Tri-Lakes Education News
- Submitted to Branson Globe
- 2 hours ago
- 11 min read
BRANSON SCHOOLS
Branson Schools: That’s a wrap on fall sports
The 2025 fall athletic season, now complete with all postseason accolades, gives us the opportunity to reflect on a year of hard work, dedication and achievement. Let's take a look back at all that our teams accomplished this fall.
Football
Under the leadership of Head Coach Aaron Hafner, Pirate Football enjoyed a strong and successful 2025 season. Varsity finished 7-3 overall and undefeated in the OMC at 6-0, while the ninth-grade team posted an impressive 6-2 record and JV continued to gain valuable experience. Coach Hafner noted the team’s discipline, competitiveness and growth throughout the season, highlighted by outstanding performances in a very competitive conference. The Pirates were well represented with numerous All-OMC, All-District, All-SWMFCA, and All-State honors. Coach Hafner praised his dedicated coaching staff of full-time and volunteer coaches for their commitment to player development and preparation. Overall, the season reflected the strength of the program and set a solid foundation for continued success moving forward.
Cross country
"This season marked one of the largest team rosters the program has seen in the past eight years. Despite the increased roster size, the team entered the season with limited varsity experience, as only four male runners and four female runners had prior varsity experience. Additionally, eight male athletes and three female athletes were competing in high school cross country for the first time. Throughout the season, all athletes demonstrated consistent growth and development, with 21 of the 24 rostered runners achieving new personal records. The team’s overall improvement was substantial, totaling 55 minutes and 35 seconds, demonstrating that inexperience did not hinder progress. Four athletes earned All-Conference recognition (Alexis Carter, Patrik Deville, Madi Harr, and Reiss Webber), and Alexis Carter earned All-District and All-State honors." - Assistant Coach Gary Neal
Volleyball
Under the leadership of Head Coach Francie McBride, the volleyball program enjoyed a highly competitive and successful season. Varsity finished 19-12-5 (4-2 OMC), JV went 13-6 (4-2 OMC), and the ninth-grade team posted a strong 7-3 record (3-2-1 OMC). "The OMC proved to be a tough conference, but our teams competed at a high level throughout the season," said McBride. Emma Skoglund, Gigi McAdara, Kayden Butrum, Joree McBride, and Erinn Swofford earned All-OMC honors, with Skoglund, McAdara, Butrum, and Swofford also named All-District. Coach McBride noted this as one of the most talented and cohesive group she has coached, praising the athletes’ discipline, leadership, work ethic, and chemistry on and off the court. The dedicated coaching staff at all levels played a key role in the program’s growth, working collaboratively to develop players and build a strong foundation for the future.
Boys soccer
“This season marked the beginning of a new chapter for our soccer program, with new expectations and higher physical and academic standards set for our players. Our varsity team finished 11-12 and JV went 8-5-1, competing in a very balanced and competitive OMC where nearly every match was close, leading to a third-place conference finish. We remained in a tough Class 4 district, finished in the top half during the regular season, and lost a very close first-round match. I’m proud of the growth we saw from many of our players both on and off the field, which made this season an important step forward for our program. We were also proud to recognize our All-OMC players Yandel Hernandez, Camilo Miranda, Dylan Hill, and Kooper Alms, along with All-District selections Yandel Hernandez, Dylan Hill, Camilo Miranda, Romeo Loa, and Kooper Alms.” - Head Coach Kyle Sutton
Girls golf
Under the direction of Head Coach Jeff Cherry, the girls golf program enjoyed a solid and encouraging season marked by steady improvement across the roster. Competing with a mix of returning players and new golfers, the team showed consistent growth throughout the year at both the varsity and JV levels. Junior Madison Bough led the way, earning First Team All-OMC honors and finishing second overall at conference after shooting a personal-best round of 77. JV golfers gained valuable experience in scrambles, and new players continued to develop and contribute as the season progressed. The program also excelled academically, with Madison Bough and Kaylyn McCarty earning Academic All-State honors. Coach Cherry emphasized his focus on player development, encouragement, and growing the program for the future.
Softball
“This season was a year of growth for our softball program as we fielded a very young varsity team, including four freshmen starters and a freshman pitcher. We finished 10-24 overall and 3-3 in the OMC, and while the record doesn’t always show it, we were competitive throughout the season with six losses coming by two runs or less. Our four seniors did a great job helping the younger players transition to the varsity level, and every athlete made noticeable improvements as the season progressed. We play one of the toughest schedules around, which will only benefit the team moving forward. I’m proud of how our players and coaching staff worked together to teach, develop, and prepare this young group for success in the years ahead. We were also excited to see several players recognized, including All-OMC, All-District, and All-Region honors.” - Head Coach Josh McKee
Girls tennis
Under the leadership of Head Coach Mike Draper, the women’s tennis program put together a strong season, finishing 11-10 overall and placing second in the OMC. Despite having a very young roster with only one senior among 30 players, the team showed consistent competitiveness and growth throughout the year. Freshman Ellice Kembell led the way, earning All-OMC honors and claiming a Class 3 District 5 singles championship to advance to the state tournament, while additional district medalists included Chloe Bunce and Laney Woodard in doubles and Claire Cofer in singles. Coach Draper noted that the program returns its entire top six and is well positioned moving forward, with strong young talent and quality returners providing a solid foundation to continue building on this season’s success.
Cheer
"The fall season for the BHS cheer team was full of so many memories, success, and growth. We had so much fun cheering on the football Pirates on a great season they had. We are already getting prepared for the next fall season with cheer tryouts coming up in March. Our competition team will be competing at Gameday State on February 15 at Drury University. We are excited to represent Branson High School and compete at a high level." - Head Coach Stacy Alms
Branson Schools announce new Executive Director of Operations
Branson Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Matt Dean as the district’s new Executive Director of Operations. Dean will replace Dr. Chip Arnette, who will retire at the end of the 2025-2026 school year after 35 years of service in public education.
Dean currently serves as Principal of Buchanan Intermediate and the Director of Gifted Education, positions he has held since 2010. He joined Branson Public Schools in 2006. Dean holds two undergraduate degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia and the University of Central Arkansas, a master’s degree from William Woods University, and both a specialist degree in Educational Administration/Superintendent and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Lindenwood University.
With more than 28 years of experience in public education across Southwest Missouri, Dean’s career includes service in the Ozark and Kirbyville school districts before joining Branson. He began his tenure in the district as an assistant principal at Branson High School before transitioning into district and campus leadership roles.
“I am honored to step into this role and continue serving the Branson School District,” Dean said. “Branson has been my professional home for nearly two decades. I look forward to building upon the strong foundation established by Dr. Arnette and supporting the district’s mission through effective and thoughtful operations that allow our students and staff to remain focused on learning.”
Superintendent Dr. Nate Moore added, “Dr. Dean brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our students, staff and community. His leadership, dedication and understanding of our district’s culture make him the ideal choice to guide our operations and ensure that Branson Schools continues to thrive.”
Matt and his wife Michele have four children.
He will begin his new duties July 1, 2026.
COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS
College of the Ozarks students travel to Vietnam with Patriotic Education Travel Program
The College of the Ozarks Patriotic Education Travel Program recently took 20 students, seven Veterans and 10 staff and faculty members, on its sixth trip to Vietnam Dec. 9 – 22, 2025, to allow those attending to grow in a stronger understanding and respect for all those who served in the Vietnam War.
The trip gave students the opportunity to reflect on some of the most significant moments in American history. This trip took students back to the 1960s and 1970s, when the United States was engaged in a war to stop the spread of communism in Southeast Asia. Students participating in the trip successfully completed “HTA 403: United States in Vietnam” during the semester before learning directly from the Veterans as they walked alongside them in the very places where they once served as they told their stories. Through shared experiences, conversation and reflection, students deepened their understanding of service, sacrifice and the nation’s history while also representing College of the Ozarks.
While this trip was designed to help the students learn more about history, culture and patriotism, it was centered around honoring Vietnam Veterans and giving them a time to heal, receive closure and to build positive memories in a place that once brought heartache.
The students and Veterans first stopped in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, Vietnam’s largest city. There they explored local markets and experienced elements of the country’s contemporary culture. Their journey also included guided tours of the Củ Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used by Viet Cong forces during the Vietnam War, as well as a cyclo ride through the capital city of Hanoi and a walking tour of its historic Old Quarter. Additional stops included the My Lai Memorial Site, the former U.S. military base at Chu Lai, the Demilitarized Zone, Hải Vân Pass and China Beach.
Veterans highlighted at each of the stops included James “Dan” Bunch; Frank Rutledge Eversole IV; Job Gonzalez; Guy D. Gruters, POW; Gregory L. McManus; John Sorenson; and Edward Wilson.
A profound impact
Annabella Mohler, a senior at College of the Ozarks, shared what the trip meant to her.
“The focus of the trip is not about the students, but it is for the Veterans,” Mohler said. “We students are their companions who accompany them on their journey of closure. Because of this, the purpose of the Vietnam trip became substantially more important and meaningful. The Patriotic Education Travel Program is a service for Veterans, and the fact that I was selected to attend the trip and help carry out this mission of helping Veterans receive the attention, recognition and gratitude they deserve means the world to me. In the many years to follow I will continue to follow this mission and honor America’s Veterans and be a pioneer to encourage others to do so as well.”
Vietnam Veteran Greg McManus shared with the students his reflection on how the trip has continued to further his healing journey.
“You students are like the salve that cleared the blackness off of our hearts from the war, which has allowed our light to come through,” McManus said.
Mohler also shared the lifelong impact this trip had on her life.
“The lessons I learned in the Vietnam class and during this trip are incredibly important to know, and it has made me a more well-informed and responsible citizen,” Mohler said. “This trip has made me incredibly grateful to have been born in the United States of America.”
College of the Ozarks President Brad Johnson shared the profound impact the trip made on him as well as everyone attending.
“Traveling to Vietnam created bonds unlike any other experience,” Johnson said. “Students gained a deeper understanding of history, patriotism and the sacrifices of Veterans, while Veterans found healing through sharing their stories with attentive, grateful students. These shared moments fostered respect, understanding and a lasting appreciation for the freedoms they fought to protect.”
Veteran participants
• Sgt. 1st Class (Ret.) James “Dan” Bunch — Served 22 years in the U.S. Army, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade at LZ English in the Bong Son Central Highlands. Bunch currently resides in Bolivar, Missouri.
• Lt. Col. (Ret.) Frank Rutledge Eversole IV — Served 33 years in the U.S. Marine Corps with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, as a machine gunner. Eversole now resides in Walterboro, South Carolina.
• Spc. Job Gonzalez — Served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1969 with the elite “Tunnel Rats” and alongside multiple infantry units of the 1st Infantry Division. Gonzalez currently resides in Houston, Texas.
• Capt. Guy D. Gruters — Served in the U.S. Air Force as a fighter pilot and was shot down in December 1967, becoming an American prisoner of war. He is a two-time Purple Heart recipient and has received the POW Medal and numerous additional commendations. Gruters resides in Sidney, Ohio.
• Chief Warrant Officer 5 (Ret.) Gregory L. McManus — Served 42 years in the U.S. Army as a UH-1C Gunship and AH-1G Cobra pilot. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and more than 40 additional medals and commendations. McManus now resides in Springfield, Missouri.
• Capt. John Sorenson — Served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1972 with the Armor Branch, D Troop (Air), 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, later redesignated as C Troop, 3rd Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry. Sorenson now resides in Fair Grove, Missouri.
• Master Sgt. (Ret.) Edward Wilson — Served 29 years in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army, including service aboard the USS Chicago (CG-11) and with CBU-416. Wilson currently resides in Branson, Missouri.
Faculty and staff trip sponsors
• Chassidy Brittain — Director of Patriotic Programs• Dr. David Dalton — Distinguished Professor of History (Retired)• Dr. Brad Johnson — President, College of the Ozarks• Dr. Lloyd Nguyen — Associate Professor of Criminal Justice• Dr. Raine Prather — Assistant Professor of Nursing• CPT Jamin Pyatt — Military Science Instructor• BG James Schreffler — Vice President for Patriotic Programs• Dr. Joe Western — Assistant Professor of History• Jackson Bliss — Videographer, Portraits of Bliss• Shann Swift — Photographer, Swift Shots
REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS
Reeds Spring High School Sports Hall of Fame induction on January 30
Reeds Spring High School will add three new members to its Sports Hall of Fame on Friday, January 30.
Rachel Bagg is a 2018 graduate who excelled in cross country and track.
Bella Fuller is a 2021 graduate who starred on the Lady Wolves volleyball team.
Scott Walker was the longtime head coach of the Lady Wolves softball team.
The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Friday, January 30, at halftime of the varsity boys basketball games.The RSHS Sports Hall of Fame was started in 1997.
Reeds Spring High School Courtwarming on January 30
Reeds Spring High School will celebrate Courtwarming on Friday, January 30. The king and queen will be announced between the JV and varsity boys varsity basketball games. Here are this year’s nominees:
Top row, left to right: Kaylee Davis, Savannah Wanagel, Alexis Campos, Camirin Lee, Zoeie Hedrick, Cassie Waters, Kenleigh WeaverBottom row, left to right: Aiden Wohletz, Ciaran Broomfield, Quinn Lemoine, Sam Carpenter, Kymani Headecker, Clayton Santos, Brody Pettigrew
Former coach returns to Reeds Spring High School
A familiar face will return to the sidelines of Reeds Spring High School volleyball next season. Molly Illum has been named head coach of the Lady Wolves.
Illum previously led the Lady Wolves from 2017 to 2020, guiding the team to a district championship in 2019. Since 2022, Illum has coached the Reeds Spring Middle School volleyball team, where she also serves as a physical education teacher."I'm incredibly excited to return to Reeds Spring High School after four wonderful years leading the Reeds Spring Middle School program,” Illum said.
“Having that foundation makes it even more meaningful to continue the growth of these students both as athletes and young women."