Tri-Lakes Education News

BRANSON SCHOOLS

BHS Performing Arts Department presents ‘Footloose’

The Branson High School Performing Arts Department will present the spring musical, “Footloose.” Performances are scheduled March 5 and 6 at 7 p.m. and March 7 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.

Based on the hit 1984 film, “Footloose” is a high-energy musical that celebrates youth, freedom and the power of music and dance. Bring the entire family to enjoy this exciting, feel-good production filled with unforgettable music and dynamic choreography.

Branson School District opens 2026-2027 preschool registration

Branson Public Schools preschool registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now open. To be considered for placement, children must reside within the boundaries of Branson School District, turn three or four years old on or before July 31, 2026, and complete a free developmental screening through the Branson Parents as Teachers program.

Interested parents and guardians should complete the 2026-2027 Preschool Interest Form by visiting the district website at www.branson.k12.mo.us. After submitting the Preschool Interest Form, families will receive an email with an invitation to schedule a screening appointment.

Prospective families are also welcome to contact Branson Schools Director of Early Childhood, Dr. Staci Ray, to learn more about the curriculum and programs. For more information on Branson Public Schools preschool offerings, and to complete a 2026-2027 Preschool Interest Form, please visit the district website or call 417-336-1887.

---

COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS

C of O appoints S. Maria Lohmeyer, Natalie Rasnick to new positions

College of the Ozarks announced the appointment of S. Maria Lohmeyer as assistant vice president for marketing and strategic communication, effective Feb. 2, 2026. Lohmeyer brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience in strategic communication, public affairs and organizational leadership at the highest levels of government, defense and consulting.

Lohmeyer’s appointment coincides with the promotion of Dr. Natalie Rasnick to assistant vice president for institutional advancement. Both roles report to Dr. Sue Head, vice president for cultural activities and institutional advancement.

---

REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS

Wolf Pack Foundation awards dual-credit scholarships

The Wolf Pack Foundation proudly awarded 72 scholarships to Reeds Spring High School students who recently completed college courses. These scholarships are reimbursements for the costs of a college class they paid to take.

A grant from the Table Rock Lake Community Foundation paid for one dual-credit class, and the Wolf Pack Foundation paid for the rest, at a total cost of $23,640."Both the number of scholarships and the dollar amount are records for the Wolf Pack Foundation," said Foundation Board Member Ben Fisher. "We look forward to recognizing more students in the spring when we award scholarships to seniors to continue their education after graduation!"

The Wolf Pack Foundation has two areas of focus: student scholarships and classroom grants. Here are the students who received dual-credit scholarships:

Brody Bekebrede, Rane Blair, June Bledsoe, Zoe Bohstedt, Justin Bonner, Haiden Bradley, Ciaran Broomfield, Kaylee Burks, Wyatt Butler, Alexis Campos, Keaston Chaplin, Grace Chastain, Chloe Clevenger, Trinity Clevenger, Baya Clifford, Stevin Coder, Lillian Compton, Jacob Conley, Hayden Coyle, Nathan Coyle, Kailey Criger, Shelby Davis, Brayden De Jager, Peyton Ditzer, Jurnee Dooley, Maddie Ellersick, Illyssa Finney-Allen, Natylei Fish, Jaxen Fletcher, Macie Funk, Kaylee Geniuk, Hoyt Gubin, Colin Hejlek, Brayden Higginbottom, Bella Hittson, Vera Holland, Natalynn Hundley, Elizabeth Inselman, Maya Kelley, Makinzey Kinney, Chloe Kugler, Brielle Kraus, Ethan Linegar, Matthew Maher, Landon Makinster, Jordan Mayfield, Addy Moore, Landon Munhollon, Morgan Nicholls, Shelby Padilla, Alex Payne, Brody Pettigrew, Tyson Phelps, Lilian Phifer, Iain Phillips, Gavin Powell, Calli Rose, Caden Sage, Clayton Santos, Marina Schrunk, Luke Sellers, Elle Smith, Jayden Stevens, William Strieby, Aubree Stuart, Mitchell Swestka, Autumn Tharp, Dane Thierbach, Rihana Tilson, Ashton Trujillo, Cassie Waters and Stephanie Westerhold.

Reeds Spring Courtwarming

Cassie Waters and Clayton Santos were crowned the Reeds Spring High School Courtwarming Queen and King on Friday, January 30.Other members of the court included Kaylee Davis and Aiden Wohletz; Savannah Wanagel and Ciaran Broomfield; Alexis Campos and Quinn Lemoine; Camirin Lee and Sam Carpenter; Zoeie Hedrick and Kymani Headecker; and Kenleigh Weaver and Brody Pettigrew.

Reeds Spring Middle School Students of the Month

Left to right: Katiri Gray, Logan Houtz, Elliott Linegar, Mackenzie Baker, Chris Winfrey

Reeds Spring Primary School Learners of the Month for January

Top row, left to right: Remington Amacher, Xavier Cameron, Laura Contreras, Blakely Drake, Virgil Everett, Dillon Holt Bottom row, left to right: Dill Gideon, Perry Gideon, Zahavia Goodwin-Hayes, Mason Reed, Eli Stipanovich, Alexander Weaver

Two Reeds Spring teachers earn TangerKids grants

Two Reeds Spring Primary School teachers are bringing new learning opportunities to students thanks to grant funding from Tanger Outlets.

Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Charlie Burk received $522 to purchase literacy materials that strengthen early reading skills.

“My project, Readers Are Leaders, focuses on foundational reading skills such as phonics, vocabulary, reading comprehension and fluency,” Burk said. “These skills are essential in building a strong reading foundation as students transition from learning to read to reading to learn.”

Mrs. Tennile Lee, a special education teacher, received $500 to purchase switch-activated toys designed to support students with disabilities. These tools help students develop cause-and-effect understanding while encouraging communication, engagement, independence and active participation in learning and play.

The TangerKids Grant Program allows educators to request funding for projects that enhance classroom programs and better serve students. Since 1996, Tanger has invested more than $3.7 million in school-focused initiatives.

---

TABLE ROCK CAREER CENTER

Table Rock Career Center Professionals of the Month

Every month, Table Rock Career Center recognizes students who are excelling in their programs. January's honorees are Lexi Graham, Autumn Tharp, Hailey Perryman and Tessa Hime.

Graham and Tharp are Reeds Spring High School students enrolled in TRCC's Healthcare Careers Program. Perryman is from Hollister and is in the EMT program, and Hime is a Reeds Spring senior in the EMT program.

Table Rock Career Center serves 11 school districts, providing career and technical education in 12 fields.