Tri-Lakes Education News

BRANSON SCHOOLS

Branson Schools: Honoring service and sacrifice during Veterans Week

Branson Schools honored those who have served our country during Veterans Week - a cherished district tradition filled with gratitude, learning and heartfelt celebration.

Across every campus, students and staff took time to recognize the courage and commitment of our nation's heroes through assemblies, performances, service projects and special ceremonies.

Buchanan Elementary’s third-grade ambassadors led a touching White Table ceremony, helping younger students understand the meaning behind this time-honored military tradition.

Cedar Ridge Elementary welcomed Branson School Board member, Dr. Alex Williams, as he spoke about his time as a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot and his service in the Missouri Army National Guard.

The annual Buchanan Intermediate Veterans Parade filled the halls with cheers as veterans and their families were celebrated by students waving flags and sharing smiles. This is the 10th year celebrating this tradition.

Cedar Ridge Intermediate’s Honor Choir delivered a powerful patriotic performance, and students listened intently as guest speakers shared stories of courage and sacrifice, deepening their understanding of what it means to serve.

At Branson Junior High, the annual Veterans Day program honored local heroes and highlighted the importance of gratitude and remembrance. Guest speaker and teacher Mr. Brian Farrell (Army) shared his story and explained the meaning behind Taps and the folding of the American flag. The ceremony concluded with eighth grade student Alex Long performing Taps on trumpet, followed by the flag folding conducted by Mr. David Horton (Army) and School Protection Officer Mr. Bryce Mattes (Army).

GO CAPS students volunteered their time at the Veterans Village and heard many stories from local Veterans.

Branson High School students and staff were honored to welcome guest speakers Joshua and Amanda Kushen. Both are veterans and are also parents of students currently attending Branson Public Schools, making their presence especially meaningful to our students and community. Joshua served in the U.S. Army from 2014 to 2022, holding multiple positions throughout his service. Amanda is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force, with her duty beginning in 2020. Their message reminded students that service comes in many forms - through dedication, compassion and community.

The AFJROTC cadets played a central role throughout Veterans Week, presenting Honor Guards across the district and proudly leading the 92nd Annual Branson Veterans Day Parade alongside The Pride of Branson Bands, whose performances filled the streets with patriotic pride.

From our youngest learners to our graduating seniors, Branson Schools embraced the true meaning of Veterans Week: honoring sacrifice, celebrating service, and learning the value of gratitude. Together, we continue to remind our students that it’s always the right time to honor our veterans.

FORSYTH SCHOOLS

Forsyth Chess Team hosts first tournament 

On Saturday, November 1, the Forsyth Chess Club hosted their first invitational tournament at Forsyth High School, with eight schools participating along with a homeschool student.  

The Forsyth HS team captured first place in the K-12 division; second place went to Mountain Grove HS, and third place to Monett HS. Forsyth students in the top 10 individual finishers were Wyatt Miller, second, Max Merrell, sixth, and Riley Holmberg, seventh. 

In the K-8 division, the first-place trophy went to Monett; second place to Willow Springs; and third place to Forsyth Middle School. Forsyth’s Garrett Chambers went undefeated to win first place overall, and Joshua Fisher placed sixth.  

Chess at Forsyth is coached by Philip Thomas, Eric Boston and Dr. Michael Lewis. Mr. Thomas, who has coached chess at other schools and taught the game at the Library Center of the Ozarks, said he is pleased with the students’ enthusiasm, with the team now in its third year. Meetings are held after school on Tuesdays and are open to any middle school or high school student, regardless of skill level or previous experience.

REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS

Rotary Club provides dictionaries to Stone County third graders

The Rotary Club of Table Rock Lake is helping strengthen literacy in local schools. The club provided personal dictionaries to third graders in Blue Eye, Crane, Galena-Abesville and Reeds Spring. The project is part of a longstanding partnership with The Dictionary Project, an organization dedicated to helping students become strong writers, active readers, creative thinkers and resourceful learners.

“The students are always excited and grateful when they receive their dictionaries,” said Rotary Club member Ben Fisher. “We know this donation will support their learning, and we’re proud to support our local schools.”

Reeds Spring students to perform ‘Mary Poppins,’ Nov. 20-23

The Reeds Spring High School Theatre Department will perform “Mary Poppins: The Musical” from Thursday, November 20 - Sunday, November 23. The shows begin at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday at the Reeds Spring Middle School Auditorium. The Sunday matinee begins at 2:30 p.m.

Admission is $5 for students and $8 for adults. Tickets are available at the door. The theatre department would like to thank 417 Lumber for donating the wood used to create the set.

Reeds Spring School District recognizes veterans

Patriotism filled the Reeds Spring Middle School Auditorium on November 7, as the district held its annual veterans assembly.

The event featured musical performances by the high school choir, middle school choir and fourth-grade students.

Kimberling City Police Chief Todd Lemoine, who is a veteran, spoke to students about his experiences and the sacrifices of our servicemen and women.

Veterans who attended the assembly each stood and were recognized. A slideshow also recognized the Reeds Spring School District staff members who are veterans.

Reeds Spring Elementary School Learners of the Month of October

Second grade: Daxton Coleman, William Thompson, Caleb Eckerle, Dawson Santos, Leighton Vahle, Lucas PickerillThird grade: Delilah Redington, Aveline Emerson, Ryne White, Miguel Contreras, Preston Clopton, Carter WachobFourth grade: Abigail Patrick, Alicen Paulsen, Lucy Lemaster, Ashlynn Johnson, Jules Schneider-Behn

TABLE ROCK CAREER CENTER

Sheriff’s office donates patrol car to Criminal Justice Program

Students preparing for careers in law enforcement will now gain hands-on experience with real equipment. The Stone County Sheriff’s Office has donated an out-of-service patrol car to the Table Rock Career Center’s Criminal Justice program.

“We're firm believers in this criminal justice program. It serves all the schools in Stone County, so we’re investing in future law enforcement,” said Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader.The car is a 2007 Ford Crown Victoria. Instructor Bryan Miller says he and the students are eternally grateful for the donation. “We're going to utilize it to teach students proper approach on vehicle stops, proper care of equipment, and how to transport prisoners in the back seats,” Miller said. “This opens up a whole lot of new possibilities for us in the program.”This is the first year for the Criminal Justice program at TRCC. The career and technical school serves juniors and seniors from 11 schools in Stone, Taney, and Christian counties.