Tri-Lakes Education News

BRANSON SCHOOLS

Brian Seitz presents check to BHS student for travel to National Speech and Debate Tournament in June

BY BRIAN SEITZ, from Facebook

I recently had the honor of presenting Milan Gao, of Branson Public Schools, with a check for $500 to help with her travel expenses to the National Speech and Debate Tournament! Milan, as a freshman at Branson High School, won the High School division in Informative Speaking and is the Ozark District Champion. She has now qualified for the 2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament which will be held in Richmond, Virginia June 14 - 19, 2026.

Expenses to attend the tournament fall on Milan and her family, and I wanted to help her live her dream and continue competing. This is an amazing opportunity for her, and a wonderful highlight for the quality of education being provided in our community!

The National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) is the largest speech and debate organization in the United States, supporting interscholastic tournaments, schools, coaches and students since 1925. Students compete in more than ten speech, public speaking and acting events and five debate events across the country and around the world through a growing network of international schools.

If you would also like to help Milan and her family with travel expenses, please contact me through my Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/SeitzforStateRep/#  and I will get you connected. Let’s get this promising young lady to Nationals!

Celebrating 231 years of service to Branson Schools

The Branson Board of Education members, Branson administrators and members of our community recently celebrated 14 Pirates retiring during the 2025-26 school year. Together, they have served 231 years at Branson Public Schools!

Our 2026 retirees include:

• Chip Arnette - Executive Director of Operations - 23 years with Branson Schools

• Kim Cline - French Teacher, BHS - 11 years with Branson Schools

• Karen Greening - Counseling Secretary, JH - 5 years with Branson Schools

• Ken Greening - Helpdesk Team, Technology - 6 years with Branson Schools

• Emery Gregory - Bus Driver, Transportation - 8 years with Branson Schools

• Thomas Hughes - Bus Driver, Transportation - 22 years with Branson Schools

• Alycia Johnston - 7th Grade Math Teacher, JH - 23 years with Branson Schools

• Breken Leonard - SPED Teacher, CRP - 12 years with Branson Schools

• Christina Rowe - GO CAPS Teacher, BHS - 16 years with Branson Schools

• Sember Sharpe - Art Teacher, BE/CRP - 21 years with Branson Schools

• Brenda Smith - BHS Head Cashier, Nutrition Services - 8 years with Branson Schools

• Shane Snowden - SPED Teacher, BE - 26 years with Branson Schools

• Alan Trombley - Maintenance - 31 years with Branson Schools

• Stephanie Turk - Art Teacher, CRI - 19 years with Branson Schools

We thank these Pirates for their service to public education and their dedication to Branson Public Schools!

Branson Schools announce final Pirate Proud recipient for this school year

Our final Pirate Proud recipient of the year, Charles Noga from our Technology Department, reminds us that some of the most impactful work happens quietly behind the scenes, through dedication, service and commitment to others.

Charles serves on the Infrastructure Team and as our district Network Lead, and has been a vital part of Branson Schools for 24 years. He was nominated by many administrators, colleagues and teachers.

Congratulations to ALL of the Pirates in 2025-2026 who have gone above and beyond to earn the title, Pirate Proud!

All Branson Schools employees deserve Pirate Proud in 2026-2027 as we celebrate exceptional Branson Pirates monthly. You can nominate an employee to receive the Pirate Proud honor, even in the summer! We accept year-round nominations and would love to know who you think we should honor next school year. The Pirate Proud nomination form link is: https://bit.ly/3AytT1S .

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COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS

The Armstrong McDonald School of Nursing at College of the Ozarks holds 17th annual Pinning and Blessing Ceremony

The Armstrong McDonald School of Nursing (AMSON) held its 17th Annual Pinning and Blessing Ceremony on May 8 in Williams Memorial Chapel at College of the Ozarks. This year there were 22 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates.

Class of 2026 graduates, nursing faculty, family members and guests of the graduates attended the event. A reception for the graduates and their families was held afterwards.

This year’s guest speaker was Dr. Laura Rodseth, DNP, MBA, BSN, RN. She is a dedicated nurse leader, educator and woman of faith with nearly four decades of experience serving patients and mentoring future nurses. Rodseth currently serves as a clinical adjunct for our program, where she is passionate about equipping the next generation of nurses to care for others with both clinical excellence and Christ-centered purpose.

Mrs. Rebecca Hamon, nursing program director, expressed the purpose of the Pinning and Blessing Ceremony.

“The purpose of the Pinning and Blessing Ceremony is to celebrate the nursing graduates’ accomplishments and commission them for future service to the nursing profession,” Hamon said. “The ceremony signifies the completion of a rigorous education process and dedication to service. The faculty and staff, along with our community, offer our sincere congratulations for the perseverance and compassionate work of this graduating class who finished their degree. The nursing graduates are inheriting and contributing to a legacy of excellence.”

At the ceremony, all the nursing graduates received a specifically designed pin that reflects the program’s five main pursuits of truth, character, critical thinking, the tenets of Florence Nightingale and creating a nourishing environment.

"The nursing pin reflects the AMSON’s mission and philosophy, which is a direct reflection of the College’s mission and goals,” Hamon said. “The pin communicates the wearer’s transition from student to earned title of professional nurse and provides a tangible link to the source of their education. It has been a significant symbol of our service as nurses to others for over 1,000 years.”

With the graduating class of 2026, 309 graduates have completed the AMSON program. The program has been ranked among Missouri’s top colleges since 2020. 

College of the Ozarks breaks ground on The Arthur and RuthAnn White Child Development Center

College of the Ozarks celebrated a significant milestone on May 4, with the groundbreaking of The Arthur and RuthAnn White Child Development Center, a new facility designed to expand and enhance care for the College’s youngest community members while providing hands-on learning opportunities for students.

Several donors, faculty, staff, daycare student teachers and daycare children attended the ceremony. Special remarks were made by Dr. Sue head, vice president of cultural affairs and institutional advancement; Kristy Orrell, child development center director; and Dr. Natalie Rasnick, assistant vice president for advancement.

The official act of groundbreaking was done by the new faculty, donors, major contributors and some of the daycare children. The Daycare children also participated in the ceremony by singing, “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”

Rasnick shared the gratitude the College has for the donor’s generosity, and the impact and blessings that will come from this new facility.

“This project was made possible through the vision and generosity of many who have invested in our youngest population,” said Rasnick. “Groundbreakings are powerful moments — they remind us that something bigger than all of us is unfolding here. Today, we celebrate not only a new facility, but the stories that will be written within it — those of the children who will grow and learn here, and of the College students who will serve alongside them.”

Located across from the current facility on Old Entrance Road, south of LW Hyer Drive, the new center will expand access to quality childcare while offering a safe, secure and modern environment for children and staff.

Designed by N·Form Architecture, the building will include operable partitions between classroom spaces, allowing for adaptability in programming and supervision. The facility will meet Missouri Child Care Licensing requirements and include a fully automatic sprinkler system.

The approximately 9,700-square-foot facility will include eight classrooms, administrative offices, a commercial kitchen, laundry room and a secure entry system. Each classroom will have direct access to restrooms, storage and an outdoor playground. A key feature of the new center is a 1,300-square-foot multi-purpose room designed as a hardened storm shelter, providing safety during severe Ozarks weather while also serving as a flexible activity space.

For Kristy Orrell, director of the Child Development Center, the project is deeply personal.

“My time at the Child Development Center as a student includes some of my most cherished college memories,” said Orrell. “From the moment I stepped into that building, I knew that caring for and educating young children was not simply a job — it was my calling. Returning to serve as director has been a dream come true.”

Orrell emphasized that the new facility represents far more than physical expansion.

“A child development center is more than classrooms and a playground,” she said. “It is a place where laughter fills the hallways, where children take their first steps, where friendships are formed and where bright futures begin. It is also a support system for working families and a place where educators — and our College students — make a lasting difference.”

The Child Development Center plays a unique role at the College by integrating student workers into daily operations, providing them with meaningful, hands-on experience.

“As we break ground, we do so with excitement for the generations who will be impacted here,” Orrell said. “We are deeply committed to honoring the generosity of our supporters by continuing to provide a nurturing and enriching environment for both our College students and the youngest image-bearers of God in our community.”

College of the Ozarks Alumni Association hosts Doc Good Day

The Alumni Association of College of the Ozarks partnered with Convoy of Hope to host its 17th annual service day in honor of former president Dr. R. M. Good on May 2 at Convoy of Hope’s Springfield, Missouri facility. 

This year, over 130 alumni and volunteers served those in need through Convoy of Hope in Springfield, Missouri. Volunteers gathered to help a food ministry by packing over 8,000 bags of pasta.

Angela Williamson, director of alumni relations, reflected on the success and excitement of the day.

“Partnering with Convoy of Hope for Doc Good Day reflects the very spirit Dr. Good modeled throughout his decades of leadership at The School of the Ozarks – a life marked by service, compassion and a belief in lifting others up. Convoy’s global impact amplifies the heart behind this day, reminding us that service reaches far beyond our campus. We’re deeply grateful that so many alumni joined together to honor Dr. Good’s legacy by giving back in a meaningful way.

Their participation shows that his example continues to inspire a community committed to serving others.”

College of the Ozarks alumnus, Brian Thompson (Class of 1977), shared how his experience volunteering has impacted him.

"I have been involved with Doc Good day since its beginning,” said Thompson. “I have always found Doc Good Day an extremely good way to interact with alumni, current students and future students. Doc Good Day epitomizes the mission and values of C of O. It is a very powerful way to let the world know that what is lived on campus by the students, faculty and staff is real enough to take into the world beyond the campus. Our alumni are positively affecting their day-to-day world in amazing ways glorifying God and being great representatives of His grace and love to all.”

Dr. Robert M. Good served as president of The School of the Ozarks for 31 years. He embodied the concept of servant leadership during his tenure and played a fundamental role in improving the campus grounds, including developments such as constructing the campus chapel, adding a hospital and expanding the campus to 1,000 acres.

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REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS

Wolf in the Darkness Award presented to Tracy Phillips

The Reeds Spring Wolf Pack Foundation recently presented its most prestigious honor, the Wolf in the Darkness Award, to Tracy Phillips, manager of the Branson West Walmart. The announcement was part of the Reeds Spring School District’s Excellence Award Banquet on May 9.

The Wolf in the Darkness Award recognizes individuals who perform extraordinary service for the community behind the scenes, consistently making a difference while avoiding the spotlight.

Phillips has been a cornerstone of numerous local philanthropic initiatives. Her leadership was instrumental in the Stuff the Bus school supply drive and Stuff the Sleigh, a holiday program that provides Christmas gifts to more than 1,000 children in need. She has also been a dedicated supporter of Shop with a Hero, an event that builds positive relationships between local children and law enforcement, firefighters and veterans.

Beyond these large-scale projects, Phillips’ impact is felt through a constant stream of smaller, vital contributions: raising funds for the Children’s Miracle Network, providing meals for teachers, donating supplies to the local library and sponsoring meals for the school tennis team.

“No one shows up more often, or in more ways, than she does,” said Walmart Market Manager Kyle Mann.While Phillips excels in her professional role, her lasting legacy is the "culture of service" she has fostered within the community.

Carrie Padilla of Unite Table Rock Lake noted, “She chooses to be the light, especially in moments when others may not even realize they need it.”

This marks the sixth year the Wolf Pack Foundation has presented the award. Phillips joins a distinguished group of past recipients, including Jim Holt, Vicki Benes, Shirley Mease, Ray Blevins and Murriel Mills.

Three Reeds Spring educators earn Master’s Degrees

Reeds Spring Schools is proud to recognize three district employees who recently graduated from the Evangel University Educational Leadership Cohort program, earning their Master of Education in Educational Leadership.

Megan Arnall, Shane Corporon and Jason Reinsch were part of this special partnership between Reeds Spring, Branson and Hollister schools. The three districts worked with Evangel University to design a program to provide educators with a high-quality, locally accessible pathway to school leadership.

Through the 30-hour graduate program, participants completed coursework over six semesters while learning from experienced district administrators across all three school districts.“Our Master’s in Educational Leadership cohort reflects the exceptional talent already present within our district,” said Dr. Travis Kite, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. “By investing in the growth and development of aspiring leaders, we are not only strengthening our schools today but also preparing high-quality educators to lead with purpose and vision, impacting our communities in the future.”

The teachers said the experience provided valuable opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.“It helped me grow from leading my own classroom to having a bigger impact on the building and maybe even the district,” said Shane Corporon. “Learning from some of the best administrators in the Tri-Lakes area gave me practical lessons I can use.”

“Being part of the Educational Leadership Master’s Cohort was an incredibly meaningful and impactful experience for me; gaining valuable insight from superintendents and directors across our three districts who shared their leadership experiences and perspectives,” said Megan Arnall. “The cohort challenged me to grow both personally and professionally, broadened my understanding of effective leadership, and strengthened my confidence as an educator and future leader. I am especially grateful for the relationships, collaboration and support from the amazing teachers and administrators I met throughout the program.”

Reeds Spring School District recognizes retiring staff members

Reeds Spring Schools recognized 13 retiring staff members during the Excellence Awards Banquet on May 9.

Those retirees are Beth Boyer, Bob Bruffett, Aimee Dillon, Tina Kelley, Lori Konkol, Keith Kramer, Keith McDannold, Amy Sanders, David Sherer, Anna Stone, Scott Sullivan, Jenny Tinnes and Kerry Walker

"From the classroom to the front office and everywhere in between, these 13 individuals have been essential to our mission of academic and personal excellence," said Superintendent Dr. Cody Hirschi. "Please join us in wishing them the very best!"

Reeds Spring Primary School Learners of the Month

Top row, left to right: Asher Bowlby, Billy Hilburn, Amber Jackson, Ensley Langston, Via Rippee, Phoebe Swift

Bottom row, left to right: Octavian Fullerton, Austyn Howe, Claire Miller, Audrey Myers, Maverick Sheffield, Remington Silkwood

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SCHOOL OF THE OZARKS

School of the Ozarks student receives Lieutenant Governor’s Award for American Patriotism

School of the Ozarks eighth grade student Grayson Nievar was presented with the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for American Patriotism after participating in a statewide letter-writing contest sponsored by Missouri’s Lt. Gov. David Wasinger in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.

Out of 525 participants from across Missouri, Nievar was chosen for the award in recognition of his patriotic spirit and thoughtful expression of American values. Nievar and his family have been invited to attend a recognition ceremony in Jefferson City, Missouri, this summer.

Jennifer Carey, assistant professor and curriculum director for grades six through eight, said Nievar’s recognition reflects the mission and values of the school.

“At S of O, students learn the importance of expressing truth in a winsome, beautiful way,” Carey said. “All the components of a student’s experience at S of O helped to shape Grayson’s God-given talent of recognizing the virtue of piety and patriotism and speaking eloquently about it. Grayson’s recognition by our Lieutenant Governor of Missouri is a humbling honor that reflects each pillar of a School of the Ozarks education.” 

At School of the Ozarks, educators teach the importance of patriotism, responsible citizenship, character and service through classroom instruction and daily application as students learn to live out the school’s five foundational pillars — Christian, Academic, Vocational, Cultural and Patriotic.