Tri-Lakes Education News
- Rob Doherty
- May 13
- 7 min read
BRANSON SCHOOLS
Lights, camera, learning: Branson students share their stories
Step into one of Branson Public Schools elementary Media Club meetings, and you’ll find students fully engaged in creating something of their own. Some are writing scripts, others are behind the camera, and a few are preparing to step in front of the microphone. Together, they’re working as a team to bring school stories to life - learning valuable skills while having fun along the way.
At Cedar Ridge Elementary, students aren’t just participating - they’re producing. Under the guidance of Instructional Coach and sponsor Daralyn Scroggins, alongside Jacki Lee, students take on real-world roles like writers, art directors, camera operators, correspondents and anchors. Working in teams, they collaborate to turn ideas into engaging stories for their school community.
“It has been rewarding to see our kids engage in what is happening in our school,” Scroggins said. “As they generate ideas on what stories to cover, they show ownership in our school community and come together as a team around what they feel their peers need to know.”
This creativity is evident across the district. At Buchanan Elementary, students are also telling their school’s story through Media Club, sponsored by Counselor Tamara Wilfong.
“Our students truly love telling our school’s story,” Wilfong shared. “They take ownership of every part of the process - from brainstorming ideas to filming and interviewing. It’s been incredible to watch their confidence grow as they step in front of the camera, support one another, and take pride in creating something that celebrates their classmates and school community.”
And this year, Buchanan Intermediate launched its own student-led effort - the BI Good News Club - under the leadership of Counselor Dr. Stacy Hagston. The group is already making an impact by sharing positive stories and building excitement among students.
Together, these programs highlight a growing district-wide commitment to student voice, creativity and connection. And that journey doesn’t stop in elementary school. At Branson High School, students take these skills to the next level in the Mass Media program, led by Mr. Garrett Hawkins. Courses like Broadcast Journalism and Mass Media Communications give students hands-on experience in professional-level production.
This year, Mass Media students partnered with the district’s Communications Team to produce Semester Update videos - earning a seat at the professional table while delivering high-quality content for our community. Using industry tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects, students handle everything from filming to editing, gaining real-world experience that prepares them for future opportunities.
“Our goal is to give students authentic, real-world experience,” Hawkins said. “They’re not just learning about media - they’re creating it, collaborating with professionals and producing work that serves a real audience.”
Their work extends far beyond the classroom: running the livestream for school events, photographing athletics and creating hype media that energizes our community.
They’ve even taken on meaningful storytelling projects, such as covering the Vietnam Veterans Charlie Company reunion at College of the Ozarks - capturing the event from start to finish and producing a highlight video.
Explore more student work on the BHS Mass Media YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BransonHSMedia
From elementary classrooms to high school studios, one thing is clear: our students aren’t just learning about media - they’re using it to tell stories that matter.
Over $564M in scholarships offered to BHS Senior Class
For the third consecutive year, Branson High School has partnered with VU Scholarships, a Kansas City-based organization, to expand scholarship access for students and offer more opportunities to graduating seniors.
Students were honored during the annual Senior Awards Night held at Branson High School on May 11, and $564,332,497 in local and merit-based scholarship awards were offered to BHS seniors.
“We are grateful for the continued partnership with VU Scholarships and for the many local organizations and individual scholarship benefactors investing in our students,” said Branson High School senior counselor, Dixie Bailey. “These scholarship offers help open doors for students as they take their next steps after graduation.”
VU is a platform that matches high school students with college scholarships ahead of application, and exists to encourage, support and guide students in higher education planning. VU currently partners with over 115 school districts and has over 90 university partners.
Representatives and benefactors from over 40 area businesses and organizations, as well as local military recruiters were in attendance at Branson High School’s Senior Awards Night to present scholarships and awards to members of the Class of 2026.
Branson High School will hold its commencement ceremony on Friday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m.
COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS
Alondra Ornelas-Ramirez recognized as Missouri Teacher Leader of Tomorrow by Missouri Milken Educators
Alondra Ornelas Ramirez, a senior elementary education major from Kent, Washington, has been recognized among the 2026 Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow by the Missouri Milken Educators. She graduated from College of the Ozarks on May 9, marking a significant milestone as a first-generation college student. She has been named one of 15 recipients of the prestigious 2026 Missouri Milken Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow, recognizing her exceptional promise in teaching.
The Missouri Milken Educators recognize the Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Missouri Milken educators created this program in 2022 and are celebrating 16 teachers across the state with the Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow awards this year.
All Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow inductees will receive the benefits of one-on-one mentorship from Missouri Milken educators, who were all previously recognized by the Milken Family Foundation with the National Milken Educator Award for their impressive achievements. Honorees will have a year of coaching and mentorship and will be able to access the full network of the Missouri Milken Educators. The network serves as a rich resource for fellow educators dedicated to excellence in education. Ornelas Ramirez and the other honorees were surprised with the news that they were selected for the designation.
About Ornelas-Ramirez
Alondra’s passion for education began through meaningful interactions with students she met while accompanying her mother’s bus routes. Those early experiences and conversations led her to volunteer at local elementary schools, where she discovered her love to teach our nation’s youth.
Her junior year she attended teaching clinicals at Cedar Ridge Intermediate (CRI) and felt called by the Lord to go back and serve for her student teaching semester. At CRI she exercised her bilingual speaking skills and her Hispanic heritage to serve English Language Learning students. Her experience there helped shape her perspective as a Christian educator working in a public-school setting.
Ornelas-Ramirez credits College of the Ozarks with providing both the opportunity to graduate debt free and a supportive environment that encouraged her passion for teaching.
“The teachers I have had not only have taught me how to be an exceptional teacher, but they have showed me how to reflect Christ,” she said.
Ornelas-Ramirez described receiving the award as both an honor and an opportunity for continued growth.
“Receiving this recognition to me is an incredible honor and it is a testament to how stellar the education department at College of the Ozarks is. I have felt beyond grateful for receiving this award, as it provides me with the opportunity to grow in my teaching skills.”
REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS
Reeds Spring School District names Teacher and Employee of the Year
The Reeds Spring School District recognized its Teacher of the Year and Employee of the Year at its annual Excellence Awards Banquet on May 9 at Chateau on the Lake. Amy Sanders was named Employee of the Year. She's an administrative assistant at Reeds Spring Intermediate School.
“Amy is like the mom of our building. She takes care of everyone,” said one colleague. “She notices when others are struggling and helps get the right supports in place, for both kids and adults.”
Table Rock Career Center Culinary Arts Teacher Jennifer Noriega was named Teacher of the Year.“Mrs. Noriega is an outstanding teacher, constantly pushing her students to challenge themselves,” said one colleague. “She is also great at finding ways to engage her students and tap into their creativity.”
The district also gave its Service to Education Award to the Silver Dollar City Foundation for its longtime support of students and staff.
Reeds Spring Intermediate School Learners of the Month
Reeds Spring Elementary School Learners of the Month
Reeds Spring Choir Students end year on high note
Fifteen Reeds Spring High School choir students traveled to the University of Missouri for the State Solo and Ensemble Contest and returned with five gold medals and five silver medals.
Medalists:
Mikayla Baker (vocal solo) - GoldSamara Lillie (vocal solo) - Gold
Landon Munhollon (piano solo) - Gold
Women’s Vocal Ensemble (Mikayla Baker, Brennan Bilberry, Colbie Cypret, Elizabeth Inselman, Samara Lillie, Morgan Nicholls, Kaylee Sammons) - Gold
Quartet Vocal Ensemble (Mikayla Baker, Landon Munhollon, Morgan Nicholls, Calvin Waters) - Gold
Colbie Cypret (vocal solo) - Silver
Landon Munhollon (vocal solo) - Silver
Morgan Nicholls (vocal solo) - Silver
Emma Wooley (vocal solo) - Silver
Men’s Vocal Ensemble (Wyatt Coursey, Matthew Maher, Malacki McGregor, Landon Munhollon, Jack Murphy, Christian Ramsey, Calvin Waters) – Silver
Four Wolves win district track and field titles
Reeds Spring High School athletes had several impressive performances at the Class 3 District 6 Meet in Lamar on May 9. Issie Sooter won the long jump, Grace Chastain won the pole vault, Emmarae Thompson won the 100 hurdles, and Mason Turner won the triple jump. The track and field sectional will be held in Nixa on May 16.
Tennis At the team district tournament, the Wolves beat Clever 5-0 and lost to Greenwood 5-4.
Softball The Lady Wolves lost the last regular season game to Mt Vernon, 15-0. In the Class 2 District Tournament, RSHS beat Forsyth 8-5.
BaseballThe Wolves beat Sarcoxie 6-1 and beat Cassville 3-2.
ChoirThe Reeds Spring High School Choir traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, to compete at Music in the Parks. They received first place in the High School Choir category and had the top score of all competing ensembles.
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