Tri-Lakes Education News
- Submitted to Branson Globe
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
BRANSON SCHOOLS
BHS Performing Arts Department presents ‘Clue’
The Branson High School Performing Arts Department will present the fall play, “Clue.” Performances are scheduled November 6 at 7 p.m. and November 8 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Branson High School auditorium. The students are under the direction of Erin Moody.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students, and can be purchased by visiting bransonhighschooltheatre.ludus.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on the night of the performance.
Will you figure out whodunit before the final twist? With a colorful cast, plenty of twists and nonstop laughs, Clue promises an unforgettable theatrical experience for the entire family.
COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS
College of the Ozarks hosts Shannon Bream, Fox News anchor and bestselling author, for Fall Convocation
College of the Ozarks featured Shannon Bream, anchor of FOX News Sunday and New York Times bestselling author, as this year’s speaker for the Leonard B. and Edith Gittinger Convocation on Oct. 9. Through The Keeter Center for Character Education, the annual Fall Convocation provides an opportunity for the College to host nationally recognized leaders to share their life stories with students, emphasizing the importance of faith, perseverance and good character.
A fireside conversation
The convocation was held in The Howell W. Keeter Gymnasium and took the form of a fireside chat. Bream was joined on stage by Laura Lacey Johnson, First Lady of the College, who served as interviewer. Their conversation offered students, alumni and community members an engaging and personal look into Bream’s career, her faith and the lessons she has learned along the way.
“There are times in your life when you’re walking through disappointment or waiting on God, but being able to see along the way that God has abundantly prepared things beyond what I could expect has been so much of my life,” Bream said. “There was a time when I thought that as long as I did everything right as a Christian, life would be easy. And somehow, I had missed the part where even the Lord says, in this life you will have trouble, but have no fear for I’ve overcome.”
Bream also reflected on the value of hard work, earning a college degree and the exceptional character of College of the Ozarks students.
“Students at College of the Ozarks already know what it is to show up, work hard and be professional,” Bream said. “If I saw this college at the top of someone's resume, that would be who I'd want to hire. So, you're already entering the game far ahead of your peers.”
The evening began with a welcome from Dr. Sue Head, vice president for cultural affairs and institutional advancement, followed by the Presentation of Colors by the College of the Ozarks Bobcat GOLD students. Isaac Todd, School of the Ozarks senior, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Rebekah Flora, senior elementary education major, gave the invocation. College of the Ozarks choir then performed “Blessings” by Laura Story, led by Gregg Busch, associate professor of music. School of the Ozarks K-6 students also performed a special song about Shannon’s life, written and led by Jennifer Carey, assistant professor and curriculum director at School of the Ozarks.
Special awards and honors
In addition to the fireside chat, the College recognized three leaders whose work has significantly impacted Christian media and ministry by honoring them with The Light the Way Culture Shaper Award. Each honoree was presented with a stained glass piece, each custom-made by students from the College of the Ozarks Stained Glass & Candle Shop.
Bill Abbott, president and CEO of Great American Media, was honored for his groundbreaking leadership in creating family-friendly entertainment platforms, including Great American Family, GFAM+, Great American Faith & Living and Great American Pure Flix. Abbott was presented with his award by Peyton Gold, senior marketing major at College of the Ozarks. Troy A. Miller, president and CEO of National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), was recognized for his dedication to advancing Christian communications worldwide. Under his leadership, NRB continues to equip and advocate for broadcasters who faithfully share biblical truth through media. Miller was presented with his award by Hope Powers, senior psychology major at College of the Ozarks. Jennifer Rothschild, nationally known Bible teacher, author and speaker, received recognition for her extraordinary testimony of faith and encouragement. Rothschild’s award was presented by Madyson Reinke, senior accounting major at College of the Ozarks.
Throughout the convocation, students played an active role in welcoming guests, offering prayers and sharing their talents. At the conclusion of the evening, Hannah Kochendorfer, senior business administration major, presented Bream with a custom stained glass piece, a tradition that reflects the College’s emphasis on student craftsmanship and gratitude.
College of the Ozarks to host 47th annual auction, October 25
College of the Ozarks will host its 47th annual auction on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, beginning at 9 a.m. at the transportation department parking lot. Concessions will be available for purchase from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The auction, conducted by Holders Auction Service of Butterfield, Missouri, will feature hundreds of items ranging from vehicles and equipment to household goods and antiques. The sale will continue until the last item is sold.
Highlights for this year’s auction include:
Vehicles such as a 2002 GMC 4x4 pickup, 2011 Chevrolet 2500 and 2002 Ford F-350
A simulated rock-climbing wall
A snowplow, skid steer and backhoe
Commercial kitchen equipment including stoves, chafers and microwaves
Sleeper sofa mattresses
Daycare items such as children’s tables, chairs, cots and tricycles
Antique and collectible items including books, tools and rugs
Organizers say each year brings something new and exciting.
“We look forward to seeing the community come out to this fun event each year to support the College,” said Chelsea Couey, operations support coordinator.
The auction will take place at the College of the Ozarks, located three miles south of Branson on U.S. Highway 65. Attendees should take the Hollister exit and follow campus signage to the transportation department parking lot. For photos and additional auction details, visit the Holders Auction Service Facebook page or the auction listing.
College of the Ozarks to host ‘A Taste of Student-Made’ on October 18
College of the Ozarks invites the community to join and experience “A Taste of Student-Made,” formerly known as the Fall Open House, on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This annual event hosted by the College celebrates the innovation, creativity and hard work of the student workers across the campus. A Taste of Student-Made will showcase exclusive fall merchandise, live demonstrations, free samples and special savings throughout the day. The public is invited to experience the old-fashioned Grist Mill, Stained Glass & Candle Shop, and more
“We are honored to share our hard work with the community and give them firsthand opportunities to enjoy these products,” said Kiley Hutcheson, director of retail operations. “This is our way of showing how much pride we take in what we create, and how every product tells a story.”
The event will start at 11 a.m. at the Keeter Center Gift Shop, where guests are invited to explore and sample the new fall products made by student workers. At 11:15 a.m., Angie Ioannides, food safety and production manager, will present a live demonstration titled “Step by Step: Easy, Seasonal Appetizers.” Following this demonstration, there will be a Q&A session at 11:45 a.m.
From noon to 1:15 p.m., guests are encouraged to tour the campus production industries. This includes Edwards Mill, the Stained Glass and Candle Shop, and the Keeter Center. At these locations, visitors can sample products, view live student work, and take advantage of the event-only savings.
At 1:15 p.m., Chad Dardenne, milling manager at Edwards Mill, will present “Discover the Process and History of Edwards Mill,” followed by a Q&A session.
Throughout the day, visitors are encouraged to enjoy all the activities at student-industries. Products are available for purchase online at store.cofo.edu.
REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS
RSHS Golfer wins district tournament
Reeds Spring High School’s Saylor Johnson won the Class 2 District 3 Golf Tournament, held on October 8 at Bill and Payne Stewart Golf Course in Springfield. Johnson shot an 80, five strokes better than the second-place finisher. She is the first Reeds Spring golfer to win an individual district championship in almost 30 years! Johnson will now compete at the state championship on October 20-21 in New Bloomfield, MO, just outside of Jefferson City.
Earlier in the week at the Mid-Lakes Conference Tournament, Reeds Spring finished third, improving by 20 strokes from last year. Saylor Johnson finished ninth and was awarded Second Team All-Mid-Lakes Conference honors.
Tennis The Lady Wolves beat Hillcrest 7-2 and lost to Willow Springs 6-3. In the individual district tournament, no players advanced.
Volleyball The RSHS volleyball team beat Forsyth 3-1 and lost to Monett 3-2.
Football The Wolves lost to Fair Grove 56-28. Blake Murphy had three rushing touchdowns. Kaden Evans tossed a touchdown pass to Izek Hays, and Aiden Wohletz kicked four extra points.
Cross Country At Branson, the cross-country team finished fifth overall. Connor Love placed 12th, Max Hirschi 19th, and Ronnie Jo Clouse 30th.
Wolf Pack Foundation awards record number of grants to Reeds Spring staff
The Wolf Pack Foundation has awarded 28 classroom grants to Reeds Spring School District staff members, the most in the Foundation’s history. Each grant, worth up to $500, supports projects that enhance student enrichment and create unique learning experiences across all grade levels.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
Primary School:Amanda Honea, Amy Chaplin, Carrie Dresslaer, Kaytlin Webb, Kristal Schaefer, Lori Konkol, April Huddleston, Jenny Tinnes and Callie Lewallen
Elementary School:Ashley Gossen, Christa Ball, Jeanne Sadler, Liz Enochs, Nichole Moschner, Xann Boyd and Morgan Miller
Intermediate School:Autumn Sommese, Renee Waters, Tracy DuBuque and Jessica Robinette
Middle School:Katie Wilson, Molly Illum and Shane Corporon
High School:Crystal Seiler, Cyndi Trimble, Misti Langston, Josh Garoutte, Megan Nelson, Richard White, Josie O'Hara and Andrew Dettmer
Table Rock Career Center:Chris Stober, Chris Jenkins and Jennifer NoriegaIn total, these grants represent $14,500 in support for innovative teaching ideas, another record for the Wolf Pack Foundation. Since 2010, the Foundation has invested nearly one million dollars in Reeds Spring students and staff, helping educators bring creativity, curiosity and hands-on learning to life.