Tri-Lakes Education News
- Submitted to Branson Globe
- Sep 25
- 6 min read
BRANSON SCHOOLS
Branson High School celebrates Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone diploma recipients
Four Branson High School students have earned the Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma™ during the 2024-25 school year. Additionally, four members of the Class of 2026 have been recognized for their AP achievements; two earned the AP Capstone Diploma, and two received the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop the critical thinking, research, collaboration and presentation skills that are crucial for academic success.
To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of three or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research and on four additional AP Exams. To receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, students must earn scores of three or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. Of the students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program at Branson High School:
● Four 2025 graduates were awarded the AP Capstone Diploma. They are Sameer Bakry, Manny Brown, Clara Dean and Cora Hoeflicker.
● Four members of the Class of 2026 have been recognized: Elisha Dost and Ethan Zirbel have earned the AP Capstone Diploma, and Quincy Hoeflicker and Gavin Pannell have received the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.
● Branson High School also had 43 AP Scholars, 19 AP Scholars with Distinction, and 15 AP Scholars with Honors.
Branson High School’s AP Coordinator, Sarah Loyd, commends the recipients for their outstanding achievements. "Our AP Capstone students have once again set a high standard," she says. "These students have demonstrated exceptional ability in navigating complex, long-term projects, collaborating thoughtfully with their peers, and articulating their ideas with clarity and passion. Their commitment and perseverance have prepared them well for success in higher education and future career paths.
COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS
College of the Ozarks earns NAIA Gold-Level Champions of Character® Award for 2024–25
College of the Ozarks has been named a Gold-Level Champions of Character Five-Star Award winner by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) for the 2024–25 academic year, recognizing the institution’s unwavering commitment to character-driven athletics and student development.
The Champions of Character program honors NAIA member institutions that exemplify five core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership. Schools earn points based on their demonstration of these values, academic performance of student-athletes and sportsmanship metrics such as low ejection rates. College of the Ozarks achieved the highest distinction — gold level — among 210 honored institutions nationwide.
“This recognition means a great deal to our program,” said Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Coach Steve Shepherd. “Our athletes don’t just compete — they commit themselves to living out the values that define true character. Earning gold-level status reflects the integrity, discipline and servant leadership they bring to every practice, every game and every classroom.”
College of the Ozarks is known nationally for its unique work-college model, where students work campus jobs to offset tuition costs. This model fosters a culture of responsibility and time management, as student-athletes balance rigorous academic schedules, athletic commitments and 15-hour work weeks. The result is a student body deeply rooted in character, resilience and service.
“Our student-athletes work incredibly hard to represent the College with integrity and purpose,” said Mullis. “They understand that success isn’t just about wins — it’s about how you carry yourself every day.”
With a rich tradition in NAIA athletics — including 27 national tournament appearances and five championship game finishes — the College of the Ozarks continues to build on its legacy of excellence, both in competition and character.
College of the Ozarks hosts Character Camp for fall 2025 incoming freshmen
College of the Ozarks welcomed 318 new students this fall by immersing them in Character Camp, the College’s distinctive weeklong orientation program.
Character Camp introduces incoming students to the mission, vision and five pillars of the College — Christian, Academic, Vocational, Patriotic and Cultural. The program emphasizes character development, resilience and community, while providing students with a support system that carries them into their first year.
Each participant is placed into a “family” led by two upperclassmen, known as “Mom and Pop.” This fall, senior public relations major Micah Jacobs and senior marketing major Noah Lofgren served as “parents” for Family 14. Both have guided Character Camp families multiple times before, crediting the program with shaping their own college experiences.
“As a freshman, the week of Character Camp changed my whole attitude towards College of the Ozarks,” Jacobs said. “I knew it was going to be an academic experience, but I didn’t realize how strong the community would be. The program made the transition to a new place much smoother.”
The orientation blends faith-based reflection, team-building activities and campus traditions such as walking through The Empty Cross™, symbolizing students’ commitment to their academic journey through the lens of the Christian worldview.
“Moving into a new place with little information is daunting,” said Samantha Poole, director of Character Camp. “This program doesn’t just orient students to campus — it orients them to a community and a new home.”
With a 90 percent retention rate, College of the Ozarks credits programs like Character Camp in helping students stay engaged and connected.
“Character Camp is a substantive student orientation program that includes content from our Academic, Vocational, Christian, Patriotic and Cultural Pillars,” said Dr. Stacy McNeill, dean of academic enrichment. “It is an important, distinct first opportunity for complete immersion in what College of the Ozarks is really about.”
For students like Lofgren, that immersion makes all the difference. “When somebody realizes that they are a part of a community, they want to stay,” he said. “Character Camp shows them that they do matter.”
REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS
Reeds Spring crowns Homecoming King and Queen
Reeds Spring Superintendent showcases Table Rock Career Center before Congress
Reeds Spring Superintendent Dr. Cody Hirschi presented a powerful case for career and technical education (CTE) during his testimony before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Economic Growth on September 17. His remarks spotlighted the success of the Table Rock Career Center (TRCC) and its innovative workforce readiness program, RS Works.
The hearing was focused on alternatives to four-year college degrees. Speaking directly to lawmakers, Dr. Hirschi emphasized the importance of equipping students for success in today’s economy.“
Each child deserves a personalized learning experience that prepares them for the workforce, family life and active, responsible citizenship,” said Hirschi.
The Table Rock Career Center, located in Reeds Spring, serves students from 11 school districts across Stone, Taney, and Christian counties. Its curriculum spans a wide range of technical programs, giving students hands-on experiences in high-demand career fields. Through the RS Works initiative, students participate in internships and apprenticeships with local employers, gaining real-world skills and insights that go far beyond the classroom.
“We chose to invest in real-world learning because we see every day how students thrive when their education connects directly to authentic career paths,” Hirschi told the subcommittee.Dr. Hirschi’s testimony not only elevated the profile of Table Rock Career Center but also underscored the Reeds Spring School District’s leadership in redefining education.
Wolves win another cross country meet
At the Willard Highline Invitational, Reeds Spring won the boys race with six runners placing in the top 30. Max Hirschi was second overall, Connor Love eighth, Dane Thierbach 18th, Ronnie Cluse 19th, Brody McIntosh 27th, and Pearce Birlew 29th. For the girls, Grace Johnson placed 22nd.
Football The Wolves lost their homecoming football game to Springfield Catholic 35-26. Quarterback Kaden Evans had three rushing touchdowns and a touchdown pass to Izek Hayes.
Volleyball The Lady Wolves volleyball team lost to Rogersville 3-0, lost to Branson 3-0, and lost to Cassville 3-0.
Girls Golf At the Table Rock Challenge, RSHS faced School of the Ozarks and Branson at Branson Hills. The Lady Wolves shot -1 in the scramble format. After the second round of the Four-County Challenge, Reeds Spring is in second place, trailing Strafford but leading Hollister and Clever. Two golfers, Saylor Johnson and Britney Nordin, competed at the Ozark Invitational.
Girls Tennis The Lady Wolves tennis team lost to Lamar 7-1.
Wolves Crossing Playground officially open
Reeds Spring Schools unveiled Wolves Crossing Playground on September 13.
This space is fully accessible, designed to enable kids of all abilities to play, explore and have fun together.
"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.
TABLE ROCK CAREER CENTER
Fall community education opportunities at Table Rock Career Center
Table Rock Career Center recently announced the 2025 Fall Community Adult Education class schedule, with 15 great options available for area adults to learn new skills, exercise and socialize with other residents of the community.
Fall offerings include welding; Microsoft Office basics; a boat winterization workshop; basic car care; walnut ink art techniques; introduction to fishing; beginning and advanced basketmaking; stained glass techniques; conversational sign language; watercolor blending techniques; introduction to pickleball; yoga; Zumba; and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
Class fees vary depending on frequency and required supplies, and class dates vary as well, so visit the TRCC website at https://www.rs-wolves.com/o/trcc/article/2366095 or the Table Rock Career Center page on Facebook and follow the link for a complete schedule and details.
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