Tri-Lakes Education News
BLUE EYE SCHOOLS
Blue Eye cross country teams hit their stride this fall
BY JOELENE POWELL, Staff Writer
The Blue Eye Bulldogs are hitting their stride this fall with a close-knit group of runners who are pushing one another through every mile.
Head coach Jacob Thompson-Krug and assistant coach Nate Krug lead the Blue Eye High School boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams. Thompson-Krug said the athletes have developed a strong bond through training and competition.
“This year's team is very close knit, and are enjoying training with each other at every workout,” Thompson-Krug said. “We have had two races so far, and it has been great to see them supporting and cheering each other on.”
At the time Thompson-Krug provided the season update, the Bulldogs had competed in the Hot Dawg Invitational in Aurora and the SWCCCA Invitational in Bolivar.
On the girl’s side, sophomore Adelyn “Addy” Asbury returns after earning All-State honors as a freshman last season. Asbury placed 10th at the Hot Dawg Invitational in Aurora. Thompson-Krug said Asbury and senior Jailynn Vasquez bring experience to help guide the girls team this season.
The girls roster also includes junior Emily Thompson-Krug and freshmen Zayla Snow and Kadynn Ervin.
The boys team features seniors Hayden Acheson and Izack Test; juniors Austyn McEndre and Daniel Mukhin; sophomores Cooper Armstrong, Michael Mistoler and Remington Acheson; and freshmen Landon Lakey and Quinn Hobbs.
Thompson-Krug said the boys will face tough competition in larger meets as the season progresses, but the team's focus remains on dedication to training, continued improvement and preparing for postseason competition.
“We hope that the dedication to training and growing stronger each day will give us the best chance to qualify for state when districts come around,” Thompson-Krug said.
The Bulldogs' regular-season schedule includes meets at Monett, Reeds Spring, Nixa, Cassville, Branson and Hollister. The team is scheduled to compete at Nixa Oct. 3, Cassville Oct. 6, Branson Oct. 10 and Hollister Oct. 13.
With experienced runners helping lead a young roster, Blue Eye's boys’ and girls’ teams will continue building throughout the fall with their sights set on the postseason.
BRANSON SCHOOLS
Branson High School celebrates AP Capstone achievements (SUBMITTED)
Twelve Branson High School students have earned the prestigious Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Diploma™ for their work during the 2025-26 school year, including three members of the Class of 2026 and nine members of the Class of 2027.
The AP Capstone Diploma program, developed by College Board, is a two-year program based on AP Seminar and AP Research. Students develop skills in research, critical thinking, collaboration, writing and presentation while exploring complex academic and real-world topics. To earn the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research and four additional AP Exams.
Branson High School’s 2025-26 AP Capstone Diploma recipients are: Elisha Dost – Class of 2026, Quincy Hoeflicker – Class of 2026, Ethan Zirbel – Class of 2026, Georgia Griffith – Class of 2027, Chloe Maki – Class of 2027, Lilly Matthess – Class of 2027, Madison McGoldrick – Class of 2027, Lily Nations – Class of 2027, Sayoni Patel – Class of 2027, Sydney Patrick – Class of 2027, Asher Sandrik – Class of 2027, Mohneish Tailor – Class of 2027
In addition, eight Branson High School students earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™, while students across the school earned 39 AP Scholar awards, 29 AP Scholar with Distinction awards and 25 AP Scholar with Honor awards.
Marching band sweeps first competition of the year
(BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer)
The Branson High School Marching Band attended the Hollister Marching Invitational event over the weekend and enjoyed tremendous success.
In the Inaugural music event, the Branson Pirates took First Place in Prelim Open Class and received First Place in the final event for Class 5 A.
In the Caption Awards, Branson received the highest award in Guard, Percussion, Music, Visual and Effect.
In the Open Class, out of 12 bands, Branson was named Grand Champions and took top honors for Percussion, Music, Visual and Effect.
“These students represented Branson extremely well this weekend, both in performance and in their actions throughout the day,” noted Daniel Jarrett, Director of Bands for Branson Public Schools. “We are beyond proud of their hard work, culminating in success in their first weekend out.”
COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS
College of the Ozarks commemorates POW/MIA Recognition Day in preparation for memorial dedication (SUBMITTED)
As the nation observes National POW/MIA Recognition Day, College of the Ozarks is reaffirming its commitment to remembering American service members who endured captivity as Prisoners of War and those who remain Missing in Action.
Observed annually on the third Friday of September, National POW/MIA Recognition Day honors former Prisoners of War, remembers those who remain missing and recognizes the families who continue to await answers. The observance also serves as a reminder of the nation’s ongoing commitment to account for those who have not returned home.
The College’s commitment to this mission will take on a permanent presence with the dedication of its new POW*MIA Memorial in Patriots Park on Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. The memorial will provide students, visitors and the community with a place to reflect on the sacrifices of American service members, remember their legacy, and honor those who endured captivity or remain unaccounted for.
In 2023, College of the Ozarks became the first college to be honored with the designation of POW/MIA Campus. The designation was bestowed by the Board of Directors of the Jefferson Barracks POW/MIA Museum and presented at Patriots Park by spokesperson Scott Readnour, museum coordinator. The College proudly flies the POW/MIA flag as a daily reminder of the nation’s commitment to remember those who have not returned home. The distinctive black-and-white flag was designed by Newt Heisley and adopted in 1972 as the official emblem of the National League of POW/MIA Families.
“Being designated a POW/MIA Campus is a powerful commitment, and this new memorial makes that commitment visible and permanent, not just a title,” said Chassidy Brittain, director of patriotic activities. “It brings the mission of remembrance onto our own campus grounds, giving students and visitors a daily place to reflect, learn and honor those who endured captivity and those still unaccounted for. In that way, the monument strengthens the meaning of the designation by turning it into a living, ongoing witness.”
The dedication of the memorial on Nov. 5 will provide the College and the surrounding community an opportunity to gather in remembrance and reaffirm the message represented by the POW/MIA flag: You Are Not Forgotten.
The memorial will become a lasting part of Patriots Park and the College’s Patriotic Pillar, providing future generations with a place to learn about the sacrifices of American service members and reflect on the freedoms those sacrifices helped preserve.
College of the Ozarks to add a Chaplain Candidate Program (SUBMITTED)
College of the Ozarks will add a new academic offering for the upcoming semester. Students can now enter chaplain candidacy upon graduation through pursuing a major in biblical and theological studies and a minor in military chaplain studies.
The program is a subset of the existing Missouri National Guard’s Guard Officer Leadership Development (GOLD) Program, known on the C of O campus as the Bobcat GOLD Program. This program allows eligible students to graduate as commissioned Army officers, with follow-on service in the Missouri Army National Guard. Chaplain prospects train with regular GOLD Program Candidates, receiving the same educational benefits but obtaining unique preparation in military ministry.
After graduation, they will continue their training and education through Army courses and seminary classes as a chaplain candidate. Once they have completed all graduate level education and met the Army requirements, they will be eligible to serve as regular chaplains.
The Chaplain Candidate Program provides students with a direct career pathway to answering the call for God and country. The program combines the Schools Patriotic and Christian pillars by bringing together faith and leadership so students can enter military ministry equipped to serve.
For more information on the military chaplain studies minor please visit: https://tinyurl.com/4r93ku2p or contact the C of O Military Science Department at 417-690-2586.
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CRANE SCHOOLS
Crane Marching Pirate Band performs at Marionville Applefest
BY SARAH POWELL, Staff Writer
The Crane Marching Pirate Band took its talents on the road Saturday, participating in the Marionville Applefest Parade in Marionville, Missouri.
Despite the hot temperatures, the band members brought plenty of energy and enthusiasm to the annual event, representing Crane Schools and their community with pride.
The Marching Pirate Band competed alongside seven other bands and earned a fifth-place finish out of eight participating bands. The performance was another opportunity for the students to showcase the dedication, preparation and teamwork they have put into their marching season.
School officials expressed their pride in the students and their hard work, celebrating the band members for their commitment and effort throughout the season.
For the students, marching band is about more than learning music. It also provides an opportunity to build friendships, develop discipline and work together toward a common goal. Performances at community events and competitions allow the students to put those skills into action.
The Marionville Applefest Parade provided another memorable experience for the Marching Pirate Band, and the group is already looking ahead to its next performance.
The band's next stop will be Stockton, where the students will once again take the field and proudly represent Crane Schools and their community.
Crane cross country team battles heat in Monett
BY SARAH POWELL, Staff Writer
The Crane Cross Country team faced challenging conditions Tuesday as runners traveled to Monett for a hot afternoon of competition. With temperatures reaching 97 degrees, athletes had to battle not only the course but also the intense heat.
Crane athletes determined to finish strong despite heat (Photos courtesy of Crane school / permission given by Superintendent Dr. Rogers)
Despite the difficult conditions, Crane runners continued to push themselves and finished the race with several strong performances, including multiple top-30 finishes and a personal record.
In the junior high division, Annabelle Howell led the way for Crane, finishing second overall and earning a medal. Her strong performance placed her among the top runners in the field.
Emmitt Rogers also earned a medal after crossing the finish line in fifth place. Jax Blackburn rounded out Crane's junior high medalists, placing 25th overall and securing a top-30 finish.
The Crane high school runners also represented their school well. Benjamin Morgan finished 12th overall, earning a spot among the top finishers.
Shia Fields continued to show improvement, recording a personal record during the race. A personal record is a significant accomplishment for a runner, reflecting progress and hard work throughout the season.
Running in temperatures near 100 degrees can add an extra challenge to cross country competition, making Tuesday's performances particularly notable. The Crane runners stayed focused and continued competing through the heat, demonstrating determination and perseverance.
With the season continuing, the Crane Cross Country team will look to build on Tuesday's performances as runners work toward continued improvement and more strong finishes.
The team’s efforts in Monett provided plenty of reasons for Crane supporters to celebrate, with several athletes bringing home medals and another setting a new personal record.
REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS
Reeds Spring Wolf Pride Band marches into 2026 competitive season with strong opening performance
BY JOELENE POWELL, Staff Writer
The Wolf Pride Band competed Saturday, Sept. 19, at the inaugural Hollister Marching Invitational. The band earned second place in Class 3A, while the Wolf Pride Color Guard received Outstanding Color Guard honors in Class 3A.
The Wolf Pride Band also advanced to the Open Class Finals, which included bands from Classes 2A through 5A, finishing 10th overall.
The competition marked the first competitive outing of the season for the Wolf Pride Band and its 2026 field show, “MONSTER?”
Color Guard Director Ashley Garoutte said the weekend was an exciting way to begin the competitive season.
“What a great way to kick off the 2026 competitive season!” Garoutte said. “Come see our show this week at our Homecoming football game on Friday, or at the Pride of the Ozarks Marching Festival in Ozark on Saturday!”
The Pride of the Ozarks Marching Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, in Ozark.
Reeds Spring School District helps tackle hunger
SUBMITTED TO BRANSON GLOBE
At the Homecoming football game on Friday, September 25, the Reeds Spring School District will partner with Christian Action Ministries to tackle hunger.
Fans are encouraged to bring a canned food item or donate $1 to CAM. The food and money will go toward the CAM Food Pantry.
Reeds Spring Middle School Students of the Month
SUBMITTED TO BRANSON GLOBE
Every month, Reeds Spring Middle School highlights the importance of one of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, based on Sean Covey's book.September's habit is Be Proactive.
Here are the RSMS Students of the Month for September: Left to right: Lauren Carpenter, Colter Kite, Will Healy and Heydi Lopez-Caratachea
Lady Wolves earn two medals at tennis tournament
SUBMITTED TO BRANSON GLOBE
Girls Tennis. Reeds Spring High School’s girls tennis team earned two medals at the Monett Tournament. Vera Holland finished second in the #2 singles flight, and Chloe Clevenger placed third in the #1 singles flight.
Football Strafford defeated Reeds Spring 49-22. Izek Hays scored all three touchdowns for the Wolves. Two were rushing scores, and one was a reception from quarterback Keller Gardner. Hays finished the game with 210 rushing yards.
Girls GolfThe Lady Wolves placed fifth at the Bolivar Invitational and seventh at the Ozark Lady Tigers Invitational. At the Lady Wildcat JV Invitational in Rogersville, Reeds Spring’s Haiden Bradley finished first.
Cross Country At Monett, Anna Ross won the girls race, and Claire Ross placed 16th. For the boys, RJ Clouse placed seventh, Dane Thierbach was 13th, and Pearce Birlew was 14th. The team finished third overall.
Volleyball The Lady Wolves lost to Branson 3-0.
Marching BandThe Wolf Pride Marching Band competed at the inaugural Hollister Marching Invitational. Reeds Spring finished second in Class 3A, tenth overall, and earned the Outstanding Color Guard Award in Class 3A. The band will perform in Ozark on Saturday, September 26.
K-MAC Enterprises celebrates local nonprofits awarded grants through Taco Bell Foundation’s record $32 million investment (SUBMITTED)
The Taco Bell Foundation announced it is awarding a record-breaking $32 million in community grants to over 700 nonprofit organizations nationwide, representing a 40% increase in nonprofit partners from last year.
K-MAC Enterprises, a Taco Bell franchisee, contributed more than $1.4 million in community grant funding to youth-serving nonprofits across the 10 states they serve, including $70,215 to the Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks/Branson.
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