Tri-Lakes Education News

Submitted to Branson Globe
4 days ago
8 min read

BRANSON SCHOOLS

Branson High School’s Air Force JROTC earns ‘Exceeds Standards’ rating

The Air Force JROTC cadets and instructors of Branson High School earned an overall unit assessment score of “Exceeds Standards” - the highest rating attainable. The evaluation was conducted on April 13, 2026, during the annual Program Management Review.

Branson Air Force JROTC (Photo submitted)

Instructors Daryll Clark, SMSgt USAF (Ret.) and Maj. Gary Maki, USAF (Ret.) have continued to foster a program that emphasizes excellence, leadership and community engagement. Cadets were evaluated on academic objectives, cadet corps focus, uniform requirements and event development and performance.

The annual Program Management Review is a formal inspection conducted to ensure compliance with Air Force standards and to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the program. Earning an “Exceeds Standards” rating reflects the cadets’ hard work, discipline and commitment to exceeding expectations.

“We are extremely proud of our cadets and their accomplishments,” said Clark.

“They continue to demonstrate a high level of dedication, and we look forward to seeing how they will elevate the program in the future.”

The program’s Honor Guard is also a source of pride, representing Branson High School at events throughout the community. Over the course of a school year, the Honor Guard supports between 25 and 30 events.

“These engagements provide meaningful opportunities for our students to demonstrate professionalism, discipline and a commitment to our cadet corps,” Clark added.

Looking ahead, the program aims to continue growing by welcoming more students while maintaining a strong focus on developing cadets into citizens of character who are dedicated to serving their nation and community.

“Air Force JROTC provides an outstanding opportunity for students to build leadership skills in a structured, supportive environment while also enjoying the camaraderie that comes with it,” Clark said.

COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS

Trudy Cathy White, daughter of Chick-fil-A founder, headlines Ozarks Women in Leadership Scholarship Luncheon at College of the Ozarks

College of the Ozarks hosted the biannual Ozarks Women in Leadership (OWL) Scholarship Luncheon on Thursday, April 9, at The Keeter Center. The luncheon brings women together to encourage leadership and foster connections in support of needed room and board scholarships that will enable College of the Ozarks female students to seek and fulfill summer internship opportunities.

This year’s luncheon featured keynote speaker Trudy Cathy White, daughter of Chick-fil-A founder and influential leader Truett Cathy. The program also recognized this year’s OWL Leadership Award Honoree, Becky Roberts of Forsyth, and awarded students Melaina Wilson of Willow Springs and Serenity Porch of Poplar Bluff with the first scholarship awards generated out of a newly established John & Marge Driver OWL Room and Board Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Trudy Cathy White delivered remarks based on the themes of her recent book, “A Legacy That Lasts,” sharing that after taking a year off from college, she became the first female Chick-fil-A operator, at the age of 19, in Birmingham, Alabama.

White spoke about the importance of hard work and serving with intention, and shared an endearing story about hiring John White, whom she eventually married.

Together, the Whites invested 20 years in service to missions, including the International Mission Board, where they served as missionaries in Brazil. Later, the Whites founded Lifeshape, Impact 360 Institute and supported WinShape Camps for Girls, a summer camp founded by White’s parents in 1985.

“We are all guided by our values, which become the filter for our decision-making,” White said. “When you identify those values, you can be more intentional in how you live and make the most of every opportunity you’ve been given. Then when you begin to live out your values, you can make a difference in the people around you. You have the opportunity to change the culture of your family and influence the next generation.”

John and Trudy have been married for more than 40 years. Together, they have four children and 17 grandchildren.

Ozarks Women in Leadership Award

The OWL Leadership Award celebrates outstanding leadership contributions from women who demonstrate a deep commitment to making a lasting, positive difference in the lives of those around them and embody the College’s core values to steward faithfully, create community, pursue good, practice hospitality and show gratitude.

This year’s recipient is Becky Gideon Roberts, granddaughter of Joseph Gideon, the first graduate of The School of the Ozarks in 1913, at the school’s original location in Forsyth. Roberts has served in roles with the Skaggs Foundation, the White River Valley Historical Society, the Daughters of the American Revolution, College of the Ozarks Associates, Community Presbyterian Church, Boys and Girls Club of the Ozarks, and the Missouri State Tourism Commission, among others.

She spent 22 years in the banking industry and earned Pinnacle awards for regional sales achievement. Roberts owned her own small business, opened the first Missouri Department of Revenue office in Forsyth, and served as a regional manager across multiple licensed bureaus in Southwest Missouri.

Roberts and her husband have been married for 52 years, and together they have two adult children and six grandchildren.

“In what others best describe as her ‘passion’ in leaving an indelible mark, her unwavering commitment to volunteerism motivates others to follow her example of generosity, compassion and leadership to preserve our nation and community's history for future generations,” shared Dr. Sue Head, vice president for cultural activities and institutional advancement.

“Here at the College, we've experienced this leader's gracious spirit firsthand through an abundance of handwritten notes of gratitude — a hallmark of her character and her commitment to recognizing others. With a heart rooted in service, she has dedicated her life to enriching Taney County, the greater Ozarks region, and the state of Missouri.”

Driver OWL Room & Board Endowed Scholarship Fund

Melaina Wilson, junior animal science major, became the first-ever recipient of the OWL Room & Board Endowed Scholarship. This summer, Melaina will be serving as an intern at Dickerson Zoo in Springfield, Missouri.

An OWL Room & Board Endowed Scholarship represents the one available $10,000 scholarship currently generated out of the endowment fund’s annual earnings to create a source for a full year of room and board support to an eligible and deserving female student pursuing a confirmed career-enhancing summer academic internship.

The start of this fund was generously gifted by John and Marge Driver, a generous Christian couple who practiced giving back to causes for the betterment of their community. Marjorie was a lifelong educator, earning a Ph.D. and teaching as a professor at the University of Guam. Funding scholarships through the Ozarks Women in Leadership program was perfectly aligned for support by the Drivers.

OWL Immediate Impact Scholarships

Serenity Porch, senior public relations major, is the first recipient of an OWL Immediate Impact Scholarship. This summer, Porch will be working as a government affairs and public policy intern with Concerned Women for America in Washington, D.C.

An OWL Immediate Impact Scholarship represents a gift of any amount that contributes to a direct and immediate source of room and board support to an eligible and deserving female student pursuing a confirmed career-enhancing summer academic internship.

A differentiating factor between the types of OWL scholarships is that the endowed fund grows over time, in perpetuity, while an immediate impact scholarship is awarded and used within the next year.

To learn more about the Ozarks Women in Leadership, please contact Abigail Buschman, director of development, at 417-690-2209.

Steve Moore podcast, ‘Moore Money,’ highlights Work Education Model at College of the Ozarks

College of the Ozarks was recently featured on the “Moore Money with Steve Moore” podcast, where its work education model was highlighted as an innovative approach to addressing higher education affordability.

During the episode, economist and host Steve Moore and Dr. David Barker, assistant secretary for postsecondary education at the U.S. Department of Education, discussed rising tuition costs and alternative strategies for making college more accessible. Moore cited College of the Ozarks as a model that integrates meaningful student work into the academic experience.

Listen to the podcast here: https://cofo.link/SteveMooreaboutHardWorkU

“The tuition at the College of the Ozarks is zero. Every student works … and they pay for their own tuition. I’ve never met a more motivated group of students,” Moore said.

Barker described the institution as “a wonderful place” and praised its work-based approach to higher education.

At College of the Ozarks, full-time students participate in the Work Education Program, working campus jobs while completing academic coursework.

Students typically work 15 hours per week during the semester and additional weeks during academic breaks. This structure allows students to gain practical experience, develop strong work habits, and graduate debt free.

Education should develop both the intellect and character of our students,” said Dr. Brad Johnson, president of College of the Ozarks. “Our work-education model allows students to graduate prepared for their careers without the burden of overwhelming debt.”

Also called “Hard Work U.,” College of the Ozarks integrates academic study, meaningful work and Christian values as part of its mission to form citizens of Christlike character who are well-educated, hardworking and patriotic.

Founded in 1906, the College provides a tuition assurance scholarship through its Work Education Program, combining rigorous academics with practical work experience to offer an affordable, character-building education.

College of the Ozarks Concert Band to present free concert, May 1

The College of the Ozarks Concert Band will present a concert on Friday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Auditorium on the C of O campus. Admission is free and open to the public.

“The College of the Ozarks Concert Band is excited to perform our spring concert” said Dr. Kevin Powers, director. “Outer space will play an important role as we will be performing “Star Wars: Main Title” by the legendary film composer John Williams along with “The Adventures in Super Mario Galaxy” arranged by C of O composition student Cody Davis. Cody is passionate about video game music and has created a truly monumental work in four movements for the C of O Concert Band based on this cosmic saga. We can’t wait for everyone to hear this very special piece of music. The Band will also be performing an energetic march by John Philip Sousa along with other selections. We hope everyone can come out and hear this fun and exciting concert.”

REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS

Reeds Spring Middle School April Students of the Month named

Left to right: Jax Ratliff, Sofia McGowan, Matthew Davis, Avery Stufft

Local students excel at State Technology Championships

Reeds Spring High School and Table Rock Career Center proved their students are among the most technologically prepared in the state. Competing at the Missouri Technology Student Association (TSA) State Championships, several students earned top honors for their innovation and skill:

Left to right: Putalavage, Pearson, Coursey and Love (Photos submitted)

Luke Sellers: Second place – Prepared Presentation
Connor Love and Wyatt Coursey: Fourth place – Biotechnology
Emma Putalavage and Emilia Pearson: Top 10 finish – Fashion Design

The Missouri TSA is a premier organization dedicated to preparing students for a high-tech world by promoting technological literacy, leadership and creative problem-solving. With 90 chapters across the state, the competition is fierce, making these top-tier finishes a significant achievement for our students and staff.

Lady Wolves win Galena Classic

The Reeds Spring High School softball team won three games on Saturday, April 18 to clinch the title in the Galena Classic softball tournament. The games were moved to Reeds Spring due to weather conditions. RSHS defeated Greenfield 12-4, Southwest 18-4 and Crane 11-1. Three players combined for six home runs: Grace Chastain, Chloe Clevenger and Brynlee Halford.