college

Community Voices — Terry Held: Crossroads in rural educationl; Keeping opportunity close to home
“The Times Are A-Changin’.” Bob Dylan’s famous song of the 60’s became a cultural anthem with universal appeal. Today, it has become a phrase often heard in small towns when difficult decisions arrive quietly and without ceremony: Usually, those words are spoken with a shrug, a sigh, or a little disbelief. But behind them lies something larger, a recognition that institutions we once assumed would always remain steady are now being forced to adapt to realities few people fully see.

Blankenship signs to NEO for softball
A member of the Cassville softball team that helped the squad make history multiple times in her career is extending that career beyond high school.

Stoufer signs to pitch for Crowder
Cassville softball pitcher Aubrey Stoufer will continue her career in the circle, signing recently to play for Crowder College in Neosho.

Hinson to keep for Crowder
The 2025 Big 8 Goalkeeper of the Year is moving on up, having signed recently to play soccer at Crowder college in Neosho.

Barton transferring to Arkansas Tech
Maci Barton, 2023 Cassville graduate and daughter of Jim and Wendy Barton, of Cassville, has completed her A.A. Degree in General studies and is transferring to Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Ark., to major in wildlife and fisheries.

Opportunity shouts
Cassville athletics fans know the name Kyler Hayward for her years on the basketball and softball teams, but the senior recently signed to a collegiate program for a sport she has not participated in since middle school.

Roadrunner on the track
Cassville senior Makaiden Bolles hopes to emulate her new team mascot in the fall, as she has signed to run track for State Fair Community College in Sedalia in the fall.

On the diamond for the Valor
Cassville senior Lauren Sparkman is continuing the family trend of signing for a collegiate athletic scholarship, as she penned her name recently to a letter of intent to play softball at Evangel University in Springfield.

Reasons decided, history made
Cassville seniors and step-siblings Tierany Sloan and Jaret Hinson had their reasons in order on March 21, becoming the first ever in Cassville history to sign to judge livestock collegiately.
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.



