Branson Schools
Branson High School Seniors earn Missouri Scholars 100 honors
Branson High School senior, Clara Dean, has been distinguished as one of the top academic students in the state through the Missouri Scholars 100 program. BHS senior, Alexandra Garner, received Honorable Mention. This statewide initiative, organized by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals, recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of 100 outstanding students from the graduating class of 2025.
To qualify for the Missouri Scholars 100, students must hold a minimum GPA of 3.750, a minimum ACT score of 29 or a minimum SAT score of 1,280, rank in the upper ten percent of their class, and engage in advanced coursework in mathematics, science, English, and foreign language. Additionally, nominees must exhibit excellent attendance, exemplary citizenship within the school, and active participation in the school’s activity program.
Branson Schools Spotlights
Branson HS wrestlers at State Wrestling Tournament: Branson High School sent three athletes to the State Wrestling tournament: Alyssa Salemie, Natalie Gaytan and Ryzen Isringhausen.
Alyssa Salemie wrapped up her freshman season with a 40-4 record and became Branson’s second-ever Girls State tournament placer. She finished second in the Class 2 - 115 bracket.
Buchanan Intermediate and Cedar Ridge Intermediate 2025 Character Champions: Congratulations to BI’s recipients: Alexandra Gonzalez – fourth grade; Eli Anderson – fifth grade; Jace Horner – sixth grade
Congratulations to CRI’s recipients: Sophia York – fourth grade; Faith Plachta – fifth grade; Micah Lekar – sixth grade
Missouri Welding Institute competition: Jordan Greeno and Liam Plachta competed in the Missouri Welding Institute competition. They were each awarded a $1,000 MWI scholarship. Plachta was also part of the Welding Fabrication Team who recently placed third in the SkillsUSA District competition.
SkillsUSA Culinary Arts District competition: Congratulations to Aubrey Melton who recently finished third in the SkillsUSA Culinary Arts District competition.
Who won Pirate Proud in February?
Congratulations to Ms. Stephanie Frigerio for being awarded the Pirate Proud award for February! Ms. Frigerio, a dedicated fifth-grade teacher at Buchanan Intermediate, is known for her caring attitude and all-in approach to teaching. To nominate an employee for Pirate Proud: https://bit.ly/3AytT1S
Branson students’ spelling bee results
Cedar Ridge Intermediate’s Annual Spelling Bee showcased 44 students with exceptional spelling skills. Congratulations to the finalists: Fifth grade: Emmalyn Franks. Sixth grade: Marissa Livingston, Kynlee Pritchett and Jada Kelley
Buchanan Intermediate’s Annual Spelling Bee showcased 42 students. Congratulations to the finalists: Fourth grade: first place - Bodhi Gerken 2nd place- Conor Allen. Fifth grade: first place - Nina Sheny Alex 2nd place- Harper McDonald. Sixth grade: first place - Isla Merrifield 2nd place- Lilli Vigna
Hollister Schools
Hollister High School’s Addison Wilson selected for prestigious journalism conference
Hollister High School junior Addison Wilson has been selected to represent Hollister, MO, as a National Youth Correspondent at the 2025 Washington Journalism and Media Conference, which will be held at George Mason University from July 7 to July 12.
Wilson joins a select group of students from all over the country for an intensive study of journalism and media. Wilson was chosen based on academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest in excellence in journalism and media studies. National Youth Correspondents participate in hands-on, experiential learning through decision-making simulations that challenge them to solve problems and explore the creative, practical and ethical tensions inherent in journalism and media. The experiential portion of the program is complemented by speakers who are well-known leaders in the media community. Presenters include prominent journalists, CEOs of major media outlets, researchers, and recent college graduates successfully entering the field.
Hollister musicians shine at District Solo and Ensemble Contest
Members of the Hollister High School Band and Choir showcased their musical talents at the District Solo and Ensemble Contest held at Aurora High School on Friday, March 7. Competing as soloists and in small ensembles, these students prepared and performed challenging musical selections for judges, demonstrating their dedication and skill.
Following outstanding performances, four vocalists and four instrumentalists from Hollister earned an Exemplary (I) rating, the highest honor at the competition. This achievement qualifies them to advance to the State Solo and Ensemble Contest, which will take place on May 1.
The following Hollister musicians earned Exemplary ratings and will represent their school at the state level: Ezra Hreha (saxophone), Ashley Sansoucie (vocal), Bella Whittington (flute), Ben Stevens (clarinet), Julia Gardner (vocal), Kevin Teter (French horn), Kira Gallaher (vocal), Tabitha Steinagel (vocal).
Hollister School District announces Students of the Month for March
The Hollister R-V School District is proud to recognize four outstanding students as the March Students of the Month. These students were celebrated for their academic achievements, leadership qualities and positive contributions to their school communities at the March Board of Education meeting. The honored students are: Joeyniel Ortiz, kindergarten at Hollister Early Childhood Center; Carter Grier, fourth grade at Hollister Elementary School; Excala Phillips, sixth grade at Hollister Middle School; Kevin Teter, senior at Hollister High School.
Hollister School District honors teachers and staff members of the month for March
The Hollister R-V School District is proud to recognize Mrs. Sammantha Wynne and Mrs. Hollee Moore as the March Teacher and Staff Member of the Month for their dedication and service to our students, staff, and community.
March Teacher of the Month: Mrs. Sammantha Wynne:
Mrs. Wynne’s journey with the Hollister family began in 2021. Mrs. Wynne serves as an eighth grade ELA teacher and sponsors and coaches numerous activities. She has exceeded all expectations, making a profound impact on students and colleagues alike. Her students achieve some of the highest test scores in the district, but more importantly, they find a sense of belonging, care and respect in her classroom.
March Staff Member of the Month: Mrs. Hollee Moore: Mrs. Hollee Moore plays a vital role at the Hollister Early Childhood Center, serving as both a secretary and a dedicated member of the early learning program. Her unwavering commitment and positive spirit inspire not only the students she serves but also her colleagues and the entire school community.
Reeds Spring Schools
Nine Reeds Spring seniors earn full college scholarships
Nine Reeds Spring High School seniors have secured a life-changing opportunity—free college tuition, housing and fees through the prestigious Hagan Scholarship program. These need-based merit scholarships are awarded nationwide to help high-achieving students graduate debt-free.
The recipients are Brenneka Edelen, Haven Hodges, Jace Keitges, Joel Keithley, Thomas McGuane, Jacob Munday, Gracee Parrish, Shane Pearson, and Mackenzie Wood. Each recipient will receive up to $15,000 per year for four years, totaling $60,000 in financial support. This scholarship also provides workshops, study-abroad opportunities and financial literacy training to set students up for long-term success.
Reeds Spring Elementary School Learners of the Month
Reeds Spring Middle School Students of the Month
Reeds Spring Middle School student’s artwork advances to state competition
A Reeds Spring Middle School student’s artwork has been recognized as the best in Southwest Missouri. Piper Ingle’s Peace Poster, submitted by the Lions Club District M6, has advanced to the state-level competition.
The Lions Club honored Piper at a special luncheon on March 1, celebrating her artistic achievement.
For more than 30 years, the Lions Club has encouraged students to express their visions of peace through art, inspiring communities with creativity and imagination.
Tickets now on sale for PACK NIGHT at Dolly Parton’s Stampede
On Friday, April 11, the Wolf Pack Foundation will host its annual PACK NIGHT at Dolly Parton’s Stampede. The money raised from ticket sales will be used to award scholarships to high school seniors and classroom grants to teachers at Reeds Spring Schools. You can enjoy the full Stampede experience at a discounted rate. Support student scholarships and classroom grants. Everyone is welcome! You don’t have to live in Reeds Spring to be part of the PACK! General admission: $35; premium seating: $45. Get your tickets, online at www.rs-wolves.com/packnight2025; call: 417-272-3271 ext. 1196; or in person at Reeds Spring High School.
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