Education
Hughes, McCullah awarded scholarships
The Cassville Board of Education has selected Misty Hughes and Cindy McCullah for the 2026 Board of Education Scholarships. The $2,500 scholarships are awarded annually to two teachers in the Cassville School District who exhibit exemplary performance and a commitment to continued professional growth. Hughes joined the Cassville teaching staff this school year as a special education teacher. She plans to pursue her master’s degree in special education. McCullah is the middle school art teacher and has served the district in that role for the past eight years. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Education Technology and Instructional Design (K-12) through Western Governors University and plans to complete her studies this Spring. In addition to teaching art, McCullah also serves as a member of the district’s transportation team. Board of Education Scholarships must be used to further educational pursuits and should be in the area of certification or teaching field. From left: Hughes, Board Member Jill LeCompte and McCullah. Contributed photo
Purdy FBLA continues success under new leadership
Under new leadership this year, the Purdy FBLA programs continued its legacy of success at the District Leadership Conference on Feb. 5, producing 15 first-place winners, 45 medalists and 29 qualifiers for the FBLA State Leadership Conference in April. Melanie Grossman, who brings with her 26 years of success in business education and FBLA leadership from Cassville and East Newton, came out of retirement in August of 2025 to step into the program sponsor role following the retirement of Kay Wright in May 2025.
Cassville Speech and Debate owns Big 8
The Cassville High School Speech and Debate team placed first in the Big 8 Conference Tournament the weekend of Jan. 30 at Nevada.
Students supporting students
Cassville High School Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) recently demonstrated the power of compassion and community by raising $1,700 to support fellow CHS student Cooper Hendrix, who is preparing for an upcoming kidney transplant. SADD members organized and hosted a Color Fun Run in October, with all proceeds from participant registration and donations going directly to Hendrix and his family to help offset medical expenses related to the transplant.
Bright Futures gets winter clothing from Amazon
The Cassville R-IV Bright Futures program has been selected as a recipient of the Amazon Together We Give program.
New crochet class at Cassville High School
A new crochet class has started during engage hour in the high school library, taught by student Emma Bowling. Bowling often crochets during the school day, and when asked if she’d be willing to teach others, she jumped right in. The group meets once a week during the second half of engage.
26 inducted into Beta Club
Cassville Intermediate School recently held its Elementary National Beta Club induction ceremony. On Sept. 29, 26 students were inducted into the National Beta Club at Cassville Intermediate.
Exeter to name Miss Merry Christmas Thursday
Exeter High School's Miss Merry Christmas Ceremony will be held on Thursday after the junior varsity boys game basketball game, which starts at 5 p.m.
Cassville 3rd at Marion C. Early tourney
Cassville High School recently attended the Marion C. Early Speech and Debate Tournament. There were 18 schools in attendance, and as a team, Cassville placed third overall in points to win third in team sweeps.
Cassville band students shine at district auditions
On Nov. 2, seven Cassville High School band students traveled to Carthage to audition for the All-District Concert Band and All-District Jazz Band. Their hard work paid off, with six students earning top honors.
