Education
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.

Purdy FBLA raises over $1,500 for local women battling breast cancer
The Purdy High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter raised just over $1,500 in their annual October Pink Out fundraising effort. Funds were raised from T-shirt and cake pop sales, a hat day, and a serving contest at the Pink Out Volleyball Game. The Purdy Community was especially generous, enabling the chapter to help two local women currently battling breast cancer.

Farm Bureau Board supports Cassville FFA
Cassville FFA officers attended the Annual Farm Bureau Banquet on Sept. 3 at the Family Life Center. Club officers assisted in serving guests as well as had the opportunity to hear from Farm Bureau members and state lobbyists regarding agriculture. The Barry County Farm Bureau Board presented a monetary donation to FFA officers that will be used to support the local CHS FFA Chapter. In addition, Langston Mitchell, Cassville FFA Officer and Missouri State FFA Vice President, addressed the crowd at the banquet.

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.
Local students harvest knowledge through Agriculture Education on the Move
This fall, third grade classrooms across Missouri — including at Exeter and Southwest — are harvesting knowledge as students participate in Agriculture Education on the Move (Ag Moves). Through this initiative of Missouri Farmers Care, students discover how their lives are intertwined with agriculture through hands-on learning led by passionate educators in their classrooms.

Band wins big in Marionville
The Cassville High School Wildcat Pride Marching Band performed in Marionville in September, winning awards for Best Drum Major and First Place in the high school division. Pictured with the awards are drum majors, from left, Cole Cash, Gracie Gray and Monty Hang.

Arning donates to CHS Industrial Arts
Arning Companies believes in the power of education to foster innovative problem solvers and strategic thinkers, and to help foster the next generation, the company has donated $3,602 to the Cassville High School Industrial Arts program. This donation, raised through the Fred Arning Senior Classic Golf Tournament, is not just a check, an Arning press release said. “It’s an investment in the future of our students. It will support special projects that immerse these young innovators in the Lean Six Sigma production process, enhancing their problem- solving skills through real-world applications.”
4 Cassville grads get CFO scholarships
Four 2024 graduates of Cassville High School have received scholarships administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. • Avery Chappell, daughter of John and Julie Chappell, received the Olin J.

Exeter welcomes 3 to staff
The Exeter school district welcomed three new staff members this fall. They include: Lindsay Reed, K-12 librarian; Jennifer Brown, elementary secretary; and Andrea Howard, paraprofessional.