Bullard takes 2nd in Missouri Civics Bee
Brandon Bullard, a freshman at Waynesville High School, earned 2nd place and a $750 prize in the inaugural Missouri Civics Bee earlier this month at the State Historical Society of Missouri in Columbia.
His initial reaction about winning: “I was really excited, and was thinking about how I can put this on a college application,” Bullard said.
Bullard advanced to the state competition after securing 1st place in the regional contest, hosted by the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce and held at Parker Educational Center in April. He received $500 as the top regional prize.
For his entry, Bullard proposed multiple solutions to reduce the number of abandoned buildings. “It was part of a broader frustration I have with infrastructure in our community, Missouri and the U.S.,” he said.
To prepare, Bullard spent about six months fine-tuning his essay, practicing his speech, studying the lengthy guide and rehearsing for judges’ questions.
“He used solid research and legislation to back his opinions on the best avenues for handling abandoned buildings,” said Renae Smith, his mother. “I also think he has the right amount of charisma, knowledge and public speaking skills to deliver his topic in a manner which brings attention to the importance of his stance.”
Although he enjoys civics, government, and politics, Bullard says his ultimate goal is to spark change.
“I hope that by winning second place I bring attention to abandoned buildings and other infrastructure problems in Waynesville, Missouri, and the rest of America,” Bullard said. “The guy that got first wrote his essay on roads and highways, so I hope he brings attention to infrastructure issues as well.”
His mother praised his dedication and work ethic leading up to the civics bee. “He has always been a person who was very concerned with rights and justice,” she said. “He is passionate about issues and topics that are often atypical of others his age. Brandon's father and I are so very proud of Brandon's commitment to this endeavor.”
Brandon Bullard, a freshman at Waynesville High School, earned 2nd place and a $750 prize in the inaugural Missouri Civics Bee earlier this month at the State Historical Society of Missouri in Columbia.
His initial reaction about winning: “I was really excited, and was thinking about how I can put this on a college application,” Bullard said.
Bullard advanced to the state competition after securing 1st place in the regional contest, hosted by the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce and held at Parker Educational Center in April. He received $500 as the top regional prize.
For his entry, Bullard proposed multiple solutions to reduce the number of abandoned buildings. “It was part of a broader frustration I have with infrastructure in our community, Missouri and the U.S.,” he said.
To prepare, Bullard spent about six months fine-tuning his essay, practicing his speech, studying the lengthy guide and rehearsing for judges’ questions.
“He used solid research and legislation to back his opinions on the best avenues for handling abandoned buildings,” said Renae Smith, his mother. “I also think he has the right amount of charisma, knowledge and public speaking skills to deliver his topic in a manner which brings attention to the importance of his stance.”
Although he enjoys civics, government, and politics, Bullard says his ultimate goal is to spark change.
“I hope that by winning second place I bring attention to abandoned buildings and other infrastructure problems in Waynesville, Missouri, and the rest of America,” Bullard said. “The guy that got first wrote his essay on roads and highways, so I hope he brings attention to infrastructure issues as well.”
His mother praised his dedication and work ethic leading up to the civics bee. “He has always been a person who was very concerned with rights and justice,” she said. “He is passionate about issues and topics that are often atypical of others his age. Brandon's father and I are so very proud of Brandon's commitment to this endeavor.”
Waynesville High School will host its annual Meet the Tiger for fall sports and activities beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, at Tiger Stadium. Participating in the event will be the Waynesville Tiger Pride Marching Band and JROTC Color Guard. Recognition will include boys soccer, softball, volleyball, girls tennis, boys and girls cross country, girls golf, Raiders, boys swimming, cheerleaders and football. #wayschools
Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, presented Community Recognition Certificates to the Tiger Book Express book mobile readers for their continued support of Waynesville R-VI School District students.
Pictured are Superintendent Hilary Bales, guest readers Steve Goodskyhertig, Rebecca Woodin, John Moore, Janel Rowell and Nichole Thayer, Dr. Jamie Goforth, and guest reader Walter Reese. Not pictured are Denise Read, Brett Reith and Bethany Reith.
Pictured are Superintendent Hilary Bales, guest readers Steve Goodskyhertig, Rebecca Woodin, John Moore, Janel Rowell and Nichole Thayer, Dr. Jamie Goforth, and guest reader Walter Reese. Not pictured are Denise Read, Brett Reith and Bethany Reith.
Arnold recognized for receiving state award
Courtney Long, executive director of secondary instruction, recognized Peggy Arnold for being awarded the Marketing Educators of Missouri (MEMO) Lifetime Achievement Award during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on Aug. 18, 2025. Arnold, instructor of marketing at the Waynesville Career Center, was awarded this organization's highest honor to recognize her career and contributions to marketing education across the state.
Courtney Long, executive director of secondary instruction, recognized Peggy Arnold for being awarded the Marketing Educators of Missouri (MEMO) Lifetime Achievement Award during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on Aug. 18, 2025. Arnold, instructor of marketing at the Waynesville Career Center, was awarded this organization's highest honor to recognize her career and contributions to marketing education across the state.
Library media specialists recognized for traveling bookmobile program
Mike Henson, executive director of elementary, recognized the Waynesville R-VI library media specialists who provided the Tiger Book Express bookmobile two days a week throughout the summer. Kristin Ross, Cassie Wilson, Kennedy Beauchamp, Lori Crabtree, Raquel DeSouza and Jennifer Henson, were recognized during the Aug. 18, 2025, Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting.
Their efforts provided an opportunity for kids throughout our community to experience a traveling library and to continue their Love of Reading during the summer months in the Waynesville and St. Robert City Parks.
Pictured are Lori Crabtree, Raquel DeSouza, Kennedy Beauchamp, Jennifer Henson, Kristin Ross, Cassie Wilson and Mike Henson.
Mike Henson, executive director of elementary, recognized the Waynesville R-VI library media specialists who provided the Tiger Book Express bookmobile two days a week throughout the summer. Kristin Ross, Cassie Wilson, Kennedy Beauchamp, Lori Crabtree, Raquel DeSouza and Jennifer Henson, were recognized during the Aug. 18, 2025, Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting.
Their efforts provided an opportunity for kids throughout our community to experience a traveling library and to continue their Love of Reading during the summer months in the Waynesville and St. Robert City Parks.
Pictured are Lori Crabtree, Raquel DeSouza, Kennedy Beauchamp, Jennifer Henson, Kristin Ross, Cassie Wilson and Mike Henson.
The Waynesville Career Center hosted Meet the Teacher Night on Aug. 13, 2025.
To help kick off the first day of school on Aug. 18, 2025, Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, United States Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, and his wife Sally greeted students at Waynesville Middle School and East Elementary, along with Command Sgt. Maj. David Palmer, U.S. Army Engineer School command sergeant major. A special thank you also goes to our Partners in Education for their assistance this morning.
Firefighters responded to a false alarm due to a sensor at East Elementary at approximately 7:45 a.m. Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. There was no smoke and no fire.
Freedom Elementary welcomed families to Meet the Teacher Night on Aug. 14, 2025.
As a reminder the first day of the 2025-26 school year is tomorrow, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025.
As a reminder the first day of the 2025-26 school year is tomorrow, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025.
East Elementary welcomed families to Meet the Teacher Night on Aug. 14, 2025.
As a reminder the first day of the 2025-26 school year is tomorrow, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025.
As a reminder the first day of the 2025-26 school year is tomorrow, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025.
Parker Educational Center welcomed families to Meet the Teacher Night on Aug. 14, 2025.
As a reminder the first day of the 2025-26 school year is tomorrow, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025.
As a reminder the first day of the 2025-26 school year is tomorrow, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025.
The Waynesville Sixth Grade Center welcomed families to Meet the Teacher Night on Aug. 14, 2025.
As a reminder the first day of the 2025-26 school year is tomorrow, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025.
As a reminder the first day of the 2025-26 school year is tomorrow, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025.
Thayer Elementary welcomed families to Meet the Teacher Night on Aug. 14, 2025.
As a reminder the first day of the 2025-26 school year is tomorrow, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025.
As a reminder the first day of the 2025-26 school year is tomorrow, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025.
Pick Educational & Volunteer Center welcomed families to Meet the Teacher Night on Aug. 14, 2025.
Partridge Elementary welcomed families to Meet the Teacher Night on Aug. 14, 2025.
Wood Elementary welcomed families to Meet the Teacher Night on Aug. 14, 2025.
Williams Early Childhood Center welcomed families to Meet the Teacher Night on Aug. 14, 2025.
Waynesville High School welcomed families to Meet the Teacher Night on Aug. 13, 2025.
Waynesville Middle School welcomed families to Meet the Teacher Night on Aug. 13, 2025.
The Waynesville R-VI School District Foundation awarded a record amount – more than $8,400 – to teachers in the form of Foundation Teach Impact Grants during Convocation on Aug. 11, 2025. The winners of 2025-26 Foundation grants are as follows:
LEAP
Christina Wallace, $489 for micro bit kits
EAST ELEMENTARY
Haley Jones, $150 for a Free Little Library project
Teresa Vogtman, $204 for a TonieBox with stories for comprehension
Deena Kitchens, $100 for “Project Me” to build self-awareness and management
Emmalee Damson, $61 for “Mathematical Mind Work” puzzles
Tammy Nelson, $263 for “Friendships and Foundations” Learning through play
Elizabeth Knisell, $110 to support ELA through LETRs strategies
Makaela Diedrich, $337 for Wipebooks for math collaboration
FREEDOM ELEMENTARY
Cara Kelley, $206 for math and literacy manipulatives
Christina Underwood, $107 science experiment supplies
Amanda Wadkins, $107 science experiment supplies
Andy Scott, $107 science experiment supplies
Keisha Bostic, $107 science experiment supplies
Sydney Kunneman, $107 science experiment supplies
Bella Kowal, $107 science experiment supplies
Alexis Smith, $107 science experiment supplies
Pamela Earls, $300 for sound/syllable mapping soundboards
Denise Holtzscher, $494 for “Composing in Color”
Stephanie Sanders, $348 in coins for practicing real world math
Traci Simpson, $247 for a Toniebox with story characters
Jessica Babb, $246 for “Imagination Station” to enhance imaginative play
PARKER EDUCATION CENTER
Tami Schneider, $213 for “Under the Big Top” circus performance
PERIMETER EDUCATION CENTER
Kim Bahr, $496 to start an art program at Perimeter
THAYER ELEMENTARY
Joni Harris, $412 for a “Cooking with Kindness” project
Kim Connolly, $70 for STEM and ELA activities to reinforce skills
WAYNESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Marielle King, $260 to start a heritage club for archaeology and anthropology
Amy Rushing, $167 to create 3D printed printing presses
Stephanie Peace, $250 for morning work and early finishers activity supplies
WAYNESVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Taylor Tetreault, $110 for Vertical Non-Permanent Work Spaces
Michael Johnson-Gonzales, $110 for Vertical Non-Permanent Work Spaces
Becky Douglas, $110 for Vertical Non-Permanent Work Spaces
WAYNESVILLE SIXTH GRADE CENTER
Terri Heiby, $258 to purchase headphones for music students learning to play the keyboard
WILLIAMS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
Allison Sylvester, $320 for dramatic play items to promote language and social/emotional skills
Lora Thompson, $177 for a sensory wall
Manuela Phinn, $100 to purchase CD players and Bluetooth headphones for listening/tech center
Patricia Bay-Fadgen, $315 for chick brooder heating plates
WOOD ELEMENTARY
Jennifer Schaub, $146 for interactive decodable CVC text set for learning to read
Jennifer Schaub, $236 for Rekenreks and mini writing boards
Karin Smith, $365 for supplies for a “Junior STEMgineers Club
The Waynesville R-VI Foundation awarded more than $8,400 in teach grants to Waynesville R-VI teachers during Convocation on Aug. 11, 2025. The grant recipients are pictured with Foundation President Cheryl Vernon.
LEAP
Christina Wallace, $489 for micro bit kits
EAST ELEMENTARY
Haley Jones, $150 for a Free Little Library project
Teresa Vogtman, $204 for a TonieBox with stories for comprehension
Deena Kitchens, $100 for “Project Me” to build self-awareness and management
Emmalee Damson, $61 for “Mathematical Mind Work” puzzles
Tammy Nelson, $263 for “Friendships and Foundations” Learning through play
Elizabeth Knisell, $110 to support ELA through LETRs strategies
Makaela Diedrich, $337 for Wipebooks for math collaboration
FREEDOM ELEMENTARY
Cara Kelley, $206 for math and literacy manipulatives
Christina Underwood, $107 science experiment supplies
Amanda Wadkins, $107 science experiment supplies
Andy Scott, $107 science experiment supplies
Keisha Bostic, $107 science experiment supplies
Sydney Kunneman, $107 science experiment supplies
Bella Kowal, $107 science experiment supplies
Alexis Smith, $107 science experiment supplies
Pamela Earls, $300 for sound/syllable mapping soundboards
Denise Holtzscher, $494 for “Composing in Color”
Stephanie Sanders, $348 in coins for practicing real world math
Traci Simpson, $247 for a Toniebox with story characters
Jessica Babb, $246 for “Imagination Station” to enhance imaginative play
PARKER EDUCATION CENTER
Tami Schneider, $213 for “Under the Big Top” circus performance
PERIMETER EDUCATION CENTER
Kim Bahr, $496 to start an art program at Perimeter
THAYER ELEMENTARY
Joni Harris, $412 for a “Cooking with Kindness” project
Kim Connolly, $70 for STEM and ELA activities to reinforce skills
WAYNESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Marielle King, $260 to start a heritage club for archaeology and anthropology
Amy Rushing, $167 to create 3D printed printing presses
Stephanie Peace, $250 for morning work and early finishers activity supplies
WAYNESVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Taylor Tetreault, $110 for Vertical Non-Permanent Work Spaces
Michael Johnson-Gonzales, $110 for Vertical Non-Permanent Work Spaces
Becky Douglas, $110 for Vertical Non-Permanent Work Spaces
WAYNESVILLE SIXTH GRADE CENTER
Terri Heiby, $258 to purchase headphones for music students learning to play the keyboard
WILLIAMS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
Allison Sylvester, $320 for dramatic play items to promote language and social/emotional skills
Lora Thompson, $177 for a sensory wall
Manuela Phinn, $100 to purchase CD players and Bluetooth headphones for listening/tech center
Patricia Bay-Fadgen, $315 for chick brooder heating plates
WOOD ELEMENTARY
Jennifer Schaub, $146 for interactive decodable CVC text set for learning to read
Jennifer Schaub, $236 for Rekenreks and mini writing boards
Karin Smith, $365 for supplies for a “Junior STEMgineers Club
The Waynesville R-VI Foundation awarded more than $8,400 in teach grants to Waynesville R-VI teachers during Convocation on Aug. 11, 2025. The grant recipients are pictured with Foundation President Cheryl Vernon.
