Tri-Lakes Education News

BRANSON SCHOOLS

Branson Public Schools Homecoming Week 2025 events announced

Branson Public Schools Homecoming Week 2025 is October 6 - 10 and “Once Upon A Homecoming” is this year's theme. Members of Branson High School’s Student Council choose the theme each year and plan district-wide spirit days accordingly.

The Homecoming parade and pep rally are scheduled for October 8 at the Branson Landing. Branson High School’s sports teams, cheerleaders, coaches, marching band and queen candidates will leave the north parking lot, near Belk Department Store, and parade to the Landing fountains, where a pep rally will commence. The event begins at 8 p.m. and the public is invited to attend free of charge.

The Branson Education Foundation will host a Homecoming Tailgate Dinner fundraiser prior to the Homecoming football game on October 10. The event will be held in the Branson High School Freshman Commons from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Grab-and-Go style BBQ dinners will be served. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for kids. Tickets can be purchased prior to the event at https://www.bransoneducationfoundation.org/homecoming-tailgate-dinner or at the door on October 10.

The Homecoming Queen will be crowned at approximately 6:30 p.m. on October 10 at Pirate Stadium. Root for the Pirates at the Homecoming football game vs. Carl Junction at 7 p.m.

Branson High School to host annual College and Career Fair

Branson High School will host its annual College and Career Fair on October 1 from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. in the Main Commons and North Gym. This event offers a valuable opportunity for students to prepare for post-secondary life. Students and families are able to collect important information regarding college admission policies, financial aid and scholarships.

Representatives from four-year colleges and universities, community colleges, branches of the military, and trade and technical programs will be in attendance. Additional information on taking the ACT exam, the A+ Program, Advanced Placement courses, the Dual Credit Program and the NCAA will also be available.

“This event is all about helping students explore real options and make informed choices about their future,” says BHS Counselor and College & Career Fair Coordinator, Sarah Loyd. “Whether they’re headed to college, a trade program, the military, or launching directly into a career, they’ll find valuable resources and connections here.”

All students in grades 9-12 and their families, are encouraged to attend. High school students from neighboring school districts, including Hollister, Forsyth, School of the Ozarks, Bradleyville and Blue Eye are also welcome to attend the event. Families are highly recommended to pre-register by visiting https://app.strivescan.com/registration

FORSYTH SCHOOLS

Forsyth Chess Club captures tournament win 

On Saturday, September 13, the Forsyth Chess Team competed in the annual “Knights of the Square Table” Chess Tournament at Willow Springs High School, earning 17 points to bring home the first-place trophy in the high school division of eight teams. Second place went to West Plains Chess, and third place to Mountain View-Liberty. 

Wyatt Miller of Forsyth was also the first-place individual winner, with a perfect 6-0 finish; and Max Merrell finished third in individual competition at 5-1. Team members Nate Bradley, Hunter Harris and Adam Barr also had strong showings to contribute to the team win. 

Two Forsyth students participated in the middle school division, the first tournament competition for Caden Calhoun and Joshua Fisher, with Fisher placing in the medals. 

The Forsyth Chess Team is coached by Philip Thomas, Eric Boston and Dr. Michael Lewis. Meetings are on Tuesdays after school and are open to any interested high school or middle school students, regardless of prior experience with the game. Their next competition for the fall tournament season will be at Reed Academy in Springfield on September 25.

HOLLISTER SCHOOLS

Hollister High School celebrates new volleyball record holder

Hollister High School proudly recognized senior Ellanna Newell for breaking a long-standing volleyball record.

Ellanna Newell

During the 2024–2025 volleyball season, Newell set a new school record for most career block assists. At Hollister’s first home match of the season against Galena, she was honored for her achievement and presented with a golden volleyball.

Ellanna now holds the title of All-Time Block Assist Leader in Hollister Volleyball history with 99 career block assists. She also has an impressive 138 total blocks, placing her No. 2 all-time in Hollister Volleyball history.

Although she broke the record as a junior, the Hollister community celebrated her accomplishment at this season’s home opener, recognizing her outstanding contributions to Tiger athletics.

This milestone reflects not only Ellanna’s talent and dedication but also the commitment of Hollister athletes to excellence both on and off the court.

REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS

Sports Roundup

Wolves win cross country meet at Seneca

Max Hirschi

The Reeds Spring High School boys cross country team had the individual winner and finished first as a team at Seneca. Max Hirschi won the race, and Connor Love was second. Dane Thierbach placed 13th, Ronnie Clouse 14th, Brody McIntosh 24th and Pearce Birlew 25th. For the girls, Grace Johnson placed 10th, and Claire Ross was 28th.

Girls Golf

Saylor Johnson set a school record by shooting an 80 at Whispering Oaks in Marshfield. The team set a new school scoring record by six strokes. They shaved 47 strokes off last year's score at the same event! Earlier in the week, the Lady Wolves competed in the Four-County Challenge at LedgeStone. RSHS tied with Strafford, defeating Clever and Hollister. At the Springfield Catholic JV Invitational, Emilee Coleman finished third overall.

Football

The Wolves football team lost to Clever 21-13. Keagon Fish scored both touchdowns, one rushing and the other on an interception return. RSHS is currently 0-3 on the season and hosts Springfield Catholic for Homecoming on September 19.

Volleyball

The Lady Wolves lost to Mt. Vernon 3-0, to Marshfield 3-0, and to Blue Eye 3-1.

Girls Tennis

The Lady Wolves lost to Monett 9-0, lost to Branson 9-0, and lost to Forsyth 7-2. In the Lady Panthers Classic, RSHS lost to Willow Springs 5-2, lost to Clever 5-0, and lost to Forsyth 5-0.

Wolves Crossing Playground officially open

Reeds Spring Schools unveiled Wolves Crossing Playground on Saturday, September 13. This space is fully accessible, designed to enable kids of all abilities to play, explore and have fun together.

Wolves Crossing

"We created a space to bring us all together. Every single child matters," said Superintendent Dr. Cody Hirschi.

The playground features elements of the community, like the Kimberling City Bridge, Talking Rocks Cave, a Tracker Boat, the Frisco Steam Engine, roller coaster pieces and Ozarks wood canopies.

Wolves Crossing is part of Wolf Pack Park, our 125-acre outdoor destination featuring tennis courts, pickleball courts, walking and biking trails and even a disc golf course.

Reeds Spring High School announces homecoming court

Reeds Spring will celebrate homecoming on Friday, September 19. The king and queen will be crowned around 6:30 p.m., just before the football game. Here is the 2025 RSHS Homecoming Court:Top row, left to right: Bristol Welch, Lilian Phifer, Illyssa Finney-Allen, Maddie Ellersick, Peyton Spragg, Bella Yartz, Allie Johnson.Bottom row, left to right: Logan Todd, Quintin Bekebrede, Noah Lach, Draven Davis, Tyson Porter, Marshall Loftin, A.J. Johnson.