Tri-Lakes Education News
- Submitted to Branson Globe
- May 15
- 5 min read
Branson Schools
Branson Junior High students have standout performance at art show
Branson Junior High School had a standout performance at the Ozark Mountain Conference Middle School Art Show, bringing home seven first place awards. Even more exciting, BJHS won three out of four Best of Show awards! A Best of Show award is given to the single most outstanding piece in each category — the best of all entries. Congratulations to Abby Matthews, Diana Matevosian and Khloe Bell for earning these top honors, along with many others who placed in their categories.
Pride of Branson Bands compete at state solo & ensemble festival
Receiving Gold awards were: Ray Forrester, Flute; Clarinet Sextet: Addison Patrick, Maggie Bacon, Brooklyn Mulnik, Lily Nations, Ellie Parks, Josilyn Walker; Claudia Beattie, Alto Sax; Aron Harris, Trombone; Connor Kleypas, Trumpet.
Receiving Silver awards were: Addison Patrick, Clarinet; Maggie Bacon, Clarinet; Josilyn Walker, Clarinet; Percussion Quartet: Noah Matney, Van Dickerson, Jonah Conque, Sidny Pinkerman; Aaron Busing, Alto Sax; Kristian Sadler, Horn.
Receiving Bronze awards were: Sayoni Patel, Flute; Hannah Beattie, Flute.
Coding team places fifth
The Cedar Ridge Intermediate Spring Youth Coding team, The Bingchilling Burritos, placed fifth in the Technical Merit category. This team is coached by CRI fourth grade teacher, Amy Vejraska.
Math team does well
Four students from the Buchanan Intermediate Math Team competed in the Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics Elementary Regionals. With over 374 participants and 23 schools competing, these students represented Branson well: Nina Sheny Alex, James Michel, Konnor Zeller and Logan Bell. Shannon Pagan leads the BI Math Club.
Branson teachers graduate with master’s degrees
Seventeen Branson teachers recently graduated from Evangel University with a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. They are: Courtney Batson, Allysa Buerster, Taylor Cartwright, Joshua Cheezum, Kathryn Couch, Spenser Cross, Sabrina Davis, Grace Goodlett, Jennifer Hennessee, Ashley Hill, Nichole Hunsaker, Sarah Leisenring, Christina Masters, McKenzi Pennetta, Payton Rhoads, Holli Segura and Gail Surface.
May Pirate Proud recipient announced

There was no better way to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week than surprising our May Pirate Proud honoree! Krystal Isringhausen (Mrs. I) is an intervention teacher at Cedar Ridge Primary. Described as a connector by colleagues, families and administrators, Mrs. I is a familiar, trusted face to every student - not just those in her classroom. Whether it’s a hug or a high five, she greets each child with love and sees their unique strengths. Mrs. I has served for 15 years in education, with 10 of those being a kindergarten teacher.
Hollister Schools
Hollister School District honors John Rousselot with Community Spotlight Award
The Hollister R-V School District is pleased to announce that Mr. John Rousselot has been named the recipient of the Board of Education’s Community Spotlight Award for May. This recognition highlights his longstanding commitment and invaluable contributions to both the school district and the broader Hollister community.
Mr. Rousselot’s dedication to Hollister is evident through his years of service and advocacy. He has previously served multiple terms on the Board of Education, where his leadership and vision helped shape the future of the district. Additionally, Mr. Rousselot plays an essential role in the community as a member of the City of Hollister Emergency Management team, as well as the Hollister School FEMA Shelter Team.
Hollister Schools honor teacher, staff member of the month for May
The Hollister R-V School District is proud to announce Mrs. Melissa Gehman and Mrs. Kim Connell as the recipients of the May Teacher and Staff Member of the Month awards, in recognition of their unwavering commitment to students, staff and the community.

Mrs. Gehman, now in her eighth year of teaching— all within the Hollister R-V School District— has served in a variety of roles, including in the Special Education Department and the second-grade team.

Mrs. Connell has been a vital member of the communications team, working tirelessly behind the scenes to promote the accomplishments of staff and students, ensuring that their efforts are recognized both within the district and the community.
Hollister Schools Foundation presents $10,000 check to school district
The Hollister Schools Foundation proudly presented the Hollister R-V School District with a generous $10,000 check to support the district’s efforts in meeting the essential needs of students. This contribution will be directed towards providing critical resources for students, including support for basic needs, supplies and programs meeting the varying needs of students, and ensuring that every child in the district has access to the tools and resources necessary for success.
Hollister Schools Foundation donates $4,000 for therapy dogs
The Hollister Schools Foundation has presented a $4,000 check to the Hollister R-V School District, funds raised during last spring’s “Coins for a Cause” fundraiser. The generous donation will be used to help purchase two therapy dogs for the district, set to debut at the start of the 2025-2026 school year. The new therapy dogs will provide emotional support and comfort to students across the district, helping to enhance the learning environment and promote mental well-being. This initiative is part of the district’s ongoing commitment to supporting the social and emotional needs of students and creating a nurturing atmosphere for learning.
Reeds Spring Schools
Reeds Spring band and choir performers earn 13 medals at state

Band: Teagan Sage-Bass Clarinet Solo-Gold Rating; Sydney Eby-Clarinet Solo-Silver Rating; Hazel Morefield-Flute Solo-Silver Rating; Woodwind Quartet-Jypsie Atchison, Ariana Cothran, Sydney Eby, Hannah Willams-Silver Rating.
Choir: Landon Munhollon - vocal solo - gold rating; Morgan Nicholls - vocal solo - gold rating; Mixed Ensemble (Mikayla Baker, Blaiklee Cagle, Landon Munhollon, Morgan Nicholls, Noah Norris, Ava Sammons, Jayden Turner) - gold rating; Brennan Bilberry - vocal solo - silver rating; Samara Lillie - vocal solo - silver rating; Malacki McGreggor - vocal solo - silver rating; Kaylee Sammons - vocal solo - silver rating; Calvin Waters - vocal solo - silver rating; Mixed Ensemble (Brennan Bilberry, Colbie Cypret, Wyatt Coursey, Samara Lillie, Matthew Maher, Thomas McGuane, Kaylee Sammons, Calvin Waters) - silver rating.
Reeds Spring High School Athlete and Artist of the Month
The RSHS Athlete of the Month for April 2024 is Emma Vance, and the Artist of the Month is Jackson Guffey.
Emma has been a star for the softball team and is a vocal leader, encouraging her teammates. Jackson had three major scenes in the spring play, and his performance felt authentic. (Photos submitted)
Reeds Spring School District honors retiring staff

Reeds Spring Schools recognized 12 retiring staff members at the district’s Excellence Awards Banquet on May 3. Combined, these employees have 168 years of service at Reeds Spring! Congratulations to the following retiring staff members: Dana Andrus, Sally Bagg, Jennifer Bookhout, Julie Curtis, Barbie Davis, Rachelle Meats, Lori Munhollon, Janis Polson, Lesley Reeves-Eakins, Stephanie Smith, Steve Verheyen, and Lorna Williams.
Thirteen Reeds Spring teachers earn master’s degrees

Thirteen Reeds Spring teachers earned their master’s degrees from Evangel. The teachers include: Joshua Reed, Briann Hohmann, Josie O’Hara, Juli Lingholm, Christa Ball, Addison Parish, Mariah Viles, Kayla Thamm, Marissa Bailey, Caitlyn Dettmer, Andrew Dettmer, Ryan Loftin, and Malissa Sullivan!
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