Keeping Robert's Memory Alive In Glasgow

Over the past couple of weeks, children and families visiting the Children's Museum of Northeast Montana have noticed the recent construction on a new exhibit is completed, providing a space for children to funnel their energy by climbing and swinging. Making its debut during a Kids Night Out event on Jan. 20, Robert's Room is now available for kids to have fun and to "Play Like Robert."

Robert Leonardi, nephew of Paul and Jennie Yoakam, of Glasgow, grandson of former Glasgow School teachers Mark and Joy Yoakam, and son of 1996 Glasgow High School graduate Alyce Yoakam-Leonardi and her husband Phil Leonardi, was killed tragically in 2019 at the age of nine, by a hit-and-run motorist near the Leonardi home in Hamilton, Mont. As a way to turn the families' grief around, the Play Like Robert Foundation was established to provide funds to go to things that impact children, such as books and reading programs, sporting equipment, benches, shot clocks and school playground equipment. Books that are donated through the Foundation have a sticker in the inside jacket stating the book has been donated, 'In Loving Memory of Robert A. Leonardi.' With each project that is funded through the Foundation the hope is that parents enjoy the moments with their children and to treasure time. The Foundation has also overseen the creation of the RAL (Robert's initials) Trail in Hamilton, which according to J. Yoakam, has been through a "crazy amount of work and donated time for a walking/running path which is pretty amazing."

Executive director of the Children's Museum Stacey Fast had wanted to update the museum's previous rock wall which was used for 10 years when J. Yoakam reached out to do something in Robert's memory. "Stacey came up with the the idea and concept while I came up with the super hero theme," explained J. Yoakam. "I wanted to do something here in Glasgow to honor Robert. It really makes Alyce happy seeing something tangible in his memory and it brings Alyce and Phil joy to see kids doing these things."

The exhibit includes an updated rock wall, a walk up wall, netted tunnels and hanging bars with a superhero themed background. "Stacey is impressive!," stated J. Yoakam when viewing the exhibit upon completion. When children enter the exhibit, there are two canvas hangings, one designating the exhibit as Robert's Room, with the caption, "This room exists in loving memory of an amazing, fun, kind, adventurous boy named Robert," and photos of Robert and his family. The second canvas shows Robert playing in different environments including him playing on the original Children's Museum rock wall. The canvas also lists the mission statement of the foundation, "connecting people through learning, play and the courage to try."

In addition to this new exhibit keeping Robert's memory alive in the Glasgow area, this past summer Robert's Run occurred on the Glasgow High School track, while the organized run was held in Hamilton at the same time. Those who participated at the Glasgow event got together to walk, run, and play corn hole while also participating in other outside activities. "Robert's Run has been an every year event in Hamilton. Robert was truly a mini-Paul, always active, always amazing and wanted to run," stated J. Yoakam "When we held the event this summer at the high school there was a huge turnout, and my kids got to say, 'this is our cousin Robert.' We plan on doing the Robert's Run here in Glasgow in conjunction with the Hamilton event, which will be Saturday, Aug. 5."

Another way Robert's memory is being kept alive in Glasgow is through the Play Like Robert signs in the Glasgow High School gym and field as P. and J. Yoakam did an endowment and will continue to do, which the Scottie Booster Club supports.

Everything the Foundation and the Yoakam family does at a state and local level is to ensure the memory of Robert continues through the community and generations. "Anything we can do to keep Robert's memory alive we will. Every parent's fear is their child will be forgotten," explained J. Yoakam.