Tri-Lakes Education News
- Submitted to Branson Globe
- 2 hours ago
- 6 min read
BRANSON SCHOOLS
Branson Public Schools offer free summer meal program
In conjunction with summer school in the Branson School District, a free nutritious meal will be available to all children age 18 and younger and eligible disabled adults still enrolled in high school. Children are not required to attend summer school to participate in the federally funded Summer Food Service Program.
Meals will be served at the following locations on the following dates:
Branson High School, 935 Buchanan Rd., June 1-18, Monday-Thursday; breakfast: 8-9 a.m.; lunch: 12-1 p.m.
Branson Junior High, 263 Buccaneer Blvd., June 1-18, Monday-Thursday; breakfast: 7:30-8:30 a.m.; lunch 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Buchanan Elementary, 1000 Buchanan Rd., June 1-25, Monday-Thursday; breakfast 8:10-8:40 a.m.; lunch 10:40 a.m.-12:40 p.m.
For additional information about the free summer meal program, please call the district’s Nutrition Services office at 417-334-6541 ext. 9051 or visit www.branson.k12.mo.us
Branson Education Foundation awards more than $32K in grants and scholarships
The Branson Education Foundation awarded $32,838.50 in classroom grants and scholarships during the 2025-26 school year, continuing its mission to expand opportunities for students and educators across the Branson School District.
Established in 2010 as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Foundation manages charitable donations that directly support Branson Schools through monthly classroom grants, educator resources, student experiences and senior scholarships.
Since its founding, the Foundation has awarded more than $280,000. Funds are raised through several community events, including the annual Community Breakfast welcoming new teachers and local business partners, the Homecoming Tailgate Dinner, and the Foundation’s newest event, A Night in the Arts, which celebrates student art and performance while benefiting all 14 Stone and Taney County school districts.
“Our teachers continue to bring creativity, passion and dedication into their classrooms every day,” said Branson Education Foundation Chairman, Sarah Rein. “The Foundation is honored to help provide resources that inspire learning and create new opportunities for students.”
Community members can support the Foundation through donations, volunteer involvement and partnerships. For more information or to donate, contact info@bransoneducationfoundation.org or visit www.bransoneducationfoundation.org.
HOLLISTER SCHOOLS
Hollister Middle School and Hollister High School broadcasting programs receive grant support for media technology upgrades
Hollister Schools is proud to announce that the Hollister Middle School and Hollister High School broadcasting journalism programs have received grant support through the Coover Foundation for the project titled Tiger Media Journalism: Powering Community Connection through Student Voice. The nearly $5,000 grant will provide upgraded professional broadcasting equipment to enhance student-led media production and community storytelling.
The project will support the district’s Tiger 5 News and TigerTube journalism programs through the purchase of professional-grade 4K video and audio equipment. The upgraded equipment will allow students to produce higher-quality coverage of athletics, fine arts, Board of Education recognitions, service-learning projects and community events.
“This investment helps provide students with real-world experiences using industry-level technology while also strengthening communication and connection with our families and community members.”
Hollister Middle School Principal Dr. Rachel Hodges emphasized the impact the project will have on student learning opportunities.
“This grant provides students with valuable hands-on experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Hodges. “Students are developing communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills while helping tell the story of our schools and community in meaningful ways.”
Hollister High School Principal Dr. Kristina Smith shared excitement about the opportunities the upgraded equipment will create for students preparing for future careers.
“We are proud to offer students authentic learning experiences that connect directly to college and career readiness,” said Dr. Smith. “These upgraded tools will allow students to create professional-quality content while building confidence and technical skills that will benefit them well beyond high school.”
Students involved in Journalism I and II courses will utilize the new equipment beginning in Fall 2026 after completing technical certification training. The upgraded technology will support live-streamed athletic contests, fine arts performances, monthly Board of Education recognitions and special projects that highlight student achievement and community involvement.
Beyond technical skills, the project emphasizes career readiness through collaboration, storytelling, interviewing, deadline management and ethical journalism practices. Students will gain experience with professional 4K workflows, audio engineering and broadcast production standards while helping create a digital archive of Hollister Schools and the surrounding community.
Hollister Schools appreciates the support of the Coover Foundation and its investment in student opportunity, workforce readiness and the future of rural journalism.
REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS
Wolf Pack Foundation awards 35 scholarships to Reeds Spring graduates
Whether it is a four-year college, a two-year college, or a trade school, nearly three dozen Reeds Spring High School graduates will receive a financial boost to pay for their continuing education.
The Wolf Pack Foundation awarded 35 scholarships to the RSHS Class of 2026, totaling $70,000.
To earn a scholarship, students had to fill out an application, create a resume, record a video and interview before a panel. Since 2011, the Wolf Pack Foundation has awarded over $1 million in scholarships and classroom grants.
Here is the list of recipients:
Wolf in the Darkness - Brody Pettigrew
Dolly Parton's Literacy Scholarship - Elizabeth Inselman
Black Oak Amp Scholarship - Calvin Waters
Tequila's Bar & Grill Scholarship - Cassie Waters
Arvest Foundation Scholarship - Jordan Mayfield
Ron Smith Memorial Scholarship - Alex Payne
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Scholarship - Isabella Yartz
Ron Jett Memorial Scholarship - Jack Hamilton
Miller Family Scholarship - Max Hirschi
Jan Kirsch Memorial Scholarship - Hoyt Gubin
Bill Kirsch Memorial Scholarship - Braiden Langston
Pizza World Scholarship - Allie Johnson
Dake Wells Scholarship - Violet Hall
JMARK Scholarship - Brayden Colon
Netwatch Scholarship - Kaylee Geniuk
Stiles Roofing Scholarships - Gavin Powell and Tyson Porter
Anchor Construction Scholarship - Sam Carpenter
Troy Nelson Hood Memorial Scholarship - Aidan Broomfield
PACK NIGHT 15th Anniversary Scholarship - Kreeden Smith
Sue Quick Memorial Scholarship - Kenleigh Weaver
Kathy Isaacs Memorial Scholarship - Keaston Chaplin
Class of 1991 Scholarship - Jackson Guffey
A Night in the Arts Scholarship - Jurnee Dooley
Rotary Club of Table Rock Lake Scholarship - Symphany Andrews
Wolf Howl Golf Scramble Scholarship - Aubree Stuart
MSTA Scholarship - Brody McIntosh
Glenn Pace Scholarships - Brock Fisher, Bella Hittson, and Elijah Patrick
Booster Club Scholarship - Brody Bekebrede
Project Graduation Scholarships - Jeremiah Holt and Elizabeth Neumeier
Evelyn Grace Memorial Scholarship - Symphany Andrews
Merwyn Grace Memorial Scholarship - Landon Munhollon
Six Wolves qualify for state in track and field
Reeds Spring High School will be well represented at the state track and field meet. At the Class 3 Sectional in Buffalo on May 16, six Wolves qualified by placing in the top four of their event: Grace Chastain - Pole Vault; Allie Johnson - High Jump; Issie Sooter - Long Jump; Dane Thierbach - 800-meter Run; Emmarae Thompson- 100-meter Hurdles; Mason Turner - Triple Jump. The state meet will be held on May 22-23 in Jefferson City.
Baseball The Wolves beat Parkview 7-6 and lost to Pierce City 11-8. In the opening round of the district tournament, RSHS beat Mountain Grove 4-0.
Softball The Lady Wolves lost in the district semifinal to Springfield Catholic 12-6.
TABLE ROCK CAREER CENTER
Table Rock Career Center Professionals of the Month
Four high school students studying Marine Technology and Criminal Justice have been named the Table Rock Career Center Professionals of the Month. Austin Weter is from Chadwick and is in the Marine Tech program, Brodee Crosby attends Reeds Spring and is also in Marine Tech. Daisy Fenton is from Branson and is in Criminal Justice, and Hazel Morefield attends Reeds Spring and is also in Criminal Justice.
LOCAL SCHOOLS
Students to explore leadership and government during cooperative’s CYCLE program
Five local high school sophomores will join students from across Missouri at the Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience, or CYCLE, July 14-17 at the Missouri Capitol.
To qualify, students had to live within White River Valley Electric Cooperative’s service area and submit an essay describing the qualities and experiences that make an effective leader. Representing the cooperative at this year’s conference are Kyler Moree of Sparta High School, Hailey Barber and Shelby Padilla of Reeds Spring High School, Karter Shofner of Hollister High School, and Emerson Robinson of School of the Ozarks.
“We are excited for these students to represent the Ozarks at the State Capitol and gain experiences that will help shape them into future leaders,” said Nathan Stearns, WRVEC community programs coordinator.
Hosted by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, the four-day event gives students an inside look at Missouri government, builds leadership skills and introduces them to the cooperative model. Participants will connect with peers from across the state, tour key sites, hear nationally known speakers and take part in team-building activities.
For more information about CYCLE, visit White River’s website at https://www.whiteriver.org/community/youth-programs/cycle/.
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