Education
Nunez spells his way to Joplin
On Friday, fourth- and fifth-grade classroom spelling bee winners competed in the Intermediate Spelling Bee. Fifth-grade student Ares Nunez finished in first place and will travel to Joplin on March 14 to represent Cassville in the Joplin Globe Spelling Bee.
Shelter Insurance seeking scholarship applicants
$1,500 scholarships going to Cassville, Wheaton students Cassville and Wheaton seniors have the opportunity to apply for the Shelter Insurance Foundation Scholarship through March 31, with one graduate from each school to receive $1,500. 'Recognizing academic achievement in its communities is one of the main goals of the Shelter Insurance Foundation,' a Shelter press release said.
Arvest makes series of school donations
Arvest Foundation recently awarded the Exeter school district with a grant of $5,000 for its student fund.
Williams completes specialist certification
Stacey Williams, Cassville school district bookkeeper and board secretary, has completed the School Business Specialist (SBS) certification program through the Missouri Association of School Business Officials (MoASBO). This certification is designed to equip school business support staff with the skills and knowledge necessary for their roles. The MoASBO SBS program provides specialized training focused on Missouri law and regulations, a foundational understanding of all school business operations and supports the advancement of professionalism among Missouri school business staff. The coursework covers essential topics, fosters discussions and provides resources to support future professional development. “I am incredibly proud of Stacey for her recent achievement in earning the School Business Specialist Certification,” said Merlyn Johnson, Cassville superintendent. “Stacey’s dedication and hard work are clear in everything she does, and this certification further reflects her commitment to excellence at Cassville R-IV School District. We are fortunate to have such a devoted and skilled bookkeeper on our central office team.”. Contributed photo
Cassville wins speech and debate awards
In November, 14 members of the Cassville High School speech and debate team competed at the Marion C Early tournament. Cassville competed against 18 schools and received third place in team sweepstakes.
Miss, Mr. Merry Christmas candidates announced
Cassville’s Miss and Mr. Merry Christmas candidates for 2024 have been announced. Front row, from left: freshman Samantha Baugus, daughter of Sam Baugus and Jessica Minor, of Cassville; junior Joei Blankenship, daughter of Clit and Bobbi Blankenship, of Jenkins; senior Lauren Sparkman, daughter of Gamon Sparkman and the Late Shelley Sparkman, of Cassville. Back row: freshman Will Finch, son of Mark and Paula Finch, of Cassville; sophomore Caleb Pyle, son of Joei Pyle and Christy Butler Pyle, of Cassville; junior Cash Gray Smith, son of Weslie and Jamie Johns, of Cassville; and senior Jonathan Cole Cash, son of Daniel Cash and Jona and Robert Anderson, of Cassville. Not pictured: sophomore Savannah-Lynn Connor. Candidates will be raising money to donate to the Barry County Neighborhood Center’s Share Your Christmas Program. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville- democrat.com
Purdy students feed families in need
Students in Amy Harkey’s Prostart I & II Courses at Purdy High School prepared and distributed 250 healthy, complete meals of chicken and vegetable fried rice for families in their community last week. The meals, prepared through the Kids Feeding Kids program, were donated to families served by Purdy Prostart I students.
Cassville native initiated into the Missouri Military Academy Corps of Cadets
On Oct. 19, 2024, Tyller Isbell, of Cassville, was inducted into the 136th Missouri Military Academy (MMA) Corps of Cadets at the MMA Passing Through Ceremony.
Tiger Band takes 3rd in small schools
On Oct. 19, the Exeter High School band participated in the Missouri Southern Homecoming Parade in downtown Joplin. The Tiger Band finished in third place in the small school division. The Tiger band will also perform in the Exeter Christmas Parade on Dec. 7, and the band will perform as part of the Exeter School Christmas concert on Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Southwest announces tip-off candidates
Five young ladies will vie for Tip-off Queen at Southwest High School on Nov. 26. They include, from left: senior Addison Keates, sophomore Jazmyn Rivas, junior BreeAhna Paulsen, junior cheer Candidate Abigail Callison and freshman Brianna Taft.
