Tri-Lakes Education News
- Staff Reports
- Apr 16
- 18 min read
BRANSON SCHOOLS
Branson Schools: A year in GO CAPS, from exploration to impact
What began as a record-setting year for GO CAPS (Greater Ozarks Centers for Advanced Professional Studies) Tri-Lakes has evolved into a powerful story of growth, connection and real-world impact across the Tri-Lakes region.
Since the fall, students have moved far beyond the foundations built during Professionalism Bootcamp and into deeply immersive, hands-on experiences. What sets GO CAPS apart isn’t just career exploration - it’s career participation.
Throughout the year, associates across all strands - Business & Entrepreneurship, Education, Law & Public Safety, and Medicine & Health Care - have stepped into professional environments and taken on meaningful work. From collaborating with local businesses on client-driven projects to engaging in job shadows and internships, students have gained firsthand insight into their future careers.
Education strand participants stepped into classrooms, supporting teachers and discovering the impact they can have on younger learners. "Through GO CAPS, I had the opportunity to teach lessons in real classrooms for the first time," said current GO CAPS Education Associate Julianna Vineyard. She went on to share: "Through GO CAPS, I have been able to test-drive the career I hope to pursue - teaching. I have been able to strengthen my skill set, and I am looking forward to implementing these skills in my own future classroom!"
Medicine & Health Care associates spent time in clinical settings, observing patient care and exploring specialties, while building confidence in professional environments. Associates have had the opportunity to learn from CoxHealth Orthopedics, the Taney County Ambulance Department, Mizzou's clinical training campus in Springfield, and more.
Law & Public Safety students trained alongside first responders and law enforcement, gaining exposure to high-pressure, service-oriented careers. Law Enforcement Associate Kaylee Geniuk began her first internship with the Taney County Sheriff’s Office. "During my time there, I had the chance to run radar on patrol, sit with dispatch and even walk through an investigation alongside a detective who wanted insight from a young professional’s perspective," said Geniuk.
"The GO CAPS program has not only prepared me for a career in law enforcement, but has also taught me how to carry myself with integrity, confidence and purpose," shared Geniuk.
In the Business & Entrepreneurship strand, students partnered with local organizations to solve real marketing and operational challenges, sharpening their communication and problem-solving skills along the way.
These experiences have not only prepared students for college and careers - they’ve strengthened the workforce pipeline right here in our community.
“Watching students grow over the course of the year is the most rewarding part,” says Kristen Mills, Education, Law & Public Safety Facilitator of GO CAPS Tri-Lakes. “They begin to see themselves as professionals, and that mindset shift is powerful.”
The impact extends beyond the students themselves. Local businesses and organizations have played a vital role, opening their doors to mentor, guide and invest in the next generation. This collaboration continues to make GO CAPS a true real-world learning offering for our students.
As the year comes to a close, GO CAPS associates are ready to share the results of their hard work with the community. The public is invited to attend the Ninth Annual GO CAPS Capstone Showcase, a come-and-go event where students will present their projects, experiences and growth from the year. Please join us on May 5 from 8:30-10 a.m. or 5-6 p.m., at Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, 4100 Gretna Road, Branson.
Whether you’re a business leader, educator, parent, or community member, join us in supporting these outstanding students as they take the next step toward their bright futures. Follow GO CAPS at, https://www.facebook.com/GOCAPSTriLakes .
Branson School District: Celebrating those who make a difference
Recently, we proudly celebrated National School Librarian Day, recognizing the incredible librarians who enrich our schools every single day. Their dedication goes far beyond bookshelves - they inspire a love of reading, ignite curiosity, and help students develop the skills they need to become lifelong learners. We are truly grateful for the passion and care they bring to our students and staff.
We also honored National Assistant Principals Week, shining a spotlight on the outstanding leaders who support our schools in countless ways. Whether they’re encouraging students, supporting teachers, or stepping in wherever needed, our assistant principals consistently go above and beyond. Their energy, commitment and heart make a lasting impact, and we are thankful that Branson is home to such exceptional leaders.
Finally, congratulations to our April Pirate Proud recipient, Stephanie Turk, Art Teacher at Cedar Ridge Intermediate! With 19 years of dedicated service, Mrs. Turk has touched the lives of countless students through her creativity, compassion and unwavering support. Her celebration was filled with well-deserved recognition - including plenty of flowers, both real and symbolic - reflecting the many lives she has helped grow and flourish.
There’s only one month left in the school year to recognize someone who makes a difference! Help us celebrate the outstanding staff members who go above and beyond by submitting a nomination for our Pirate Proud honor. The Pirate Proud nomination form link is: https://bit.ly/3AytT1S
Anchors Aweigh: Branson Summer School 2026
Summer School 2026 registration through Branson Public Schools is now open. This year’s Anchors Aweigh theme invites students to dive into a summer of learning, exploration and new opportunities. The district will continue to offer a variety of learning options, from traditional seated instruction to online learning.
To better serve families across the district, Branson Public Schools will offer summer school programming at three on-campus locations: Buchanan Elementary will host elementary students, Branson Junior High will serve junior high students, and Branson High School will host high school students. The district will also partner with Bridge of Faith in Rockaway Beach and Elevate Branson to provide additional off-campus elementary summer learning opportunities.
Elementary Summer School will run Monday through Thursday from June 1 through June 25, 2026. The program is open to students entering grades K-6 for the 2026-2027 school year who live within the Branson School District. Incoming kindergarten students are required to complete kindergarten enrollment to be eligible. Classes will be held at Buchanan Elementary from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Secondary Summer School is available for students entering grades 7-12. Junior high students will attend Branson Junior High School, and high school students will attend Branson High School. Secondary programs will run Monday through Thursday from June 1 through June 18, 2026, with classes held from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Students are responsible for their own transportation to attend Summer School. In conjunction with the program, a free nutritious breakfast and lunch will be available to children age 18 and younger and eligible disabled adults currently enrolled in high school. Participation in summer school is not required to receive meals.
For more information on Branson Public Schools Summer School offerings and to register, please visit the district website at www.branson.k12.mo.us.
COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS
College of the Ozarks student, Nathan Johnson, receives Missouri Broadcasters Association 2026 scholarship
Nathan Johnson, junior broadcasting journalism major, has received the MBA Foundation 2026 scholarship. Johnson was one of eight students to receive this scholarship. The MBA Foundation awarded $25,000 in scholarships.
“There was strong interest in our scholarship program this year,” said Chad Mahoney, president and CEO of the Missouri Broadcasters Association. “Selecting from the large pool of applicants wasn’t easy, but these eight recipients stood out as very impressive students. Not only are these students excelling in their classwork, many of them are involved with their campus stations or have part-time jobs at our MBA member stations. The future of Missouri broadcasting looks bright.”
The eight recipients will be recognized at the 2026 MBA Awards banquet on June 6 as an end to the two-day MBA Convention at Lake of the Ozarks.
According to the MBA Foundation, there are four major requirements to be eligible for this scholarship. First, applicants must be currently attending a Missouri college, university or accredited tech/trade school or be a graduating high school senior who has been admitted to a Missouri institution of higher learning. Further, applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a broadcast/digital media or related curriculum, which provides training and expertise applicable to a broadcast/digital media operation. The applicant must be a full-time student for every semester the scholarship is awarded. Full-time status requires enrollment in at least 12 credit hours. Lastly, the applicant must have a GPA of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent, which must be maintained for each semester of the scholarship.
Johnson spends many hours contributing to the College’s broadcasting groups, above and beyond the 15 hours doing video broadcasting for The Point, his campus workstation. He volunteers at The Lookout (KCOZ), where he hosts a radio show, providing live on-air sports commentary. Johnson also writes for the sports section in the student newspaper, The Outlook.
Johnson said, “Winning awards and scholarships from professionals who are unaffiliated with the College validates all the work I put into developing my journalistic voice.”
The work that Johnson does at C of O has prepared him for work beyond school. His workstation supervisor, Erin Hayes, professor of the practice of journalism and media studies, shared about what it means for Johnson to have received this scholarship.
"Nathan's summer-long internship with the Fund for American Studies in Washington, D.C. will connect him with newsmakers and professional journalists during his stay there, and the MBA scholarship will help cover the costs of living in our nation's capital for the summer,” Hayes said. “Nathan is serious about his work as a student journalist, and he is a valuable member of our campus newsroom workstation. I'm delighted for him and grateful to the MBA for recognizing Nathan's merit as a student journalist."
Hayes is a retired national news correspondent for the ABC News national network. Her career as a broadcast journalist spanned 34 years. She covered the 2000 presidential election decision, the nation’s response to the 9-11 disaster, the Space Shuttle Columbia explosion and the Oklahoma City bombing. Her awards for investigative reporting recognized her work covering gang crime, terrorism, aviation disasters and government blunders, among other topics.
Hayes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at College of the Ozarks in 1979. She went on to work in newsrooms at KTHS Radio in Berryville, Arkansas; KYTV in Springfield, Missouri; WSMV-TV in Nashville; and WDAF-TV in Kansas City. In 1989, she became a news correspondent for the CBS News national network. In 1993, she became a national news correspondent for the ABC News network. She retired from ABC News in early 2013.
As a journalism professor, she works to encourage and guide young people of integrity to shine the light of truth in newsrooms across the nation.
College of the Ozarks joins Johnny Micheal Spann Ally Program to honor GWOT Veterans
College of the Ozarks has officially joined the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation’s Johnny Micheal Spann Ally Program, becoming one of the newest partner institutions committed to honoring and supporting America’s veterans and their families.
The Ally Program, named in honor of Johnny Micheal Spann, the first American service member killed in combat during the Global War on Terrorism, connects the Foundation with like-minded organizations to expand awareness, education and advocacy surrounding the construction of the National Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
College of the Ozarks’ partnership reinforces the College’s long-standing mission of patriotic education and service. “We’re honored to be an ally,” said James P. Schreffler, Vice President for Patriotic Programs at College of the Ozarks. “This partnership allows us to share in the national effort to honor veterans of the Global War on Terrorism while highlighting what we’re doing here on campus through Patriots Park and our own Global War on Terrorism Memorial. It’s a mutual relationship where we can further each other’s objectives, with the ultimate goal of recognizing and caring for our veterans and their families.”
Through this alliance, both organizations will collaborate to promote the Foundation’s mission and amplify awareness of the memorial project. College of the Ozarks will share educational content and events to support the Foundation’s efforts, while the Foundation will highlight the College on its website and social media platforms as part of its network of allies nationwide.
“The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation is excited to grow our allyship and amplify one another’s important work,” said Jennifer R. Ballou, Chief of Staff at the Foundation. “College of the Ozarks’ deep commitment to honoring veterans and educating future generations aligns perfectly with the purpose of
the Ally Program.”
The partnership reflects the College’s broader dedication to patriotic education through programs such as its Patriotic Travel Program, which gives students the opportunity to travel with and learn directly from veterans of America’s conflicts.
The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation is the Congressionally designated nonprofit organization responsible for building the National GWOT Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The Foundation’s mission is to honor the service and sacrifice of all who have served in the Global War on Terrorism and their families.
For more information about the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, visit www.gwotmemorialfoundation.org.
College of the Ozarks Agriculture Department hosts annual FFA Workshop
The College of the Ozarks Agriculture Department hosted its annual, national Future Farmers of America Workshop last month. High school students from all over Missouri and Arkansas attended the workshop, where the goal is to help local high school teachers educate their students with the knowledge needed in various agricultural career areas.
The workshop allowed our students a chance to showcase what they are learning in their classes and at the workstations. It served as a great hands-on opportunity for the students.
Preparations do not happen overnight but rather start in October the year prior to the event. Each workshop and contest have a professor or staff member who oversees that contest. Students from ag workstations prepare for the event as well. Cattle must be broken to lead, plants and insects must be collected and identified, and soil pits must be dug and interpreted.
The student workers and supervisors of the beef farm, hog farm, processing plant, agronomy, feed mill, dairy and greenhouse/garden workstations collaborate to make the FFA Workshop a success. It is their efforts that allow College of the Ozarks to cultivate future leaders around the world, one student at a time.
“The Workshop provides a setting where students can learn and ask questions from experts in that field,” said Dr. Amanda Holder-Sage, agriculture department head. “It is important to the C of O community because it brings students (roughly 2,200 high schoolers) from all over Missouri and Arkansas to campus for one event. While here on campus they can learn about C of O, majors offered and the opportunity to graduate debt free. So it is a great recruiting opportunity for the college.”
More about the Agriculture Department at College of the Ozarks
The agriculture department offers majors in agriculture business, animal science, horticulture, agriculture education, agronomy, agriculture development, pre-veterinary, and wildlife conservation and management. With agriculture being a dynamic and diversified field, students are trained in the liberal arts as well as the scientific and practical components of agricultural production. The educational experience includes a strong academic program coupled with experiences in on-campus farm production, farm management and industry internships.
The Work Education Program also provides students earning an agriculture degree with the opportunity to get real-world experience at one of the College’s operating farms. Students of the agriculture school produce products – including dairy, beef, fruit and vegetables – to be used at The Keeter Center’s restaurant, student cafeteria, ice cream shop and bakery.
C of O guest artist recital to feature Blue Violet Duo April 21
Guest artists Blue Violet Duo will perform Tuesday, April 21, in the Newman Recital Hall in the Gittinger Music Center at College of the Ozarks at 7:30 p.m. as part of the College of the Ozarks 2025-26 featured Guest Artist Series.
Blue Violet Duo features Dr. Kate Carter, violinist, and Dr. Louise Chan, pianist.
Carter is a versatile performer based in Chicago with experience ranging from soloist to chamber collaborator and orchestral musician. She is an in-demand speaker, adjudicator and clinician, as well as a dedicated violin instructor, teaching at the Northwestern Music Academy and North Park University.
Chan, a native of Ottawa, Canada, is a Chicago-based classical pianist, chamber musician, orchestral keyboardist and music educator. As a music educator, Chan maintains a busy studio of young and adult piano students at the Music Institute of Chicago. She is a member of the Royal Conservatory of Music’s College of Examiners and is frequently invited as a competition judge in the Midwest.
In addition to presenting a delightful concert that will include a work by College of the Ozarks associate professor Dr. Luke Carlson, the duo will host a reading session for C of O composition students. Students have each prepared a work for the duo to perform and provide musical and technical feedback.
“We are thrilled to host the Blue Violet Duo at C of O,” Carlson said. “This is a great opportunity for our students to interact with and learn from professional musicians.”
The concert is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
CRANE SCHOOLS
Crane program expands learning outside classroom hours
The final bell usually signals the end of the school day, but at Crane Elementary, it marks the beginning of something many students look forward to – afterschool tutoring. Yes, that’s right – afterschool tutoring. Throughout the week, students can stay after school through the district’s Pirate Pals program, have a snack, and receive help with things like math and reading but in fun, small-group environments.
“If we haven’t learned something, we get to learn it now,” says 10-year-old Alli as she counts out change to her teacher one Tuesday afternoon.
Unlike the traditional school day, tutoring offers a slower pace and focused instruction that helps students strengthen skills, build confidence and experience greater success, explains teacher Kara McKnight. She is one of nine educators who lead the program.
An opportunity for success
“Programs like this not only support students academically, but they also help build confidence and give students the opportunity to experience success in their learning,” she explained.
Pirate Pals, which is funded by a grant from Silver Dollar City Foundation, provides students with a small-group setting and an opportunity for teachers to adjust pace, address specific skills gaps and provide meaningful feedback, shared Superintendent Dr. Kelli Rogers. Without the grant, Rogers said, the program would not be possible.
“This focused approach allows staff to build strong relationships with students and provide individualized academic and personal support tailored to their specific needs,” Rogers said.
For 10-year-old Bentley, Pirate Pals makes the regular school day feel easier and it gives him more time to enjoy his favorite subjects. “It’s fun and we learn,” he said with a smile.
McKnight added that the benefits of the program go well beyond academics.
“One of the best outcomes we are seeing is the relationships that develop during tutoring,” she said. “The small group setting helps build friendships, empathy and confidence among the students. It’s rewarding to see students grow not only academically but also in confidence and in the way they support one another as learners.”
Meeting community needs
Silver Dollar City Foundation provides grant funding to the 14 public school districts serving Stone and Taney County children. These grants empower districts to address local needs ranging from early childhood education to literacy programs, behavioral support, social services, student and family engagement and more. During the 2024–2025 school year alone, Hope Grant projects positively impacted nearly 3,000 students.
Visit SilverDollarCityFoundation.com to learn more.
REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS
Wolf Pack Foundation surpasses $1 million in fundraising
The 15th annual PACK NIGHT at Dolly Parton’s Stampede helped propel the Wolf Pack Foundation past the $1 million mark in money raised for Reeds Spring Schools. The Foundation distributes the funds as student scholarships and teacher grants. Here are some statistics on those awards:
185 classroom grants 182 dual-credit scholarships 434 senior scholarships “We thank everyone who has been part of the Pack over the last 15 years,” said Foundation Board Member Ben Fisher. “We are changing lives together!”
This year’s event alone raised $100,000. The recipients of the senior scholarships will be announced during the RSHS Class of 2026 Senior Awards Banquet and at graduation on May 14.
Reeds Spring band students qualify for state
Four Reeds Spring High School band students can toot their own horns about being state qualifiers! At the MSHSAA District Solo and Ensemble Contest on March 13, the following students earned gold (Exemplary) ratings:
Ethan Johnson - Trumpet, Ben Morefield - Bass Clarinet, Hazel Morefield - Flute, Alec Thomas - Violin
The MSHSAA State Solo and Ensemble Contest will be held on May 2 at the University of Missouri.
SCHOOL OF THE OZARKS
School of the Ozarks to hold commencement ceremony for 26 students on May 7
School of the Ozarks will hold its commencement ceremony at Williams Memorial Chapel on Thursday, May 7, celebrating the graduation of 23 seniors. Of the graduating class, 14 students committed to furthering their education at College of the Ozarks.
“Shortly after reopening School of the Ozarks in 2012, our faculty and staff developed a document called ‘The Portrait of a Graduate.’ The students in this year’s graduating class come as close as any we have had to exemplifying the Christlike attributes described in that document,” Dolloff said. “We are excited to see these graduates poured out onto the world to make a difference for the cause of Christ.”
Madeline Sparks Lansdell, 2017 graduate of School of the Ozarks and Assistant Solicitor General for the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, will be this year’s commencement speaker. Her selection as this year’s speaker reflects the school’s mission to raise up servant-leaders who return to pour into the next generation.
The Class of 2026 carries forward the school’s mission to develop citizens of Christlike character who are well-educated, hardworking and patriotic. Through their commitment to service and excellence, these graduates have made a lasting mark on the school and in the community.
School of the Ozarks has had graduates in the past who have attended West Point and the Air Force Academy. This year, senior Oliver Mutrux has been accepted to both West Point and The United States Naval Academy. The school is awaiting his final decision.
The vision of School of the Ozarks mirrors that of College of the Ozarks: to develop citizens of Christlike character who are well-educated, hardworking and patriotic. The curriculum of the school is designed as a classical Christian model and emphasizes the importance of Christlike character and a biblical worldview in understanding truth. School of the Ozarks has been re-established and operates as a department of College of the Ozarks under the direction of The Keeter Center for Character Education.
School of the Ozarks Choirs to perform April 23
The School of the Ozarks invites the community to join the S of O Junior High Choir and High School Choir on Thursday evening, April 23, for their Spring Concert. Under the direction of Ms. Ronda Fields, this evening of music will start at 6 p.m. in the Hook Activities Center on the College of the Ozarks campus.
As one of their featured numbers, the high school choir will present the premier performance of a new choral arrangement by Jenni Fansler, parent of a School of the Ozarks student. Mrs. Fansler leads music at an area church and has studied choral and instrumental arranging for worship. Called “I’ll Be There,” this medley of hymns incorporates “Victory in Jesus,” “I’ll Fly Away,” and other classic favorites about the hope of heaven, arranged for SATB choir voices accompanied by a folk/bluegrass-style band.
As a laboratory school for the College of the Ozarks, School of the Ozarks provides an innovative and challenging classical Christian education for K-12 students. Students experience a college preparatory experience that includes unique learning activities utilizing C of O academic and athletic facilities and travel opportunities. Learn more at https://patriots.cofo.edu.
ALL SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Care to Learn, SDC Foundation partner to help area kids
BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer
Care to Learn and the Silver Dollar City Foundation recently announced that they are partnering to expand access to health, hunger and hygiene resources for more than 12,000 students in Stone and Taney counties. On Thursday, April 9, Silver Dollar City hosted a celebratory ribbon cutting for “Together for Kids,” with area media and school leaders in attendance.
The partnership will establish ten new Care to Learn chapters by the end of the 2025-2026 school year, in the Blue Eye, Branson, Crane, Galena, Kirbyville, Mark Twain, Shell Knob, Spokane, Taneyville and Forsyth school districts. It will also provide additional support to existing area chapters in Bradleyville, Hollister, Hurley and Reeds Spring.
At the celebration, leaders of both organizations spoke about the increased opportunities created by the partnership. Following opening music by The Creek Rocks, Silver Dollar City President Brad Thomas welcomed those present, saying, “We’re here because we are called to serve. There are a whole lot of kids out there, who have a whole lot of needs, and unmet needs lead to less success in school and life.”
Thomas introduced Silver Dollar City co-founder and board member Peter Herschend as well as Care to Learn founder and board member Doug Pitt, thanking them for their dedication to serving area children. “We’re not duplicating services with this partnership,” explained Pitt. “We’re expanding, investing in the self-esteem business for a whole lot of kids.”
Founded in 1996, Silver Dollar City Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Silver Dollar City Parks and Resorts. The Foundation works through local schools to help children and families in our community.
Care to Learn is a Springfield-based nonprofit dedicated to partnering with Missouri school districts and community members to meet children’s emergent health, hunger and hygiene needs so they can succeed in school. Since 2008, Care to Learn has met more than 4.6 million needs. In addition to the basics, Care to Learn helps with eyeglasses and vision exams, emergency dental needs, prescriptions, assistive devices such as power chairs and hearing aids, mental health services and more.
This partnership will expand the impact of the Foundation's Care for Kids with the Care to Learn model. “Silver Dollar City Foundation has already shown a deep commitment to students,” said Krystal Simon, CEO of Care to Learn. “This partnership will extend that commitment beyond the classroom into the daily lives of students, ensuring they are ready to learn. Together, we can remove barriers to education for thousands of children and build a brighter future for students.”
“For 20 years, Silver Dollar City Foundation has been empowering educators to meet the physical needs of students," said Mindy Honey, Executive Director of Silver Dollar City Foundation. "This partnership means we'll continue to meet those needs and more, ensuring our area educators have the resources and funding so when they see a need, they can meet a need.”
As attendees walked from the Riverfront Playhouse to the Silver Dollar City Fire District for the celebratory ribbon cutting and photos, local school leaders in attendance shared their appreciation of the increased access to resources. One area superintendent commented that teachers are frequently the “boots on the ground,” the first to realize when students need items as basic as a toothbrush, clean underwear, or matching shoes. Knowing resources are available is a big encouragement to the teachers, as they see first-hand the difference it makes in the students’ ability to focus and learn.
To learn more about the “Together for Kids” partnership, visit www.caretolearn.org/togetherforkids or email Melissa Rea, Vice President of Chapter Services at melissa@caretolearn.org.
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