The High 5 Foundation brings communities together to support local education
A shared commitment to education is bringing communities together as a new nonprofit foundation works to create opportunities and provide additional resources for students across Stone and Taney counties.
The High 5 Foundation was established to support 14 local public school districts by addressing educational needs that often fall outside traditional school funding. Through community partnerships and fundraising, the organization aims to strengthen classrooms, support students and help schools prepare for the future.
TOP: The High Five Foundation board members and founders: Top row, from left: Jeremy Goggans, Angie Teel, Becky Sellers, Katie Adams, Sarah Rein, Dr. Rob Griffith (on screen) and Nathan Stearns. Bottom row, from left: David Rea, Heather Hermen, John Hagey, Grace Nash and Mindy Honey; MIDDLE: Guests attend the inaugural A Night in the Arts fundraiser held earlier this year; BOTTOM, LEFT: Artist Kristine Westwood creates an original piece during A Night in the Arts; BOTTOM, RIGHT: Members of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra perform during A Night in the Arts earlier this year (Photos courtesy of the High Five Foundation)
Becky Sellers, a founder and planning committee member of The High 5 Foundation, said the idea developed following conversations with school leaders across the two counties. Those discussions identified five areas of need: student support, classroom support, facility gaps, career readiness and secondary education assistance, including senior scholarships.
The effort began taking shape in 2024 during a Hope Grant award ceremony hosted by the Silver Dollar City Foundation. Representatives of area school foundations recognized that although they had worked independently for years, they were often approaching the same businesses and donors for support. By joining forces, they could create one fundraising opportunity that would benefit schools throughout the region rather than relying on separate events and contributions.
"With large state budget cuts, the schools are facing challenges they have never faced before, and the ones who end up suffering are the students," Sellers said. "We are a strong community and will always be a community committed to learning!"
The foundation also hopes to rebuild community connections affected by the COVID-19 pandemic while creating opportunities for businesses, organizations and individuals to support education throughout the region.
The collaboration also opened the door for smaller districts that may not have the same fundraising resources as larger schools. All 14 districts agreed to participate, giving businesses and individuals a way to invest in education across both counties while allowing schools to identify their own needs and priorities.
The foundation's first major fundraiser, A Night in the Arts, was planned and hosted by the Branson Education Foundation, Hollister Schools Foundation and Reeds Spring Wolf Pack Foundation, with the Silver Dollar City Foundation serving as a collaborative partner. The event brought together local schools and community supporters to benefit education across both counties.
Following the inaugural event, organizers formally developed The High 5 Foundation to continue the partnership and provide a lasting structure for the five educational priorities identified by school leaders.
The foundation's website reports that $140,000 was distributed in 2026 to support local education, demonstrating the impact of the community's fundraising efforts.
Sponsors of A Night in the Arts included Silver Dollar City Foundation, CoxHealth, Jocks & Socks, Mac & Anne McGregor, Branson Party Rentals, Back In Time Toys, Big Cedar Lodge, Branson Bank, Central Bank, Ozarks Tech Table Rock Campus, Rea & Associates, Travel & Leisure and others.
Building on that collaboration, the foundation is preparing for its next major fundraiser, The Night of a Million Dreams, scheduled for Sunday, April 11, 2027, at the Branson Convention Center.
The upscale circus-themed evening will feature performances by local students and professionals throughout a transformed ballroom. Guests will enjoy dinner, entertainment and a silent auction featuring student artwork. Black tie attire is encouraged.
Sellers described the upcoming event as "a once-in-a-lifetime entertainment extravaganza involving local students and professionals sharing a wide variety of talents."
The foundation's leadership includes President Heather Hermen, Vice President John Hagey, Secretary Grace Nash and Treasurer David Rea. Additional board members include Angie Teel, Jeremy Goggans, Mindy Honey, Nathan Stearns and Dr. Rob Griffith. Sellers, Katie Adams and Sarah Rein are founders and planning committee members.
Beyond its annual fundraiser, the foundation is helping other area school districts explore establishing their own education foundations, creating opportunities for community involvement and long-term support.
Community members interested in volunteering or serving on committees may email thehigh5foundation@gmail.com. Donations, information about the foundation and tickets or tables for the upcoming fundraiser are available at www.thehighfivefoundation.org.
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