Regional Education News
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BRADLEYVILLE SCHOOLS
Bradleyville School’s Agricultural Education program offers unique opportunity (BY AJ FAHR, Staff Writer)
The students of the Bradleyville Agricultural Education program have the chance to earn Missouri Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRC).
The Missouri IRCs are portable certificates, certifications or licenses approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), which validates a student’s technical skill competencies in specific occupational areas. These can help students get ahead in career training.
Through the iCEV Certification Testing Platform at the Bradleyville program students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills in several agriculturally driven career paths.
“These certifications give students an opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials while still in high school, helping them build their résumé and prepare for future careers, college, technical training and the workforce,” stated the school in a statement.
According to the school district, the Agricultural Education program offers the following areas of study and certifications: food safety and science, meet evaluation, plant science, principles of floral design, ecology conservation and management, principles of small engine technology, fundamentals of animal science, veterinarian medical applications, equine management and evaluations, fundamentals of conservation and sustainability in agriculture and turf grass science.
“We are proud to offer opportunities that allow our students to turn what they learn in the classroom into skills and credentials they can take with them after graduation,” said the statement.
For more information parents and students may contact the school at 417-796-2288.
BRANSON SCHOOLS
Janelle Miller September 2026 Pirate Proud (BRANSON.K12.MO.US)
Nominated by her colleagues and students’ parents, Mrs. Miller has been an integral part of Branson Schools for 18 years. As a preschool teacher at Cedar Ridge Primary, her impact on our youngest learners is truly immeasurable. During her surprise award presentation, it was shared that when her students were asked what they love most about her, their answer was simple: they “love how you love them.”
Her colleagues’ nomination perfectly captures this dedication: “Janelle is constantly going above and beyond for her kiddos. She loves on them and makes them feel special and seen. She has so much attention to detail in everything she does to make everyday fun and important to her students. Every moment of the day, she is so intentional with the way she treats these kids and talks to them. Every one of them loves her! It is so abundantly evident that this is her passion and calling!” Thank you, Mrs. Miller, for walking in your passion and calling every single day. We are so lucky to have you!
A special thank you to our community partners who made this day particularly special, including Big O Tires, Squeazy, Central Bank of Branson, Branson Bank. If your group or business is interested in sponsoring future Pirate Proud Recognitions, please email communications@branson.k12.mo.us
We celebrate our staff and community members for the incredible job they do to support our district! From our amazing teachers to our dedicated bus drivers to community members and local businesses, Branson is packed with Pirates making a difference for kids and showing outstanding support for Branson Public Schools.
The Pirate Proud nomination form link is: https://bit.ly/3AytT1S
Students and staff celebrate Dolly Parton (BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer)
Buchanan Intermediate School had fun with a recent celebration. September 25 was deemed “Dolly Parton Day,” in recognition of her hit song “9 to 5.”
Students, teachers and staff celebrated the legacy Dolly Parton, who passed away on August 25, 2026, left behind—a legacy of kindness, caring, philanthropy and literacy.
Students learned about the rags to riches story of Dolly Parton’s life and read some of the books Dolly penned. Some students created their own “Coat of Many Colors,” as described in her recording by the same name, while others created sun catchers to represent Dolly Parton.
Staff members donned Dolly Parton shirts, and some even wore costumes in honor of the legend. Teachers and staff enjoyed a Cup of Ambition, thanks to Sonic, in celebration of the day.
Words used to describe Dolly Parton on 9-25 included hardworking, powerful, giving, determined, adaptable, beautiful and kind.
Dolly Parton Day was a day to remember the star who did so much for our community, across the country, and in other parts of the world with her generous giving to all causes near to her heart, and with the creation and constant work on her Imagination Library.
Branson celebrates homecoming with a win
(BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer)
The Branson Pirates celebrated Homecoming last week, with many activities, the highlight being Friday night’s Homecoming football game at Pirate Stadium, when the Branson Pirates took on the Parkview Vikings.
Branson beat Parkview with a final of 55 - 14, and the Pirates were cheered to victory by a large and enthusiastic crowd of students, staff, families and members of the local community. The Homecoming win made it the Pirates’ fourth straight win for the season.
Prior to the game, the Homecoming Queen candidates and court were center stage for their annual crowning ceremony. Brynlee Kushen was selected Homecoming Queen and was crowned by 2025 Homecoming Queen Taylee Wilkerson. Kushen was escorted by Branson Pirates’ Senior Sawyer Wilks.
In the week leading up to the big game, Branson School celebrated with special Spirit Days and a parade and pep rally at The Branson Landing. The theme of this year’s Homecoming was Pirates Assemble.
CRANE SCHOOLS
Cross Country competes at tough Hermitage Course
BY SARAH POWELL, Staff Writer
The Crane Cross Country team continued its season with a strong showing recently 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.
Crane Elementary celebrates students’ attendance
BY SARAH POWELL, Staff Writer
Crane Elementary had plenty to celebrate recently as students and staff came together to recognize accomplishments and encourage positive habits throughout the school.
The school congratulated its Elementary Students of the Month, recognizing students who have demonstrated qualities and behaviors that make a positive difference in their classrooms and throughout the school. Faculty and staff expressed their pride in the students and the example they are setting for their peers.
The celebration continued with a special surprise for all elementary students who were present. As an additional attendance incentive, students were treated to some extra fun as a way to recognize the importance of being at school and participating in the learning experience each day.
The school also held its September Monthly Incentive Day. Students who met their attendance and behavior goals were rewarded for their hard work and commitment. The incentive day gave students an opportunity to celebrate their success while reinforcing the importance of making positive choices at school.
Crane Elementary staff said they enjoy celebrating their students and the many positive things happening throughout the school.
From academic achievements and positive behavior to strong attendance, the celebrations highlight the efforts of students, families and staff working together to make Crane Elementary a place where students can learn, grow and succeed.
FORSYTH SCHOOLS
Homecoming Week at Forsyth wraps up with 24-7 football win (BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer)
Forsyth High School celebrated a week of school spirit during the school’s annual Homecoming festivities. In addition to the parade and pep rally on Tuesday evening, September 29, there were other fun events including a cookie baking competition.
In Friday’s football game, the Panthers came out on top, beating visiting Strafford 24-7 in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd of supporters; and that was just one of the successes by school teams during the week, as FHS Girls’ Tennis captured a tie for the conference championship and the Agriculture department’s Forestry team again won state honors.
Prior to the Friday night game, seniors Hallie Groff and Jacob Stamps were crowned 2026 Homecoming Queen and King. Both are involved in lots of school activities, evident as they took their positions together as drum major and assistant drum major with the band during halftime.
Congratulations to all for a great week!
HOLLISTER SCHOOLS
Hollister High School celebrates its Homecoming (BY AJ FAHR, Staff Writer)
The students at Hollister High School are celebrating their Homecoming this week. This year’s theme is “Miami Nights.”
The students have enjoyed spirit week with spirit dress up days including Teen Beach Movie: Bikers vs. Surfers, Tropical Snowstorm, Neon and Nostalgia. All students across the district are encouraged to join in and show their school spirit for We Wear Blue Friday, a weekly tradition. The annual Community Parade took place on Downing Street on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m., followed by the bonfire.
“Hollister High School is proud to announce its 2026 Homecoming Court as students, staff and the community prepare for a week full of traditional Tiger Pride and celebration under this year’s “Miami Nights” theme. Homecoming festivities began taking place on October 6, ending on October 9. These traditions bring together students, families, businesses and community members in celebration of Team Hollister,” stated Hollister School Communications Relations Mark Waugh in a press release.
The week’s events will culminate in the coronation of the 2026 Homecoming King and Queen at 6:30, before the 7 p.m. kick-off varsity football game on Friday, Oct. 9.
This year’s Queen candidates are Alyssa Danielson, Bella Cavins, Cambree Hodges and Rebecca Barney. The King candidates are Cole Escobar, Isaac Guevara, Owen Houser and Will Lebsock.
Hollister Tiger Band brings home trophies from first competition of season (BY AJ FAHR, Staff Writer)
The Hollister Tigers march to a win in their class at the Pride of the Ozarks Invitational band competition on Saturday, Sept. 26 in Ozark, MO.
Photos submitted by Hollister Schools
The Tiger Band competed against Houston and Sarcoxie in the Class 1A division at the competition. The Hollister band placed first in all three judging categories: Music, Visual and General Effect.
After the class division competition every band performed in the open finals.
“In Open Finals, the Tigers competed against all bands, regardless of band or school size, and earned an impressive Eighth Place Overall! Even more exciting, they received the highest score they have ever earned at this event,” stated the Hollister School on social media. “The Hollister Tiger Band is off to an incredible start. We are so proud of the hard work, dedication and talent our Tiger Band continues to show!”
The Hollister Tiger Band will take on other bands at the Branson Marching Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 10:30 a.m.
REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS
Reeds Spring School District recognizes employee and teacher of the month
(SUBMITTED TO BRANSON GLOBE)
Each month, the Reeds Spring School District recognizes one non-teaching staff member and one certified teacher as Excellence Award winners. The winners for September are Liz Enochs and Carmela Roe. Enochs is a special education teacher at Reeds Spring Elementary School, and Roe is a custodian at Reeds Spring Primary School.
Enochs and Roe (Photos courtesy Reeds Spring Schools)
“Liz’s dedication to her students is evident in everything she does,” said Principal Dr. Laura Weber. “She helps them recognize their strengths, sets meaningful goals and builds the skills they need to be successful.”
“Carmela takes great pride in keeping our building safe, clean and welcoming for our students and staff,” said Primary School Principal Adria Simkins. “Her sweet personality, positive attitude and beautiful smile truly light up our school! Carmela is one of those people who makes a difference every day, often in ways that happen behind the scenes.”
The district accepts Excellence Award nominations from students, staff, parents and community members. You can find the nomination form at www.rs-wolves.com.
Reeds Spring High School hosts marching band festival
SUBMITTED TO BRANSON GLOBE
Twenty-one high school marching bands will show off their musical, marching and visual skills at the 18th Annual Ozark Mountain Marching Festival, scheduled for Saturday, October 17, at Reeds Spring High School.
Wolf Pride Marching Band (Photo courtesy Reeds Spring Schools)
“We are excited to host some of the area’s best marching bands as part of our festival,” said Wolf Pride Marching Band Director Josh Garoutte. “Serving as a competition and a celebration of bands, OMMF 2026 will be a fun and positive experience for all involved. Come on out and cheer for the kids!”
Performances begin at 9 a.m. and last until 9:15 p.m.General admission tickets are available at the following prices:$10 for adults; $5 for senior citizens; $5 for students (with a valid student ID)
The money raised from the festival supports the Wolf Pride Marching Band.
STONE COUNTY SCHOOLS
Five educators representing school districts across Stone County were recognized for the difference they make in the classroom as September Teachers of the Month through the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Clockwise from top left: Enochs, Johnson, Knight, Lawson, and Standlee (Photos courtesy of Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Heidi Johnson of Galena School District, Liz Enochs of Reeds Spring School District, Madison Knight of Hurley School District, Veronica Standlee of Blue Eye R-V School District and Erica Lawson of Crane R-III School District were honored during the Chamber’s September Monthly Member Luncheon.
The Teacher of the Month Program, sponsored by Table Rock Community Bank, recognizes educators from area school districts for their commitment to students, education and their school communities.
Each of the September honorees represent a different Stone County school district, bringing together educators serving students across the county. Johnson was recognized for Galena, Enochs for Reeds Spring, Knight for Hurley, Standlee for Blue Eye and Lawson for Crane.
For Enochs, some of the most meaningful moments in education come from seeing students begin to recognize their own potential.
“I became an educator because I believe every child deserves to have someone in their corner who sees their potential, even on the hard days,” Enochs said. “Some of the most meaningful moments in teaching are not the big accomplishments, but the small steps of growth that show a student is beginning to believe in themselves.”
Blue Eye Superintendent Dr. Kelli Alumbaugh said Standlee’s impact is rooted in the relationships she builds with students and the encouragement she provides when they face challenges.
“What stands out most about Veronica is that she truly cares about kids,” Alumbaugh said. “She builds relationships, celebrates their successes, encourages them when things are difficult, and makes her classroom a place where students know they are cared for.”
The five educators were recognized by the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce during its September luncheon.
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