Tri-Lakes Education News
- Submitted to Branson Globe
- 6 hours ago
- 7 min read
BRANSON SCHOOLS
Branson High School Senior earns QuestBridge Match Scholarship
Branson High School is proud to announce that senior Hanah Barnes has been selected as a 2025 QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship recipient, one of the nation’s most competitive full-ride scholarship programs. Through this remarkable achievement, Hanah has matched with Yale University, where she will enroll in Fall 2026.
This year, out of more than 25,000 applicants, 7,000 were named finalists and only 2,550 students earned a Match scholarship.
“I received a notification to check for a status update on my application that morning,” Hanah shared. “Yale was my first choice, so I was extremely ecstatic when I found out! I have wanted to go there since I was ten years old.”
Hanah previously received the QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Award as a junior, which inspired her to pursue the National College Match. At Yale, Hanah intends to study political science, economics and Spanish. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend law school to become a prosecutor, with aspirations of eventually serving as a government representative.
Hanah also expressed deep gratitude for the educators who shaped her high school experience. “My favorite part of my experience at Branson High School has been my teachers,” she said. “They are all so amazing, and some of them have helped me so much in school and life.”
Branson High School Principal, Dr. Sara Strohm, praised Hanah’s achievement and the dedication behind it. “Hanah’s accomplishment is a testament to her hard work, resilience and determination,” said Dr. Strohm. “Earning a QuestBridge Match Scholarship is an extraordinary achievement, and we are incredibly proud of her. Hanah represents Branson High School extremely well, and we cannot wait to see the impact she will make at Yale and in her future career.”
The QuestBridge National College Match has successfully connected over 19,000 students with full scholarships at some of the nation’s best colleges. The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, housing and meals, books and supplies, and travel expenses.
Branson Schools’ portrait of a Pirate: Compassion
This month, we focus on a trait that sits at the heart of every thriving school community: Compassion. At Branson Public Schools, academic achievement is only part of what we value. Through the Portrait of a Pirate framework, we strive to shape compassionate, caring citizens who are ready for whatever comes next - college, career or community life.
As Pirates, we define compassion as showing care and respect for the feelings, thoughts and cultures of others. Simple idea. Extraordinary impact. Compassion means noticing the needs of others and choosing to act. It's kindness in motion: lending a hand, offering encouragement, listening, including others and stepping in when someone needs support.
Why compassion matters: When students feel seen and supported, they are more open to learning, collaborating and taking positive academic risks. Compassionate environments also reduce stress, conflict and isolation. Relationship building skills are also desired by employers and essential in families and communities.
Compassion is about choosing empathy fist and creating space where everyone feels valued and supported.
So how can families grow compassion at home? Ask children to reflect on someone they helped today. Encourage writing a thank-you note or drawing a picture for someone who made a difference. Participate in a small act of service together by donating, volunteering, or supporting a neighbor.
Together, we're building capable, future-ready Pirates - one compassionate act at a time.
November 2025 Pirate Proud: Duncan Black
Branson Public Schools is excited to recognize Duncan Black, lead custodian at Buchanan Intermediate, as the Pirate Proud honoree for the month of November!
The students know him as "Mr. Duncan" and what an impact he's made in just three years of service. He received over 20 nominations from students, school families and colleagues.
One nominator writes, "He goes above and beyond in supporting students in and out of school. He attends sporting events, including driving to away games. When I recently told him how much that meant to the seventh-grade girls volleyball team, he simply responded that he wouldn't miss it for anything. He is an encourager and constant source of inspiration, and he makes students feel special. He provides a framed poem or words of wisdom each year for every student in sixth grade as they move on to junior high. My daughter displayed hers in her room, and as she put it up, she said “I just love him.”
We are so thankful to have Mr. Duncan serving in our district! Please help us congratulate him!
Who will you nominate to receive the Pirate Proud honor? Nominate an outstanding Pirate today: https://bit.ly/PirateProudNomination .
COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS
C of O president Brad Johnson to participate in April 2026 ‘America Reads the Bible’ historical event in Washington, D.C.
College of the Ozarks will partner with Christians Engaged, a ministry of Family Policy Alliance Foundation, in the April 2026 national, cover-to-cover Bible-reading event, “America Reads the Bible,” in Washinton, D.C. Ministry leaders, pastors, business leaders, elected officials from both parties and other influential voices will read aloud Genesis 1:1 through Revelation 22:21, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on April 19-25, 2026, as a spiritual lead-up to America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.
Attendees may experience the event live at the Museum of the Bible’s World Stage Theatre, which seats 498, or register to join the livestream at AmericaReadstheBible.com. Attendees will have museum access each day they attend.
This historic occasion was inspired by the biblical prophet Ezra, who read Scripture aloud to the Israelites, awakening revival and repentance. In the same way, this opportunity hopes to carry Scripture forward in the lives and communities of Americans for the next 250 years of our national story.
Dr. Brad Johnson, president of College of the Ozarks, has been invited to read 2 Kings 25 – 1 Chronicles 1 from 3 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
“As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, I am honored to participate in this historical calling of our nation back to its spiritual foundations,” Johnson said.
“At College of the Ozarks, we believe that faith is the foundation to both character and the community. This event reminds us that our freedoms are rooted in civic responsibility and the timeless truth of God’s Word.”
Candace Cameron Bure named among spokespersons
Candace Cameron Bure, actress, producer, New York Times bestselling author, and Great American Media chief creative officer, has been named one of the national spokespersons for the event. The entire Great American Media team is engaged in advancing the mission and message of this historic initiative.
“Candace had been a trusted voice for faith and family values for decades, and we’re honored to have her serve as a top spokesperson for America Reads the Bible,” said Bill Abbott, president and CEO of Great American Media.
Worship song by Phil King named official anthem
“Heal Our Land,” by Phil King, has been named the official worship anthem. This announcement occurred during Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement ─ a sacred time of fasting, praying and repentance. King wrote the song as a solemn prayer of intercession for America and worked with director Josh Franer to produce the music video.
“I believe God has placed a door before us that we can step through right now and see massive generational change take place in our nation,” said King, a modern-day psalmist, fervent about writing and singing soulful songs that point people to Jesus.
For more information about Phil King and his song, “Heal Our Land,” visit philkingmusic.com and for information and to register for America Reads the Bible, visit AmericaReadstheBible.com.
REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS
Lady Wolves win Blue Eye tournament
For the first time in school history, Reeds Spring High School’s girls basketball team won the Blue Eye Tournament recently. The Lady Wolves defeated Berryville 53-39 in the championship game. Saylor Johnson led the team with 15 points. In earlier rounds, RSHS also defeated Forsyth 45-15 and Aurora 45-26.
Wrestling: At the Cassville tournament, Reeds Spring’s boys team earned four medals, and the girls earned three. Kadyn Allerton won the 144-pound weight class. Isaiah Hayes was second at 215, Bentley Cardenaza was third at 215, and Kyler Allerton placed third at 106 pounds. Cynthia Guzman finished second at 115 pounds, and Mac Kugler was second at 135. Olivia Kingsley placed third at 140.
Reeds Spring Primary School Learners of the Month
Top row, left to right: Austin Alverson, Charlie Ellis, Aiden Fuller, Everley Langston, Phoebe Pickerill, Max Sartain
Bottom row, left to right: Gabriel Cable, Selah Henning, William Hole, Reid James, Deacon Miller, Emma Reed
Reeds Spring Elementary School Learners of the Month
Second grade, left to right: Camila Robison, Layla Jasso, Logan Burrough, Tugg Norton, Lillian Gregg
Third grade, left to right: Tucker Hoehn, Rayne Cable, Asher Deatley, Vesper Williams, Reighlynn Mease, Poppy Corporon, Bowen Huddleston
Fourth grade, left to right: Jett Thamm, Westin Pryor, Jacob Welton, Koraline Barrington, Annabelle Miller, Hannah Johnson
Reeds Spring School District Excellence Award winners named
Each month, the Reeds Spring School District recognizes one non-teaching staff member and one certified teacher as Excellence Award winners. The winners for November/December are Amy Eddings and Bethany Sooter.
Eddings is an administrative assistant at Reeds Spring Middle School. Sooter is a fifth-grade teacher at Reeds Spring Intermediate School.
The district accepts Excellence Award nominations from students, staff, parents, and community members. You can find the nomination form at www.rs-wolves.com.
Table Rock Career Center Professionals of the Month
Table Rock Career Center recognized two students from its Collision Repair Program as December's Professionals of the Month. Andrew Legler is a senior from Branson High School, and Ayden Simms is a senior from Reeds Spring High School.
Table Rock Career Center provides technical and career education to students from 11 schools in Stone, Taney, and Christian counties.
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