Education News from Around the Region
BRANSON SCHOOLS
Branson educator named ‘Out of This World’ Teacher
(SUBMITTED TO BRANSON GLOBE)
The most recent “Out of this World Teacher” is from Branson Junior High School.
Kenny Ash, an eighth grade History teacher was named the Central Bank Out of this World Teacher for the month of October.
Ash was presented with gifts from Heroes Tastes and Taps, the IMAX Complex and Legends 106.3. He was also interviewed live on the Upside with Josh and Them and received a plaque from The Sign Man.
Each month, Central Bank selects an educator from Stone or Taney County that goes above and beyond to rocket their students to success. To nominate your favorite teacher, visit legends1063.fm, click on the Promotions tab and submit your nomination for Out of this World Teacher.
Pirates’ loss means end of football season
(BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer)
Branson’s Football Pirates came to the end of their season last weekend in post-season play when they were defeated by the Neosho Wildcats. The hard-fought game left the Pirates coming up short last Friday, with a final score of 34 - 31.
The loss meant the end of the Pirates’ nine-game winning streak.
The team ended their season with an impressive 9 - 2 record, and put much hard work into this season.
Congratulations, Pirates, on a great season!
COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS
College of the Ozarks to host Louis Freund Program at Ralph Foster Museum on Nov. 14
(SUBMITTED TO BRANSON GLOBE)
College of the Ozarks will host the Louis Freund Program on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 2 - 3 p.m. at Ralph Foster Museum in the Edwards Art Gallery.
Entry to the event is included in the price of admission to the museum. Admission to the museum is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for Veterans, and free for high school age and younger.
Louis and Elsie Freund were artists whose creativity and partnership helped shape the art community in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Through their artwork and contributions to the region, the Freunds left a legacy that continues to be celebrated through programs and exhibits highlighting the Ozarks’ artistic and cultural heritage.
The Louis Freund Program is a multimedia production featuring a recorded interview of Louis Fruend from the 1990s, accompanied by artwork and historic images of what he discusses. The Ralph Foster Museum houses many pieces of their artwork. The Freunds passed away in the late 1990s, and their legacy continues to be treasured by many.
The event will be presented by Jeff Danos, director of the Eureka Springs Historical Museum.
“This program occurred through the museum’s networking with other historical institutions,” said Alison Moore, presidential fellow at the Ralph Foster Museum and temporary administrative assistant to the provost. “The partnerships we have with other community members allows us to host programs that invite guests from all over the Ozarks to learn more about the fascinating heritage of the region. The Ralph Foster Museum looks forward to hosting many more events like this to share more stories of interest.”
It is open to all members of the public, but is targeted towards those interested in folk art and history of the Branson and Eureka Springs areas.
“This program is sure to be of interest to those with a love for the Ozarks,” said Tom Debo, Ralph Foster Museum curator.
CRANE SCHOOLS
Crane Pirate Choir overcomes nerves to perform at Branson Gala (BY SARAH POWELL, Staff Writer)
The Crane Pirate Choir recently celebrated an exciting milestone, performing in front of a large audience for the first time as a choir at the Boys and Girls Club Gala in Branson.
The students represented Crane School with pride as they took the stage for the special event. While performing in front of a large crowd for the first time brought some understandable nerves, the young singers rose to the occasion and delivered a performance that left their school community celebrating their accomplishments.
Crane School shared its excitement following the performance, stating, “Proud is an understatement! Our Pirate Choir did amazing at the Boys and Girls Club Gala in Branson tonight! First time singing as a choir in front of a huge crowd. They were nervous but overcame! It was a great night!”
The performance provided the students with an opportunity to showcase their musical talents while gaining valuable experience performing before a larger audience. For young singers, stepping onto a stage in front of a crowd can be intimidating, but experiences like this help build confidence, encourage teamwork and create lasting memories.
As a choir, the students had to work together, listen to one another and trust in the preparation that brought them to the performance. Their ability to push through their nervousness and give their best effort made the evening a meaningful accomplishment for the group.
The Pirate Choir’s performance at the gala was more than just a musical appearance. It was a moment for the students to grow, challenge themselves and represent their school and community.
Congratulations to the Crane Pirate Choir on a successful performance! Their hard work, courage and willingness to step outside their comfort zones made for a memorable night in Branson. The Crane community has every reason to celebrate these talented young performers and look forward to hearing more from them in the future.
GALENA SCHOOLS
Galena Elementary wraps up 2026 Lil’ Ballers’ season
(BY SARAH POWELL, Staff Writer)
Galena Elementary celebrated the conclusion of its 2026 Lil’ Ballers season this week, wrapping up another successful season filled with basketball, teamwork and fun for its young athletes. The final morning of the season gave students an opportunity to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments while showing off the hardware they earned along the way. From learning new skills to building confidence and developing friendships, the Lil’ Ballers program provided students with an opportunity to enjoy the game while learning valuable lessons both on and off the court.
According to Galena Elementary, all of the participating students did a wonderful job throughout the season and were excited to show off their awards during the closing celebration.
The school also recognized the many individuals and organizations who helped make the league possible. Volunteers, coaches and visiting teams from other schools all played an important role in providing students with the opportunity to participate and grow through the program.
“We wrapped up the 2026 Lil’ Ballers season this morning! All of our kiddos did great and were excited to show off some hardware,” the school shared.
The school added its appreciation for everyone who volunteered their time, coached, or brought teams from other schools to participate, noting that their support is appreciated more than they know.
REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS
Reeds Spring Middle School Students of the Month
(SUBMITTED TO BRANSON GLOBE)
Every month, Reeds Spring Middle School highlights the importance of one of the “7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens,” based on Sean Covey’s book.
October’s habit was Begin with the End in Mind. The monthly winners received cookies, a water bottle, a T-shirt and lunch courtesy of Branson Bank.
The RSMS Students of the Month for October are Jordan Durrer, Hunter Wilmsmeyer, Zailee Cober and Kaiden Toolen. (Photo courtesy of Reeds Spring Schools)
Reeds Spring Primary School Learners of the Month
(SUBMITTED TO BRANSON GLOBE)
Top row left to right: Jameson Ingwerson, Jaiylee Kohn, Phoebe Pickerill, Natalie Sullivan, Ezra Tibbets, Lane Todd
Bottom row left to right: Isla Cole, Dalilah Gregory, Miana Harley, Arya Kothawala, Nicco Westerfield, Calla Williams (Photos courtesy of Reeds Spring Schools)
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