Tri-Lakes Education News
- Submitted to Branson Globe
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
BRANSON SCHOOLS
Branson families invited to tour Cedar Ridge Primary Preschool
Parents and guardians of children turning three or four years old by July 31, 2026, and residing within the Branson R-IV School District are invited to tour Cedar Ridge Primary Preschool.
The tour will be held on January 29, beginning promptly at 5 p.m. Families will tour the school together as a group.
During the tour, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the school, meet teachers and administrators, and learn more about Cedar Ridge Primary’s preschool curriculum and programs. No RSVP is required to attend.
Preschool registration will open in early February.
For additional information, please visit our district website at www.branson.k12.mo.us or call Cedar Ridge Primary at 417-336-1887.
Pirates take third at Blue & Gold
The Branson Pirates Boys Basketball team recently took third place at the 80th Annual Blue & Gold Tournament - our best finish since 2012!
Rolling into 2026 with an 8–3 record, Head Coach Pete McBride shares how this group carries serious momentum heading into the heart of the season.
“The Pirates had a very successful 2025 portion of our season," said Coach McBride. "We started the season with a Forsyth Tournament Championship and ended the year with a third place finish in the Blue & Gold. After graduating eight seniors last season, our newcomers have gained experience and have shown the ability to compete with anyone. We have put together a tremendous schedule this season and look forward to how this team improves throughout the next few months.”
Dixie Bailey named December 2025 Pirate Proud
For the month of December, Branson Schools recognized Dixie Bailey as the Pirate Proud recipient!
Mrs. Bailey serves as the Senior Counselor at Branson High School and has been with the district for 18 years. From supporting our seniors as they plan their final high school schedules to helping them navigate their post-secondary plans, Mrs. Bailey is a true example of our district theme for 2025-2026: Be the Difference.
If you have noticed a Pirate employee going above and beyond to make our district better, please submit their name with some reasons why you think they should be a Pirate Proud honoree. We're looking forward to celebrating our staff through your nominations! The Pirate Proud nomination form link is: https://bit.ly/3AytT1S
Paola Aponte-Rodriguez is January 2026 Pirate Proud recipient
Paola Aponte-Rodriguez, Transportation Department Administrative Assistant, has served the Branson School District for three years and was nominated by her colleagues for her caring heart, professionalism and unwavering dedication.
Known as the engine that keeps the department running, Paola consistently goes above and beyond to support everyone she works with. Her colleagues describe her as polite, trustworthy and always willing to lend a helping hand—all while rolling out the red carpet when it comes to customer service.
Do you know another outstanding Pirate who deserves recognition? Submit a nomination at: https://bit.ly/3AytT1S
HOLLISTER SCHOOLS
Hollister High School Courtwarming 2026 festivities
Hollister High School Courtwarming 2026 is a week of school spirit, celebration and tradition
A pep assembly will be held on Friday, January 16, to help build excitement and recognize student involvement as part of Courtwarming Week.
The Courtwarming Coronation Ceremony will take place on Friday, January 16, at approximately 7 p.m., prior to the Varsity Boys Basketball game against Galena.
Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior Prince and Princess candidates include Jerm Cotter, Chloe Halbert, Jaivyn Brayfield, Carlee Osbourn, Riley Wallace and Dakota Struik.
Senior King and Queen candidates include Nevaeh Holmes, Esmerelda Rodriguez, Desirae Russell, Gracyn Jones, Calvin Lamoureaux, Layton Donohew, Cason Kemp and Easton Woods.
The celebration will conclude with the Blizzard Ball winter dance, held immediately following the game.
Team Hollister comes together to celebrate the winter season with spirit, student leadership and Tiger Pride during Courtwarming 2026.
REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS
Lady Wolves win Sparta basketball tournament
Reeds Spring High School’s girls basketball earned its second tournament championship of the season. The Lady Wolves won the Sparta Tournament by defeating Chadwick 42-41. Earlier in the tournament, RSHS beat Forsyth 39-23 and Hollister 55-36. Saylor Johnson earned the Tournament MVP, and Allie Johnson was named to the All-Tournament Team.
Boys Basketball The Wolves lost to Ava 57-41 and lost to Gainesville 70-53.
Wrestling At the Monett Tournament, Reeds Spring had three wrestlers earn spots on the podium. Braydyn Fuller placed third at 215 pounds, Bailey Zittleman was third at 190, and Bella Yartz was third at 155.
Reeds Spring Elementary Learners of the Month
Second grade, left to right: Jaxon Wilson, Aubree Walker, Scarlett Bailey, Oaklyn Cherry, Naomi Holland; not pictured - Anakin Duncan
Third grade, left to right: Journey Dozier, Clara Burk, Paisley Spragg, Mia Cober; not pictured - Jaxon Atkisson, Reagen Garren
Fourth grade, left to right: Emerson Nash, Kenzie Phillip, Henzley Ball, Abby Gillispie, Sammy Mull; not pictured - Devin Darnell, Isabelle Vuagniaux
(Photos submitted)
Reeds Spring Intermediate School Learners of the Month
Top row, left to right: Oliver Bauer, Triton Bernard, Harper Hass, Killian Hines, Avion Kent, Teddy MoothBottom row, left to right: Lauren Carpenter, Gage Hittson, Colter Kite, Steven Steinert, Waylon Strohm, Maddox Turner
(Photos submitted)
SKAGGS FOUNDATION
Skaggs Foundation awards scholarships to 32 students pursuing medical careers
Skaggs Foundation proudly awarded 32 students a combined total of $25,250 in scholarships for the Spring 2026 semester. These scholarships support students pursuing degrees in the medical field and reflect the foundation’s ongoing commitment to improving healthcare in our community.
The awards were presented during a scholarship reception held at Ozarks Technical Community College Table Rock Campus on December 2. Recipients had the opportunity to connect with other students and committee members while enjoying light refreshments. During the event, Kenny Madura, a member of the scholarship committee and former scholarship recipient, shared his inspiring journey and how the program helped shape his career.
Since the scholarship program began in 2003, Skaggs Foundation has invested $629,540 back into students, helping future healthcare professionals achieve their educational goals. The year 2025 marked a record-breaking year, with 92 scholarships awarded throughout the year, demonstrating the growing impact of the program and the generosity of donors.
Meghan Connell, Skaggs Foundation President, emphasized the importance of the program:“These scholarships are an investment in the future of healthcare in our region. By supporting these dedicated students, we are not only helping them achieve their dreams but also ensuring that our community will have skilled, compassionate professionals for years to come.”
The Spring 2026 scholarship recipients include Kaylor Alms, Briana Bledsoe-Pebley, McKenzie Calhoun, Cassandra Carter, Helen Chapman, Aubrey Chichurka, Hailey Cole, Heath Cole, Molly Crouch, Cindy Dandurand, Kyelee Duet, Ellie Dunagan, Olivia Edwards, Shelby Evans, Lucy George, Emilee Goddard, Chloe Grimm, April Guevara, Landry Huey, Astrid Knittel, Kollin Kolb, Timmy Kovalenko, Taegan Myatt, Lexus Newlyn, John Nichols, Kayci Norris-Hill, Madison Phifer, Maci Rogers, Jammi Scoggins, Shane Walters and Amanda Wilcox.
To be eligible for a Skaggs Foundation scholarship, applicants must reside in Taney or Stone counties, MO or Boone County, AR, be an employee of Cox Medical Center Branson or the family member of a Cox Medical Center Branson employee. Applications for the summer and fall 2026 semesters will be accepted Feb. 9- Mar. 27, 2026. To learn more about the scholarship program or to apply, visit the scholarship page on Skaggs Foundation’s website, SkaggsFoundation.org.
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