Regional Education News
BRADLEYVILLE / MARK TWAIN SCHOOLS
Silver Dollar City Foundation makes special delivery to area preschoolers
BY AJ FAHR, Staff Writer
On Sept. 8 and Sept. 11, preschoolers in Bradleyville and Mark Twain School Districts received a surprise visit from the Silver Dollar City Foundation.
Students from Mark Twain and Bradleyville schools (Photos courtesy of Mindy Honey of the Silver Dollar City Foundation)
Bradleyville and Mark Twain’s youngest students were over the moon excited when Silver Dollar City Foundation Executive Director Mindy Honey delivered dozens of plush toys recently, according to a press release from the foundation.
Bradleyville School District took to their Facebook page to express their gratitude.
“Mindy Honey, from the Silver Dollar City Foundation, provided animals for our preschool today,” said the Bradleyville school. “The students even got to decorate the animals’ Silver Dollar City shirts! Thank you, Silver Dollar City Foundation.”
Mark Twain School District, in Rueter also posted on social media about the surprise.
“What a great surprise for our Pre-K and Kindergarten class,” stated the Mark Twain School. “And a HUGE thank you to Silver Dollar City Foundation for taking the time to love on our kids!” The children were all smiles, according to Honey.
“You made my day,” one Mark Twain student said as hugged his new stuffed dog tightly.
The toys were given thanks to the generosity of The Bear Factory, according to the press release.
“The foundation had dozens of plush toys with custom Silver Dollar City Foundation t-shirts. Each student had the opportunity to pick out their favorite new toy – from teddy bears and puppies to ducks and kitties – and then decorate the T-shirt,” stated the release.
Honey said she enjoyed bringing these special gifts to the children.
“At Silver Dollar City Foundation, we provide funding to meet the physical needs of students, but this was a fun way to go above and bring some extra joy to kids,” Honey said.
Silver Dollar City Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Silver Dollar City Parks and Resorts. The Foundation works through local schools to help children in Stone and Taney counties.
The Bear Factory is a family-owned plush manufacturer based in Whitmore Lake, Michigan. For 25 years, The Bear Factory has helped organizations around the world create memorable, hands-on experiences through its own plush programs.
BRANSON SCHOOLS
Branson celebrates Homecoming this week
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
This week marks one of the most exciting events of the year—Homecoming—for the Branson Pirates. The Pirates will take on the Parkview Vikings in this year’s Homecoming football game this Friday.
In preparation for the big game, Branson Public Schools have celebrated Homecoming Week, with a variety of fun activities, including Spirit Week, a Homecoming Parade and community-wide pep rally.
On Friday, October 2, the activities begin at 6:30 p.m., with the crowning of the 2026-27 Homecoming Queen, prior to the game. The Homecoming Queen Candidates and Court include: Peyton Lyman (freshman), Madison De La Rosa (sophomore), Nevaeh Moten (junior), Jaidah Schwark (senior), Brynlee Kushen (senior), Isabella Austin (senior), Kenlie Fuller (junior), Bristol Rice (sophomore) and Esther Ponce (freshman).
The big game gets underway at 7 p.m. at Pirate Stadium. The community is invited to cheer on the Branson Pirates during the homecoming celebration. The Pirates also invite you to Help Tackle Hunger at Homecoming by bringing a nonperishable food item or loose change to help stock the BHS Food Pantry.
COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS
College of the Ozarks Jones Theatre Company to present ‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong’
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The College of the Ozarks Jones Theatre Company will present “Peter Pan Goes Wrong” as the fall play, Oct. 9 - 12, in the Jones Auditorium.
Evening performances will take place on Friday, Saturday and Monday — October 9, 10 and 12 — at 7:30 p.m.
An afternoon matinee will take place on Sunday, Oct. 11, at 2:30 p.m.
Ticket prices are as follows: adults, $15; senior citizens, $10; children (ages 18 and under) and non-College of the Ozarks students, $10. College of the Ozarks students, faculty and staff will be admitted free with ID. Associates are free and associate guests are $5.
Tickets may be purchased in advance at jonestheatre.ludus.com.
CRANE SCHOOLS
Crane Trap Team hosts turkey shoot in memory of Daryl McMenamy
BY SARAH POWELL, Staff Writer
The Crane Trap Team recently gathered for a special turkey shoot held in memory of Daryl McMenamy, bringing together members of the community for a day of fellowship, fun and remembrance.
Turkey Shoot (Photos courtesy Crane Schools)
The event was held Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Crane Trap Field on Dodge Hollow Road. The weather provided a beautiful backdrop for the event, helping make the day an enjoyable one for participants and supporters who came out to show their support for the Crane Trap Team.
The turkey shoot was organized not only as a fun community event, but also as a way to honor McMenamy and recognize the lasting impact he had on the trap team and its members.
According to the Crane Trap Team, McMenamy was a tremendous supporter of the team and the young people involved throughout the years. His encouragement and willingness to support the students left a lasting impression on those who had the opportunity to be part of the program.
Following the event, the Crane Trap Team shared its appreciation for everyone who helped make the day successful.
“It turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day for a turkey shoot!” the team stated in a social media post. “The Crane Trap Team cannot thank everyone enough for coming out, showing your support and helping make the day such a success.”
The team also emphasized that the most important part of the event was remembering McMenamy and the support he provided to the students and program.
“Most importantly, thank you for helping us honor and remember a truly wonderful man who believed in and supported these kids and this team,” the post continued.
The team expressed gratitude to everyone who attended and helped create a day filled with “fun, fellowship and memories.”
The turkey shoot served as a meaningful reminder of the relationships built through the Crane Trap Team and the difference community supporters can make in the lives of young people. For those who knew McMenamy and those involved with the team, the event offered an opportunity to celebrate his memory while continuing the tradition of supporting local youth.
Cross Country competes at tough Hermitage Course
BY SARAH POWELL, Staff Writer
The Crane Cross Country team continued its season with a strong showing at the Hermitage Cross Country Meet, where runners faced the challenging “Dam Hill” course.
Crane athletes competed against a large field of runners, with several Pirates earning medals and personal records along the way.
In the high school boys’ 3.1-mile race, Benjamin Morgan finished 21st out of 124 runners with a time of 19:14. His performance placed him among the top runners in a highly competitive field.
The junior high runners competed in a two-mile race. Emmitt Rogers led the Crane boys, finishing seventh out of 128 runners with a time of 12:45 and earning a medal. Jax Blackburn also turned in a strong performance, placing 26th with a personal-record time of 13:44.
Mason Westrip finished 69th with a time of 15:48, while Corbin Simmons completed the race in 15:41, setting a new personal record and finishing 64th.
On the girls’ side, Annabelle Howell earned a third-place finish out of 67 runners, crossing the finish line in 14:13 and setting a personal record in the process. Cloey Gourley also competed, finishing 26th with a time of 17:18.
The Crane team also gave a special shout-out to Corbin Simmons, who ran the race twice and returned to compete in the “Open” race, where he earned a medal on his second run.
With medals, personal records and strong finishes across the team, Crane continues to show determination and hard work as the cross country season moves forward.
GALENA / ABESVILLE SCHOOLS
Annual Fall Carnival supports Galena/Abesville students, teachers
BY JOELENE POWELL, Staff Writer
Fall fun will fill Galena/Abesville Elementary School Oct. 9 as families, teachers and community members come together for an annual tradition that gives back to students throughout the school year.
The Galena/Abesville Elementary Annual Fall Carnival, the school’s largest annual fundraising event, will be held from 5-7:20 p.m. at 54 Medical Springs Road in Galena. The Prince and Princess Crowning will take place at 7:30 p.m., followed by the annual auction.
Preparations are already underway, with students and families participating in donation drives leading up to carnival night. Recent collections promoted by the school have included canned goods, general store items, crackers and Fritos.
Galena/Abesville Elementary PTSO President Sharon Smith said the annual fundraiser helps provide resources for students and teachers while giving families and community members an opportunity to come together in support of the school.
“Community support plays a vital role in making the Fall Carnival successful,” Smith said. “Whether you donate an auction item, become a sponsor, volunteer your time or attend the carnival, every contribution helps support Galena students and teachers.”
Funds raised through the carnival help support student and teacher needs, student scholarships and playground improvements.
Guests can enjoy chili, baked potatoes and hot dogs while taking part in games, raffles and other carnival activities. Pre-K through third-grade students will participate in the Prince and Princess competition, with the crowning scheduled for 7:30 p.m., while fourth- through sixth-grade classes will compete in the Class Battle for the Golden Gourd.
The annual auction will follow the crowning, rounding out an evening of food, fun, community and school spirit.
The PTSO is still accepting auction item donations and offering sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals interested in supporting the annual fundraiser.
If you would like to make a donation, become a sponsor or learn more about the Fall Carnival, there is still time to get involved. Contact the Galena/Abesville Elementary PTSO at galenaptsopresident@gmail.com.
Galena Elementary runners bring home six medals at Spokane meet
BY SARAH POWELL, Staff Writer
Galena Elementary School’s Run Club had a successful night at Spokane last Wednesday, bringing home six medals while showcasing the hard work and determination of its young runners.
Girls and boys teams (Photo courtesy of Galena Schools)
The elementary runners competed in a one-mile race against students from Galena, Spokane, Chadwick and Sparta. The event provided an opportunity for the students to test themselves against strong competition while enjoying time with fellow runners.
On the girls team, Lyla Rice led the way, finishing the one-mile race in 7:52 to capture first place. Annie Stone also earned a medal, finishing second with a time of 8:28. Jade Cloud crossed the finish line in 8:59, good enough for sixth place. Savannah Smith completed the race with a time of 10:19.
The Galena boys also turned in strong performances. Preston Johnson finished second with a time of 6:54, while Nathan Johnson placed third at 7:24. Lane Rice earned fourth place with a time of 7:29. Maverick Essary finished in 8:29, followed by Callahan Teig at 9:23 and Charlie Teig at 10:00.
Altogether, the Galena runners brought home six medals from the competition, while every member of the team contributed to a successful evening.
The school celebrated the runners’ accomplishments, recognizing the effort each student put into the race. Events like these give young athletes an opportunity to build confidence, develop healthy habits and learn the importance of perseverance and teamwork.
The Run Club will return to competition next Wednesday when Galena High School hosts the team’s home meet. After a strong showing in Spokane, the elementary runners will look to continue building on their success while representing Galena with pride.
Congratulations to all of the Galena Elementary runners on their outstanding performances and a memorable night at Spokane.
HOLLISTER SCHOOLS
Hollister students gather for ‘See You at the Pole 2026’
BY AJ FAHR, Staff Writer
Before the first bell rang on Wednesday morning, Sept. 23, students from Hollister Middle and High School gathered at the football field, joining a nationwide and international tradition of student-led prayer.
The students participated in the annual event, ‘See You at the Pole.’ Each year on the fourth Wednesday of September around the country and in some international locations, Christian students gather to pray together. The gathering at the Hollister football field was hosted locally by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
“Students came together for a time of student-led prayer and fellowship before beginning their school day,” Hollister Middle School said in a social media post. “Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning!”
The first See You at the Pole gathering took place in 1990 in Burleson, TX, when a group of Christian teenagers decided to spend time praying for their schools, friends and community. The students traveled to several schools in the area and prayed together.
What started as a small effort soon grew. Students across Texas began organizing similar gatherings at their own schools. On Sept. 12, 1990, the first organized ‘See You at the Pole’ event was held. The first year, more than 45,000 students at about 1,200 campuses in Texas and three other states participated. By the second year, participation had grown to more than 800,000 students. During the 1990s the event became a major annual gathering for Christian students across the country. The tradition eventually spread internationally.
‘See You at the Pole’ is a student-led event, which takes place before school begins. The fact that the event is student-led and participation is not required became particularly significant as the event expanded its reach. This allows students to express their religious freedom with prayer on public school grounds outside of the school day.
For the students gathered at the Hollister football field, the morning was part of a tradition which allowed them to stand with their peers and take time to pray together.
Three Hollister students make District Honor Choir
BY AJ FAHR, Staff Writer
Last week, three Hollister Tigers were selected to become a part of the South Central District Honor Choir.
Choir students auditioned to become a part of the District Honor Choir on Sept. 19 at Kickapoo High School.
Kira Gallaher, Levi Bone and Chance Jensen were chosen to become part of the distinguished choir. The school celebrated the students’ achievement on their social media.
“Congratulations to Kira Gallaher, Levi Bone and Chance Jensen for being selected for the District Honor Choir,” stated the school. “These students earned their spots through an individual audition and will join other outstanding choir students from across our district on Saturday, Nov. 7. They will spend the day rehearsing together before concluding the event with a free public performance that evening.”
During the All District day in November, the top 25 vocalists from the District Choir will audition for Missouri All State Choir. They will need to sing their voice part on “Exultate Justi” for a chance to join the best of the state.
Youngest Tigers encouraged to read with community initiative
BY AJ FAHR, Staff Writer
The Hollister Early Childhood Center and Elementary students are benefiting from a summer book drive.
The Table Rock Community Bank continued commitment to supporting literacy and providing resources for students in the area community. The bank hosted its second annual Launch Into Learning: Community Book Drive throughout the month of July. Some of these books were recently provided to students at the Hollister schools, helping put even more books into the hands of the youngest Tigers.
“We appreciate Table Rock Community Bank and everyone who contributed to this effort and continues to invest in our students,” the Hollister School District said on social media. The bank collected almost 900 new or gently used books, more than double the number collected during the program’s first year.
“We are incredibly grateful to Table Rock Community Bank and everyone in our community who contributed to this year’s book drive,” said Hollister Early Childhood Center Principal Amy Jo Kilgore. “Putting books into the hands of our youngest learners helps build excitement for reading at an early age. We appreciate our community partners investing in our students and helping us continue to build that love of learning.”
The book drive gave the community two opportunities to donate books.
Community members could donate and drop off books at Table Rock Community Bank locations or purchase books requested by participating schools through an online wish list.
According to the Hollister School District, the partnership is another example of the important role local businesses and community members play in supporting students throughout the region.
“Our students benefit in so many ways when our schools and community work together,” said Hollister Elementary School Principal Jenny Hernandez. “These books will be enjoyed by our students while supporting the literacy skills that are so important to their continued success. We are thankful to Table Rock Community Bank and everyone who donated for making Hollister students part of this wonderful community effort.”
Hollister Lady Tigers continue their winning streak
BY AJ FAHR, Staff Writer
The Lady Tigers Volleyball team has been on a streak on the court this season, continuing the success of last season.
In the 2025 season, the Lady Tigers saw a school record with a 29-win season and a shared Mid-Lake Conference Championship. They fell by just two points in the district championship game.
This season, the Lady Tigers led by its senior players; Bella Cavins, Alyssa Danielson, Cambree Hodges and Dreanna Kingore, have seen much success on the court.
On Saturday, Sept. 12, the Lady Tigers took on teams at the Forsyth Volleyball Tournament. They faced off against the Spokane Owls in the first round, winning 2-0. In the second round, they won against the Ava Bears 2-0. In round three, the Tigers secured a win against the Parkview Vikings and a tie in the fourth round against the Bolivar Liberators. In the Championship game the Lady Tigers took the title against Spokane 2-0.
On Tuesday, Sept. 15, the Tigers beat the Lighthouse Sr. High 3-2. Later that week, on Thursday, Sept. 17, the Lady Tigers beat the Reeds Spring Wolves 3-0.
The Tigers participated in the Cabool Invitational Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 19. Facing off against Mountain Grove, Cabool, Salem, Ava Bunker and Thayer. The Tigers went 2-0 against each opponent at the tournament, taking the Championship title.
Last week, on Monday, Sept. 21, the Tigers faced off against the Monett Lady Cubs. The Cubs fell to the Lady Tigers 3-0. On Thursday, Sept. 24, battled against the Fair Grove Eagles. The Tigers took down the Eagles 3-0.
The Lady Tigers are on a definite streak with 17-0-1 on the season. As they move forward in the season, championship titles may be getting clearer in their sights for the season.
Hollister Tigers shine at Ava Cross Country meet
BY AJ FAHR, Staff Writer
The Hollister High Tigers showed up and showed strong at the Ava Cross Country Meet.
The Varsity Lady Tigers brought home some hardware, while recording their best times of the season.
Amya Haley, captured 4th place in the race. Adilita Bracy crossed the finish line in 11th place. Abigail Doyel finished in 19th place.
On the boys’ varsity side, two runners recorded personal-records during the meet; Bodhi Parker and Gage Johnson. Parker led the Tigers with a 4th-place finish. Johnson placed 14th.
Hollister’s Junior Varsity team also had a good showing at the meet. Two JV boys brought home gold and silver. Jeremiih Nunez took 1st place, followed closely by teammate Cruz Timm, who finished 2nd.
The results at Ava reflect determination and productivity for the Hollister High School Cross Country as they continue to compete this season.
HURLEY SCHOOLS
Hurley hosts first-ever cross country meet
BY SARAH POWELL, Staff Writer
Hurley Schools made school history recently by hosting its first-ever cross country meet, bringing runners, families and supporters together for an evening of competition and school spirit.
The inaugural meet featured a strong turnout and plenty of competition, giving Hurley’s cross country athletes an opportunity to compete on their home course while representing the Tigers.
Hurley’s junior high boys team made the most of the opportunity, finishing third as a team and bringing home some hardware. The strong team finish highlighted the effort and determination of the young runners as they competed against athletes from other schools.
Eighth grader Skyler Flood also turned in an impressive individual performance. Flood finished fourth out of 47 runners in his age group, earning a top-five finish in a competitive field.
For Hurley, hosting the meet was about more than the results. It was an opportunity for the school and community to come together and support its student-athletes while giving the cross country program a chance to showcase its hard work.
The successful first meet also provided a memorable experience for the runners, coaches and spectators who helped make the event possible. With a great turnout and strong competition, Hurley’s inaugural meet was a positive addition to the school’s athletic calendar.
As the season continues, the Tigers will look to build on their performance and continue improving with each race. The junior high boys’ third-place team finish and Flood’s fourth-place individual finish gave Hurley plenty to celebrate at its first home cross country meet.
Hurley Schools congratulated all of its runners for their hard work and effort, with the team carrying its Tiger pride into the remainder of the season.
REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS
Reeds Spring Chamber Choir takes on collegiate-level experience at MSU
BY JOELENE POWELL, Staff Writer
One day of music gave 15 Reeds Spring High School singers a glimpse of what their future could sound like.
Members of the Reeds Spring High School Chamber Choir participated in Missouri State University’s Invitational Honor Choir. (Photos courtesy Reeds Spring Schools)
Members of the Reeds Spring High School Chamber Choir recently participated in Missouri State University’s Invitational Honor Choir in Springfield, joining more than two hundred singers representing twenty-four schools.
Students received their music that morning and spent the day rehearsing before coming together to present an evening concert for the community.
Choir Director Hannah Martin said the larger, more advanced choir gave students an opportunity to rehearse with collegiate-level directors, experience a college campus and begin thinking about how music could play a role in their future.
“This is a larger and more advanced choir than these students have experienced before,” Martin said. “We are so proud of how these students carried themselves and performed throughout the day!”
For the Reeds Spring Chamber Choir students, the day offered a unique opportunity to grow as singers, learn under collegiate-level direction and experience music beyond their own classroom.
Reeds Spring celebrates Homecoming with tradition, community and a cause
BY JOELENE POWELL, Staff Writer
School spirit filled the Reeds Spring campus Friday as students of all ages joined the community to celebrate Homecoming traditions, crown a new king and queen and help neighbors in need.
Reeds Spring Schools celebrated Homecoming Sept. 25 with a full day of activities beginning with the Passing of School Spirit. High school seniors and kindergartners met on the football field at 10:30 a.m. and exchanged small gifts, connecting two generations of Wolves through a longtime school tradition.
The annual Homecoming parade started at 2:10 p.m. from Reeds Spring Elementary School. Students, organizations and Homecoming participants traveled past the baseball and softball fields and Reeds Spring Middle School before ending at Reeds Spring High School as families and community members gathered along the route.
(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) Homecoming parade; Students celebrate; Football players in the parade; Izek Hays, leading rusher; Keller Gardner throws touchdown pass; Homecoming royalty Jayden Stevens and Claire Ross (Photos courtesy of Reeds Spring Schools)
Seven pairs of students represented Reeds Spring High School on the 2026 Homecoming Court: Saylor Johnson and Casen Johnson, Alexis Campos and Dane Thierbach, Illyssa Finney-Allen and Noah Lach, Chloe Clevenger and Tyson Phelps, Rilynn Conner and Parker Rodriguez, Addison Pickerill and Liam Quiroz-Woeber and Claire Ross and Jayden Stevens.
Jayden Stevens was crowned the 2026 Reeds Spring High School Homecoming king, and Claire Ross was crowned Homecoming queen before Friday night’s football game.
The Reeds Spring Wolves hosted the Forsyth Panthers for the Homecoming matchup, with Forsyth earning a 41-6 victory.
The evening was packed full of fun and community spirit as Reeds Spring partnered with Christian Action Ministries for Tackle Hunger, turning the friendly rivalry with Forsyth into a fight against hunger in the community. Both schools collected food and monetary donations for CAM, with their combined efforts helping provide meals to more than 1,700 individuals. According to CAM, Forsyth took the win on the football field, while Reeds Spring earned the Tackle Hunger 2026 win.
Christian Action Ministries Assistant Director Laney Tatro said the combined effort brought in more than 200 pounds of food and more than $500, enough to help provide groceries to more than 1,700 individuals. Reeds Spring fans contributed 110 pounds of food and $436, while Forsyth fans donated 115 pounds and $101.
“Friday was such a fun night, and it was so cool to see the Reeds Spring and Forsyth communities come together to support their neighbors in need,” Tatro said. “It’s evenings like this that remind me how special Ozark Mountain Country is.”
School traditions, Friday night football and a community coming together to help its neighbors made this year’s Reeds Spring Homecoming a celebration both on and off the field.
Lady Wolves finish second at Cassville Golf Invitational
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Reeds Spring High School’s girls golf team earned more hardware at the Cassville Lady Wildcat Invitational. The team finished second overall, and Saylor Johnson placed second individually. Earlier in the week, Marina Schrunk finished fifth in the JV tournament in Buffalo. The team placed third overall.
Cross country Freshman Anna Ross set a school record while competing int he Gans Creek Classic in Columbia. She ran 5,000 meters in 18:15. She placed 25th out of 323 runners. Earlier in the week at the Wolves Invitational, a home race, Ross won the event, while her sister Claire Ross placed ninth and Grace Johnson was 11th. For the boys, RJ Clouse placed fifth, Dane Thierbach sixth, Pearce Birlew 14th and Benjamin Bauer 19th.
Girls tennis The Lady Wolves beat Monett 9-0 and lost matches to Mt. Vernon 6-3 and Clever 7-2.
Volleyball The Reeds Spring High School volleyball team beat Cassville 3-1, lost to Spokane 3-0, and lost to Springfield Catholic 3-1.Football The Wolves lost their Homecoming game to Forsyth 41-6. Keller Gardner threw a touchdown pass to Jackson Beaman.
TABLE ROCK CAREER CENTER
Table Rock Career Center Professionals of the Month
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Each month, Table Rock Career Center recognizes students excelling in career and technical education programs. September's Professionals of the Month are Ashton Carter and Joshua Lane.
Lane (top) and Carter (bottom) (Photo courtesy Reeds Spring Schools)
Carter is a senior at Bradleyville High School in TRCC's Collision Repair program. Lane is a junior from Hurley High School who is also in the Collision Repair program.
Table Rock Career Center offers 13 career and technical education programs, serving 11 schools in Stone, Taney, and Christian counties.
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