School

3 Southwest seniors awarded Hagan Scholarship
Three Southwest High School Class of 2024 graduates will avoid student debt in coming years, as each has been awarded the Hagan Scholarship, worth up to $60,000 over four years. Scholarships were awarded to Lilly Wolf, who is planning to attend the University of Idaho to study Wildlife Resource Management; Faith Outhouse, who is planning to attend Missouri State University to study Nursing; and Kameron Kelley, who is planning to attend Drury University to study Architecture.

Fastest Wildcats named
Cassville Primary and Intermediate held their annual Sports Day on May 7. After a fun day of various field events, races and water activities, students competed to earn the title of “Fastest Wildcat.” Primary winners, from left: Evan Bowman, Reese Artherton, PJ Boyle, Ren Hodge, Brynn Weldy and Riley Hayward.

Drake Thomas: Rules in summer aren’t a bummer; the beauty of keeping a schedule during off seasons
Reading that title may give you pause. Summer is a time for respite, rejuvenation — and most importantly, no alarms — right? Why in the world would anyone want to keep their rigid normal schedule when the days are longer, and cookouts, ball games and pool parties seem to jump out from every direction? It is difficult to convince little minds that it is bedtime when the sun sits low and fat on the horizon boasting perfect playing light, before disappearing completely and giving the stage to twinkling fireflies that hover at the perfect height to be cupped and observed by tiny hands.

Kyle Troutman: It’s the inside that counts
On the south end of Cassville High School, the Performing Arts Center has taken its shape. The building, an impressive 36,025 square feet, is completely dried-in, meaning all exterior construction is complete and no precipitation will enter the building.

Ellis named special services director at Cassville schools
The Cassville Board of Education has selected Kendale Ellis to serve as the director of special services for the Cassville School District, effective July 1. This news comes after the current special services director, Mrs.

Shelter Scholarship goes to Chappell
The Shelter Insurance Foundation has awarded a $1,500 scholarship to Avery Chappell!, a graduate of Cassville High School. Shelter Agent Terri Lynn DeGraffenreid Brattin sponsors and partially funds this scholarship.

Waving their way into summer
Cassville students wave goodbye to their teachers on the final day of school Friday.

Merlyn Johnson: Keeping an eye on education finance
As the fiduciary leader of Cassville R-IV Schools, my role is critical in overseeing the financial health and well-being of our school district. Acting as the steward of public funds, I strive to ensure that financial resources are allocated effectively to support the district’s mission of providing quality education to our students while adhering to legal and ethical standards.

Purdy seniors awarded diplomas
Purdy graduates celebrated their accomplishments on Saturday with poppers and silly string, having ended their high school educations. A total of 33 students earned their diplomas. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

Tucker retires from Cassville schools
“She worketh diligently with her hands” Proverbs 31:13. The family of Tammy Tucker congratulate her for her retirement after nearly 25 years of employment with the Cassville R-IV School District. Tammy began her career in food service as a substitute in 1999, and worked in the High School cafeteria for several years before becoming the head cook at the Intermediate School. Throughout her service, Tammy has inspired hundreds of children and nurtured many more through her dedication to excellent food service. After serving approximately 2 million meals, Tammy looks forward to life with her already retired husband, Carroll, their children, and two grandchildren. Mom, we’re so proud of you and we love you! Love, Carroll; Carolyn, Chris, Aubrey, and Paisley; Dustin and Ashley; and Marissa and Clover.