Tri-Lakes Education News

BRANSON SCHOOLS

Thank you, Pirates: It’s recognition season at Branson Public Schools

Before the first bell rings and long after the last one ends, our bus drivers are on the road, safely connecting students to their school day. On School Bus Driver Appreciation Day, we recognize these dedicated professionals for the care, patience and responsibility they bring to every route. They do far more than drive - they build relationships, create a sense of routine and ensure each student arrives ready to learn and returns home safely. We are grateful for the steady presence they provide and the important role they play in supporting our students and families every single day.

Behind the scenes of every great school day is a team making sure students are nourished, cared for and ready to learn. On School Lunch Hero Day, we celebrate our incredible Nutrition Services staff for the heart they bring to their work each day. They create welcoming spaces, serve balanced meals and build connections with our students - one tray at a time. Their impact goes far beyond the cafeteria, and we are truly grateful for the role they play in supporting every Pirate’s success.

Strong schools don’t happen by chance - they’re led with purpose. On School Principals’ Day, we celebrate the leaders who set the tone, champion their students and staff, and keep each building moving forward with clarity and care. Our principals create environments where students can thrive and educators can do their best work. We’re thankful for their leadership and the lasting impact they make across our district every single day.

Branson educator named ‘Out of This World Teacher’ 

Shannon Pagan, fourth-grade teacher at Buchanan Intermediate, has been named the KRZK and Central Bank Out of This World Teacher. Pagan has served Branson Public Schools for 15 years and brings 37 years of experience in public education. 

Mrs. Pagan shared, "Teaching has always been more than a job to me - it’s truly my heart. Every day, I have the privilege of building relationships with my students, encouraging them and helping them see their own potential. I’m so grateful to be recognized, but the real reward is the chance to make a difference in their lives each day." 

Pagan appeared on the KRZK Legends 1063 UpSide Morning Show with Josh and Them for her award presentation. Buchanan Intermediate Principal Dr. Matt Dean was also in attendance. Pagan was presented with a plaque, a gift card and a gift basket from Central Bank.      

The Out of This World Teacher campaign is sponsored by Central Bank of the Ozarks, KRZK, Ozarks DynaCom and other local area businesses. Teachers from Stone and Taney counties may be nominated for the award by visiting the Legends 1063 website.

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FORSYTH SCHOOLS

Forsyth students present spring fine arts performances 

BY CYNTHIA J. THOMAS, Staff Writer

On Sunday afternoon, May 3, the Forsyth High School music department presented their annual spring concert, showcasing some wonderful talent for appreciative families and friends. Featured groups included the fifth/sixth grade choir, directed by Mrs. Payton Burnett; middle school and high school choirs, directed by Mrs. Kendra Maus; and beginning, middle school and high school bands, directed by Mr. Philip Thomas. 

Along with a beautiful rendition of “Shenandoah,” the fifth/sixth grade choir took parents and grandparents back to their own school music days with “There’s A Hole in My Bucket.” The middle school and high school choirs also tapped into familiarity, with “Great Day a’Comin’” and a piece based on the Emily Dickinson poem, “Hope Is the Thing with Feathers.” Mrs. Maus shared that with the choir program being newly reincorporated into the curriculum this year, she and the students were excited to bring home their first trophy from participating in district middle school choir contest, where they received a II (outstanding) rating. 

The sixth grade beginning band and the seventh grade band combined as the middle school band to present pieces they performed at two different area competitions, where they received a II (outstanding) rating and a I (exceptional) rating respectively. 

The high school band also performed their contest pieces, as well as student favorites from the movies “Aladdin” and “Jurassic Park.” A highlight of the high school performance was a saxophone solo by freshman Slaten Gass. He earned a I rating at district contest, which qualified him for state competition where he received a II, which Mr. Thomas described as a noteworthy accomplishment for a freshman. 

The teachers expressed their appreciation for Mrs. Hannah Gailey, who serves as accompanist for solo and small ensemble contest entries and the choirs; and for student assistant Emily Rivere, who provides valuable coaching to younger choir students. All three teachers shared excitement for the future of the music programs at Forsyth, thanking the administration for their support as the program grows and thanking parents for faithfully bringing students for special practices and events. 

In another spring performance highlight, Forsyth theater students recently presented the musical “Frozen.” Produced by teachers Mrs. Adrianna Fewell and Mrs. Justine Wheeler, and directed and choreographed by Jacob Deck, the show reflected many hours of effort by students learning lines and building sets to prepare for nearly sold-out performances. Mrs. Fewell said “Frozen” is a technically demanding show, and the crew did an excellent job. “We have so many wonderful and supportive parents and local businesses that support the musical at Forsyth,” she added. 

Strong performances by Abby Wheeler and Sophie Douglas in the lead roles of Elsa and Anna, Jack Brown as Kristoff and Pace Gillman as Hans, were supported by additional great acting in every scene. While many people in attendance had seen the popular movie, several commented that the depth of interpretation in the musical, enhanced by the students’ talent, added to their overall appreciation of the story line. 

Several of the young actors and actresses have not only appeared in multiple musicals at the school, but are also involved in the Branson Regional Arts Council and other venues, so watch for exciting things to come in fine arts around the area as they continue to grow in their craft! 

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REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS

Reeds Spring School District names Excellence Award Winners for April

Each month, the Reeds Spring School District recognizes one non-teaching staff member and one certified teacher as Excellence Award winners. The winners for April are Morgan Schmidt and Cyndi Trimble. Schmidt is a social worker at Reeds Spring High School and Reeds Spring Middle School. Trimble is a special education teacher at Reeds Spring High School. The district accepts Excellence Award nominations from students, staff, parents and community members.

Reeds Spring tennis duo wins district title

For the first time in over a decade, Reeds Spring High School will send tennis players to state. Jack Hamilton and Hunter Howe won the Class 1 District 6 tennis doubles championship. The state tournament will be held at Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield on May 14-15.

Baseball

The baseball Wolves went 3-1 last week, beating New Covenant 7-4, beating Weaubleau 15-0, and beating East Newton 4-1. Springfield Catholic defeated Reeds Spring 15-0.

Softball

The Lady Wolves softball team beat Seymore 12-2, beat Spokane 8-4 and lost to Purdy 9-1.

Track and Field

At the Cat-Dog Showdown at Logan-Rogersville, the following Reeds Spring athletes won their competitions:

Max Hirschi - 800-meter run and 1600-meter run

Mason Turner - Triple jump

Brody Bekebrede - Javelin

Grace Johnson - 1600-meter run

Emmarae Thompson 100-meter hurdles

Allie Johnson - 300-meter hurdles

Issie Sooter - Long jump

Lindsay Branson - Discus and Shot put

Boys 4x800-meter relay

Band

Four members of the Wolf Pride Band competed at the MSHSAA State Solo and Ensemble Contest in Columbia. Alec Thomas earned a gold medal for his violin solo. Ethan Johnson earned a gold medal for his trumpet solo. Hazel Morefield earned a silver medal for her flute solo, and Ben Morefield earned a silver medal for his bass clarinet solo.