Tri-Lakes Education Briefs

Branson Schools

Seven Pirates commit on spring signing day

Branson High School saw seven seniors sign to various colleges and universities. Congratulations to each of these Pirate athletes!

Nguyen, Sears, Holloway, Alms, Culver, Bough, Gillespie (Photo submitted)

Kaylor Alms: Harding University, Track & Field

Peyton Bough: College of the Ozarks, Track & Field

Jayce Culver: Link Academy, Basketball

Brody Gillespie: Link Academy, Basketball

Macy Holloway: Hannibal LaGrange, Soccer

Steven Nguyen: Drury, Soccer

Joplin Sears: Drury, Stunt

Branson Schools: ‘Thank you, principals!’

(Photo submitted)

Every May 1 we celebrate the fearless captains of our school ships - our principals! They set the building tone and elevate everyone so our students can succeed. They lead with heart and humor, and they cultivate a lasting legacy for their building and our district. Thank you, principals for your servant leadership!

Branson HS and Hollister HS: Seniors serving seniors

Branson High School and Hollister High School seniors teamed up for a special event that brought fellowship and friendly competition to the seniors at The Bungalows at Branson Meadows.

Students and residents participated in a luau-themed Cornhole Tournament. Dressed in leis and tropical attire, they shared laughs and stories, making for an unforgettable afternoon. Branson High School Principal Jack Harris shared, “This event brought together soon-to-be graduates with our local senior citizens. This was a fun-filled day of service that embodies what our district stands for as “A Community Committed to Learning.”

Jennifer Tiner, Community Engagement Director at The Bungalows at Branson Meadows, hopes to make this event an annual tradition. “What a joy to see this intergenerational integration,” shared Tiner. “We got to see first-hand the positive impact these students made, and judging from the laughs and smiles, it was evident that each participant truly had a wonderful time.”

Hollister Schools

Hollister Band students earn medals at MSHSAA State Solo and Ensemble Festival

Hollister High School is proud to announce that four of its talented band students earned medals at the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) State Solo and Ensemble Festival, held in Columbia, MO, on May 1, 2025.

Hreha, Teter, Stevens, Whittington (Photo submitted)

Three senior students received silver medals for their outstanding performances. Ezra Hreha, a senior alto saxophone player, Kevin Teter, a senior French horn player, and Ben Stevens, a senior soprano clarinetist, all showcased their musical skills at the prestigious state-level competition.

Additionally, freshman Bella Whittington earned a bronze medal for her exceptional flute performance, marking a significant achievement early in her high school music career.

Hollister choir students shine at Missouri State Solo and Small Ensemble Contest

Four talented students from the Hollister High School Choir Department participated in the prestigious Missouri State Solo/Small Ensemble Contest at the University of Missouri on May 1, 2025. Their outstanding performances earned remarkable results, showcasing the dedication and skill of Hollister’s vocalists.

Gallaher, Sansoucie, Gardner, Steinagel (Photo submitted)

Seniors Julia Gardner and Tabitha Steinagel received Gold, the highest ranking possible at the contest, in recognition of their exceptional vocal performances. This achievement reflects their years of hard work and commitment to their craft.

In addition, Junior Ashley Sansoucie and Sophomore Kira Gallaher earned Silver, a commendable result that sets them on track for even greater success in the coming years. Both students are eager to return next year to achieve Gold.

Hollister educator selected for prestigious educator institute

Griessel (Photo submitted)

Mr. Travis Griessel, Hollister High School Social Studies Teacher, has been selected to participate in the esteemed Principles of the American Revolution Educator Institute, in partnership with PBS LearningMedia, hosted by the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The event will take place from Sunday, July 20 to Friday, July 25, 2025.

The National Constitution Center, renowned for its role in educating about the Constitution, offers this unique opportunity for educators to deepen their understanding of constitutional history and its contemporary relevance. During the weeklong institute, participants will work alongside constitutional scholars and pedagogical experts to explore the American Revolution’s principles and the foundational ideas that shaped the United States’ Constitution.

Hollister students of the month for May

Hernandez, Green, Gray (Photo submitted)

Lyla Gray, kindergarten at Hollister Early Childhood Center

Zeke Green, second grade at Hollister Elementary School

Jonathan Hernandez, eighth grade at Hollister Middle School

Gibsyn Penny, senior at Hollister High School

Hollister School District retirement reception, May 14

Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 14, and plan to join us in the HSD Central Office Training Facility between 3:30 and 5 p.m. as we honor our 2025 Hollister School District retirees. This is a come-and-go event.

2025 Hollister School District retirees:

HSD: Dr. Brian Wilson and Kim Connell

HHS: Melissa Lani Jackson and Scott McAfee

HES: Becky Lytle, Kerrie Woods and Lori Carroll

HECC: Sue Chinn

Reeds Spring Schools

Reeds Spring Elementary Learners of the Month

TOP: Second grade - Payton Stultz, Romina Young, Gabriel Stults, Lewis Alverson, Kolton Gouldy, Kylee Leimkuehler, Andrea Najera; MIDDLE: Third grade - Jocelyn Oubre, Elijah Qualls, Juniper Frieze, Kinley Conner, Ross Lewis, Olivia Simpson; BOTTOM: Fourth grade - Kaydence Moody, Ava Whitworth, Lincoln McEwen, Vincent Harter, Georgia Mackie (Photo submitted)

Reeds Spring Middle School Students of the Month

Top row: Rayleigh Ball, Emma Bentrup, Paxton Pennepacker. Bottom row: Elizabeth Ross, Warren Smith, Chris Winfrey  (Photo submitted)

Reeds Spring Primary School Learners of the Month announced

Leighton Vahle, Anderson Algya, Tugg Norton, Caleb Eckerle, Nastasia Robinson, Mavis Daily, Jaxon Rainey, Bradley Huggins, Jace Pryor, Mattix Cook, Lillyanna Martin, Iris Lee, Declan Rodriguez

Reeds Spring Middle School PACK Pledge students recognized

Reeds Spring Middle School students have been asked to follow the PACK Pledge this year: P - Prepared, A - Accountable, C - Considerate, K - Kind

These students were recognized in April: Abigail Boersma, Ayden Chaplin, Bentley Ely, Haydon Fite, Brody Graves, Max Hallum, Piper Ingle, Carsen Kawsh, Riley Little, Zoey Morey, Kenadee Qualls, Olivia Simms, Leia Smith, Abby Hamilton, Isobel Inselman

Jim Holt receives Wolf in the Darkness Award

The Wolf Pack Foundation gave its annual Wolf in the Darkness Award to Jim Holt, a longtime Reeds Spring resident and school employee. The announcement was made at the Reeds Spring School District’s Excellence Award Banquet on May 3.

The Wolf in the Darkness Award is meant for someone who has lived a life of kindness and often makes a big difference in the community without recognition.