaders tossed tshirts to the crowd and gave sunglasses to every employee.

Dr Vargas speaks to the crowdcheerleaders hand out sunglassestwo people smile for the camera

After serving lunch, staff members had the chance to play games and win prizes in the new indoor practice facility. Prizes were provided by the CGPS Foundation.

delicious food is prepared on the grill

teachers play games in the new indoor facility teachers play games in the new indoor facility