Area schools prepare for graduation

Area schools are preparing for graduation, as college and high school seniors mark the important milestone that propels them to the next chapter in their lives.

All area schools have special ceremonies planned to honor the 2026 graduates.

College of the Ozarks will hold their commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Howell W. Keeter Athletic Complex on the College campus. A total of 353 students will commence: 83 receiving Bachelor of Arts degrees, 248 with Bachelor of Science degrees and 22 with Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. During the ceremony, one student, John Vollman, will be commissioned as a second lieutenant into the Missouri Army National Guard.  

Carrie Sheffield, a best-selling author, broadcaster and musician will be the guest speaker during the commencement ceremony. Sheffield, a government official, is the author of the book "Motorhome Prophecies: A Journey of Healing and Forgiveness." Sheffield, who resides in Arlington, Virgina, serves on the board of the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

The college previously held a baccalaureate service to honor and celebrate the hard work of each of the graduates.

Reeds Spring High School will present diplomas to 134 graduating seniors on Thursday, May 14.  The Senior Choir will perform the National Anthem. Senior Speakers will be Keaston Chaplin, Kenleigh Weaver, Elizabeth Iselman and Cassandra Waters. The ceremony to honor the Reeds Spring graduates will begin at 7 p.m. at the Mansion Theatre on Branson's Expressway Lane.

Forsyth High School will honor the class of 2026 during a special graduation ceremony on Friday, May 15. A total of 96 seniors will receive their diplomas during the commencement event. Forsyth's graduation is set for 7 p.m. at The Mansion Theatre.

A total of 333 graduates will be celebrated during Branson High School's commencement ceremony on May 15. Speakers for the evening event will be Benjamin Merrifield (National Honor Society President), Luke Transeau (Student Council President), Dr. Nathan Moore (Superintendent of Branson School District), Dr. Sara Strohm (Principal of Branson High School) and Sonja Myer (President of Branson School Board). The Branson High School Wind Symphony, directed by Daniel Jarrett, and the High School Senior Vocal Ensemble, led by Jacob Carlew, will provide music for the ceremony. Branson's graduation is set for Friday, May 15, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Pirate Stadium, weather permitting. In the event of rain, graduation will be held inside.  

May 17 is the date of the Hollister High School graduation. Dr. Kristina Smith, Hollister High School Principal, will address the audience and present diplomas to the 109 graduating seniors. Hollister's all-female JROTC Drill Team will present the colors at the ceremony. Hollister's graduation ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. at The Mansion Theatre in Branson.