School
Spring Vocal Concert delivers songs, smiles
Karma Kessinger, right, hugs Jenny Ortega after receiving her senior award at the end of the 2025 Spring Vocal Concert on April 15 at the performing arts center. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
Cooking up a win
Purdy High School took home first place at Missouri State University’s annual Culinary Showdown on April 4, where students from across Missouri competed in a fast-paced culinary challenge that tested creativity, teamwork and technical skills.
Kid Kat, Middle School choirs sing for spring
Trinity Granger, left, and Elizabeth Whiteley, under direction of Katie Stockton, high school and middle school vocal music director and choreographer, perform “Beautiful Day/Best Day of My Life” at the Spring Vocal Concert on April 22.
3 years, one diploma
Exeter High School student Biaktha Hnem, daughter of Biak Cung and Biak Sung, has squeezed four years of instruction into a three-year career and will walk with the Class of 2025 during graduation ceremonies on May 16.
County schools collaborate to strengthen workforce development
In an effort to evaluate current job skills and strengthen workforce development in the community, educators, parents, employers, alumni, students and community members across Barry County have come together to discuss how best to prepare graduates for a successful future.
Wild C building gets green light
By the end of 2025, Cassville ag students will have a new facility geared toward hands-on learning.
Purdy school board reorganizes following election
The Purdy school board reorganized at its April meeting and reviewed recent facilities needs.
Robinson honored as Centennial Medalist
On April 8, the University of Miami (FL) awarded Russell Robinson the Centennial Medalist award. He received his MM (1980) and PhD (1984) at UM and retired from the University of Florida in 2016 after 32 years as Emeritus Professor and Head of Music Education. The event, which included an induction ceremony, concerts, gala and more, was to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Frost School of Music and the University of Miami.
Terry Held: Poetry in the heart of Cassville
April is National Poetry Month — a time set aside each year to celebrate the written and spoken word in all its richness.
Cassville Prom brings party to PAC
Trace Sturgell, right, takes a photo of Grace Bean, left, Olivia Webb, center, and Isa Rodriguez during the Cassville Prom on Saturday at the Performing Arts Center.
