Students recognized for having art on display at State Capitol
Waynesville R-VI students were recognized during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on May 18, 2026, for having their art on display at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City.
Courtney Long, executive director of secondary, and Mike Henson, executive director of elementary, recognized the following students for having their art selected for display at the capitol:
Freedom Elementary:
· Savannah Summers (5th)
· Terrius Bell (2nd)
· Arielle White (2nd)
· Rowan House (3rd)
· Ava Austin (2nd)
· Lauren Burke (3rd)
· Heather Crook (4th)
· Madisyn Fisher (5th)
Waynesville High School:
· Brianna Brown-Myrick (12th)
· Abbegale Brownfield (12th)
· Willa Demmon (9th)
· Myla Hendricks (11th) - Fine Arts Coordinator Award Winner
Pictured are WHS Art Teacher Sarah Luttrell, Executive Director Courtney Long, Brianna Brown-Myrick, Abbegale Brownfield, Willa Demmon, WHS Principal Brian Vernon and Executive Director Mike Henson.
Waynesville R-VI students were recognized during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on May 18, 2026, for having their art on display at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City.
Courtney Long, executive director of secondary, and Mike Henson, executive director of elementary, recognized the following students for having their art selected for display at the capitol:
Freedom Elementary:
· Savannah Summers (5th)
· Terrius Bell (2nd)
· Arielle White (2nd)
· Rowan House (3rd)
· Ava Austin (2nd)
· Lauren Burke (3rd)
· Heather Crook (4th)
· Madisyn Fisher (5th)
Waynesville High School:
· Brianna Brown-Myrick (12th)
· Abbegale Brownfield (12th)
· Willa Demmon (9th)
· Myla Hendricks (11th) - Fine Arts Coordinator Award Winner
Pictured are WHS Art Teacher Sarah Luttrell, Executive Director Courtney Long, Brianna Brown-Myrick, Abbegale Brownfield, Willa Demmon, WHS Principal Brian Vernon and Executive Director Mike Henson.
16 WHS music students recognized for their performance at State
Sixteen Waynesville High School music students were recognized by Courtney Long, executive director of secondary, during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on May 18, 2026, for their performance at the State Music Contest.
The following students were recognized for their performance at the State Music Contest:
Gold rating
· Landon Boswell, Tuba Solo
· Kevin Connor, Alto Sax Solo
· Willa Demmon, French Horn Solo
Silver rating
· Aliyah Bowers, Alto Sax Solo
· Juliet Piper, Trumpet Solo
· Jasmine Rivera, Flute Solo
Bronze rating
· Richard Peace, Trombone Solo
Vocal Music:
Gold Rating:
· Cyrus Calhoun
· Isabel Diaz
· Lilyana Romero
Silver Rating:
· Addison Bowling
· Ava Byers
· Eulalia Moynihan
· Claire Reed
· A’Nyyah Tollison
· SATB Quartet- Ava Byers, Emma Bailly, Cyrus Calhoun, and A'Nyyah Tollison
The students are pictured with Executive Director Courtney Long, WHS Principal Brian Vernon, Director of Bands Jared Sabatasso and assistant directors Andrew Tiefenbrunn, Chance Inman and Brady Perkins.
Sixteen Waynesville High School music students were recognized by Courtney Long, executive director of secondary, during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on May 18, 2026, for their performance at the State Music Contest.
The following students were recognized for their performance at the State Music Contest:
Gold rating
· Landon Boswell, Tuba Solo
· Kevin Connor, Alto Sax Solo
· Willa Demmon, French Horn Solo
Silver rating
· Aliyah Bowers, Alto Sax Solo
· Juliet Piper, Trumpet Solo
· Jasmine Rivera, Flute Solo
Bronze rating
· Richard Peace, Trombone Solo
Vocal Music:
Gold Rating:
· Cyrus Calhoun
· Isabel Diaz
· Lilyana Romero
Silver Rating:
· Addison Bowling
· Ava Byers
· Eulalia Moynihan
· Claire Reed
· A’Nyyah Tollison
· SATB Quartet- Ava Byers, Emma Bailly, Cyrus Calhoun, and A'Nyyah Tollison
The students are pictured with Executive Director Courtney Long, WHS Principal Brian Vernon, Director of Bands Jared Sabatasso and assistant directors Andrew Tiefenbrunn, Chance Inman and Brady Perkins.
JROTC Drill Team recognized for 3rd place finish at Nationals
The Waynesville JROTC Drill Team was recognized for their 3rd place finish at Nationals by Courtney Long, executive director of secondary, during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on May 18, 2026.
The team placed 3rd overall and won the Norwich Trophy at the U.S. Army Cadet Command Rocky Mountain National Drill Competition.
The following students were recognized:
Makayla Afriyie
Danely Aguilar
Kaitlin Amos
Austin Bailly
Christie Bennett
Addison Bowling
David Boyd
Inez Casto
Inna Casto
Kamolnet Chaiyasart
Kaden Crone
Abrey Ellison
Sirenedi Maldonaldo
Adriana Martinez
Jeramie Mays
Mason McCord
Josselyn Mendoza
Ethan Morris
Nicholas Nenadich
Amelie Paez
Keegan Sharp
Gabriel Sinden
Trevor Skyles
Addison Smith
Shawn Torres
Aidan Walsh
The Waynesville JROTC Drill Team is pictured with Executive Director Courtney Long, WCC Director Sam Callis and Col. (Ret.) Charles Williams, senior Army instructor.
The Waynesville JROTC Drill Team was recognized for their 3rd place finish at Nationals by Courtney Long, executive director of secondary, during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on May 18, 2026.
The team placed 3rd overall and won the Norwich Trophy at the U.S. Army Cadet Command Rocky Mountain National Drill Competition.
The following students were recognized:
Makayla Afriyie
Danely Aguilar
Kaitlin Amos
Austin Bailly
Christie Bennett
Addison Bowling
David Boyd
Inez Casto
Inna Casto
Kamolnet Chaiyasart
Kaden Crone
Abrey Ellison
Sirenedi Maldonaldo
Adriana Martinez
Jeramie Mays
Mason McCord
Josselyn Mendoza
Ethan Morris
Nicholas Nenadich
Amelie Paez
Keegan Sharp
Gabriel Sinden
Trevor Skyles
Addison Smith
Shawn Torres
Aidan Walsh
The Waynesville JROTC Drill Team is pictured with Executive Director Courtney Long, WCC Director Sam Callis and Col. (Ret.) Charles Williams, senior Army instructor.
WHS recognized as Unified Champion School
Waynesville High School has achieved Unified Champion School status, making WHS one of fewer than 50 schools in Missouri to earn this distinction. Dr. Elizabeth Washington, executive director of student services, recognized the students and advisors during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on May 18, 2026.
A Unified Champion School is one that intentionally promotes inclusion by combining Special Olympics Unified Sports®, inclusive youth leadership and whole-school engagement. Unified Sports brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities to practice and compete as teammates in athletic events such as bowling, basketball and track throughout the year.
This distinction is a direct result of the dedication and efforts of students and advisors involved in the CSS Program, Tiger Buddies Club and SGA, along with the strong school-wide support of the staff and student body at WHS. Special thanks goes to Stephanie Peace, Karen Wilkerson and Bridget Jones for coordinating this with their CSS classes along with Nancy Swick, SGA.
As a symbol of this commitment, WHS will now display the Unified Champion School banner, representing our ongoing dedication to inclusion.
Students who were recognized include the following:
Danley Aguilar (Tiger Buddies)
Brionna Ash (Tiger Buddies)
Tallon Bennett (Tiger Buddies & SGA)
Lexie Bigelow (Tiger Buddies)
Khloe Brush (Tiger Buddies)
Madalyn Cottier (Tiger Buddies)
Lanie Espinosa (Tiger Buddies & SGA)
Elizabeth Hoard (Tiger Buddies & SGA)
Jay'Merie Howard (Tiger Buddies)
Erica Hull (Tiger Buddies)
Lauryn Lercher (Tiger Buddies)
Laila Lyons (Tiger Buddies)
Ariana Newkirk (Tiger Buddies)
RJ Peace (Tiger Buddies)
Kalee Rhoades (Tiger Buddies)
Aylen Stark (Tiger Buddies)
Morgan Woods (Tiger Buddies)
Eliza Blau (Tiger Buddies)
Sakura Burton (Tiger Buddies)
Connor Feagin (Tiger Buddies)
Gino Collier Ford (Tiger Buddies)
Serenity Gerspach (Tiger Buddies)
John Havens (Tiger Buddies)
Soledad Hayes (Tiger Buddies)
Caylee Lehman (Tiger Buddies)
Andrew Rhoades (Tiger Buddies)
Christina Sykes (Tiger Buddies)
Anastasia Wyant (Tiger Buddies)
Aspen Cain (SGA)
Kelise Johnson (SGA)
Shelby Cannon (SGA)
Wyatt Carter (SGA)
Emmalyn Herrington (SGA)
The students and advisors are pictured with Dr. Elizabeth Washington, executive director of student services, and Shauna Smith, district special education coordinator.
Waynesville High School has achieved Unified Champion School status, making WHS one of fewer than 50 schools in Missouri to earn this distinction. Dr. Elizabeth Washington, executive director of student services, recognized the students and advisors during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on May 18, 2026.
A Unified Champion School is one that intentionally promotes inclusion by combining Special Olympics Unified Sports®, inclusive youth leadership and whole-school engagement. Unified Sports brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities to practice and compete as teammates in athletic events such as bowling, basketball and track throughout the year.
This distinction is a direct result of the dedication and efforts of students and advisors involved in the CSS Program, Tiger Buddies Club and SGA, along with the strong school-wide support of the staff and student body at WHS. Special thanks goes to Stephanie Peace, Karen Wilkerson and Bridget Jones for coordinating this with their CSS classes along with Nancy Swick, SGA.
As a symbol of this commitment, WHS will now display the Unified Champion School banner, representing our ongoing dedication to inclusion.
Students who were recognized include the following:
Danley Aguilar (Tiger Buddies)
Brionna Ash (Tiger Buddies)
Tallon Bennett (Tiger Buddies & SGA)
Lexie Bigelow (Tiger Buddies)
Khloe Brush (Tiger Buddies)
Madalyn Cottier (Tiger Buddies)
Lanie Espinosa (Tiger Buddies & SGA)
Elizabeth Hoard (Tiger Buddies & SGA)
Jay'Merie Howard (Tiger Buddies)
Erica Hull (Tiger Buddies)
Lauryn Lercher (Tiger Buddies)
Laila Lyons (Tiger Buddies)
Ariana Newkirk (Tiger Buddies)
RJ Peace (Tiger Buddies)
Kalee Rhoades (Tiger Buddies)
Aylen Stark (Tiger Buddies)
Morgan Woods (Tiger Buddies)
Eliza Blau (Tiger Buddies)
Sakura Burton (Tiger Buddies)
Connor Feagin (Tiger Buddies)
Gino Collier Ford (Tiger Buddies)
Serenity Gerspach (Tiger Buddies)
John Havens (Tiger Buddies)
Soledad Hayes (Tiger Buddies)
Caylee Lehman (Tiger Buddies)
Andrew Rhoades (Tiger Buddies)
Christina Sykes (Tiger Buddies)
Anastasia Wyant (Tiger Buddies)
Aspen Cain (SGA)
Kelise Johnson (SGA)
Shelby Cannon (SGA)
Wyatt Carter (SGA)
Emmalyn Herrington (SGA)
The students and advisors are pictured with Dr. Elizabeth Washington, executive director of student services, and Shauna Smith, district special education coordinator.
6 FFA students recognized for their performance at State
Six FFA students from the Waynesville Career Center received certificates during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on May 18, 2026, from Courtney Long, executive director of secondary.
The following were recognized for their performance at the FFA State Conference:
· Area 13 Star Farmer - Jamie Laughlin
· Veterinary Science Team - 2nd Place at State: Valedia Hill, Jamie Laughlin, Katarina Martin and Kalee Rhoades
State Proficiency:
· Equine Entrepreneurship: Jamie Laughlin
· Outdoor Recreation: Katarina Martin
State Degrees:
· Natasha Lappi
· Jamie Laughlin
· Katarina Martin
· Kira Smith
Pictured are Executivae Director Courtney Long, Natasha Lappi, Jamie Laughlin, Katarina Martin, Valedia Hill, Kalee Rhoades and WCC Director Sam Callis.
Six FFA students from the Waynesville Career Center received certificates during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on May 18, 2026, from Courtney Long, executive director of secondary.
The following were recognized for their performance at the FFA State Conference:
· Area 13 Star Farmer - Jamie Laughlin
· Veterinary Science Team - 2nd Place at State: Valedia Hill, Jamie Laughlin, Katarina Martin and Kalee Rhoades
State Proficiency:
· Equine Entrepreneurship: Jamie Laughlin
· Outdoor Recreation: Katarina Martin
State Degrees:
· Natasha Lappi
· Jamie Laughlin
· Katarina Martin
· Kira Smith
Pictured are Executivae Director Courtney Long, Natasha Lappi, Jamie Laughlin, Katarina Martin, Valedia Hill, Kalee Rhoades and WCC Director Sam Callis.
11 WHS students qualify for National Beta Convention
Eleven Waynesville High School students were honored during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on May 18, 2026, for placing at the State Beta Convention and qualifying to compete at the National Beta Convention in June.
Courtney Long, executive director of secondary, recognized the following for their qualifying finishes:
· Biomedical Health Science 12th Grade- 4th Place: Don Cing
· Cake Decorating Division II- 4th Place: Breanna Bednarik
· Creative Writing Division I- 2nd Place: Zoey Heacock
· Painting Division II- 5th Place: Evelyn Carroll
· Poetry Division II- 2nd Place: Emmalie Erlewine
· Psychology 12th Grade- 1st Place: Elyssa Scarbrough
· Science 12th Grade- 2nd Place: Kaydence Long
· Social Studies 12th Grade- 2nd Place: Elaine Wu
· Spanish 12th Grade- 3rd Place: Alexander Valencia
· U.S. History 11th Grade- 1st Place: Siessa Kpessokro
· U.S. History 12th Grade- 3rd Place: Ki Ventura
Pictured are Executive Director Courtney Long, Siessa Kpessokro, Breanna Bednarik, Emmalie Erlewine, Alexander Valencia and Brian Vernon.
Eleven Waynesville High School students were honored during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on May 18, 2026, for placing at the State Beta Convention and qualifying to compete at the National Beta Convention in June.
Courtney Long, executive director of secondary, recognized the following for their qualifying finishes:
· Biomedical Health Science 12th Grade- 4th Place: Don Cing
· Cake Decorating Division II- 4th Place: Breanna Bednarik
· Creative Writing Division I- 2nd Place: Zoey Heacock
· Painting Division II- 5th Place: Evelyn Carroll
· Poetry Division II- 2nd Place: Emmalie Erlewine
· Psychology 12th Grade- 1st Place: Elyssa Scarbrough
· Science 12th Grade- 2nd Place: Kaydence Long
· Social Studies 12th Grade- 2nd Place: Elaine Wu
· Spanish 12th Grade- 3rd Place: Alexander Valencia
· U.S. History 11th Grade- 1st Place: Siessa Kpessokro
· U.S. History 12th Grade- 3rd Place: Ki Ventura
Pictured are Executive Director Courtney Long, Siessa Kpessokro, Breanna Bednarik, Emmalie Erlewine, Alexander Valencia and Brian Vernon.
East Elementary’s 1st grade teachers along with Shawna Dance and Gladston Phinn are being recognized as this week’s #TeacherProudTuesday shout-out. Pictured are East Co-Principal Melanie Mitchell, Susan Harris, Leslie Green, Mary Romero, Naomi Merritt, Casidee Copeland, Celso Alvarado, Gladston Phinn, Shawna Dance, and Co-Principal Susan Shultz.
3 WHS students have qualified for the National FCCLA Conference
Three Waynesville High School students have placed at State and qualified to compete at the FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., in July 2026. They were recognized by Courtney Long, executive director of secondary, recognized the students during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on May 18, 2026.
The students and their qualifying finishes are as follows:
· Jariah Stevens and Romelliah Vassel -1st place in the PR Challenge
· Samantha Gadsend- 1st place in Leadership
Pictured are Executive Director Courtney Long, Samantha Gadsend and WHS Principal Brian Vernon.
6 WHS students qualify for international HOSA conference
Six Waynesville High School students have qualified to compete at the HOSA (future health professionals) International Leadership Conference in June 2026.
The students and their qualifying project are as follows:
• Kaden Crone, Grey Landreth and Brooklyn Lercher- Biomedical Debate 3rd Place
• Zetalyn Mansapit and Annsley Sherohman- Veterinarian Health Career Display 3rd Place
• Hailey Melchiore- HOSA Happenings- digital newsletter receiving state honors
The students were recognized by Courtney Long, executive director of secondary, during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on May 18, 2026.
Pictured are Instructor Nicole Den Dekker, Kaden Crone, Grey Landreth, Brooklyn Lercher, Annsley Sherohman, Executive Director Courtney Long and WHS Principal Brian Vernon.
Six Waynesville High School students have qualified to compete at the HOSA (future health professionals) International Leadership Conference in June 2026.
The students and their qualifying project are as follows:
• Kaden Crone, Grey Landreth and Brooklyn Lercher- Biomedical Debate 3rd Place
• Zetalyn Mansapit and Annsley Sherohman- Veterinarian Health Career Display 3rd Place
• Hailey Melchiore- HOSA Happenings- digital newsletter receiving state honors
The students were recognized by Courtney Long, executive director of secondary, during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on May 18, 2026.
Pictured are Instructor Nicole Den Dekker, Kaden Crone, Grey Landreth, Brooklyn Lercher, Annsley Sherohman, Executive Director Courtney Long and WHS Principal Brian Vernon.
Waynesville R-VI LEAP students—Aiden Fulkerson, Annaleigh Woodin and Brandon Bullard—have been accepted into the Joseph Baldwin Academy for Eminent Young Scholars (JBA) at Truman State University. This highly competitive pre-college program is designed for high-achieving students and provides an immersive college experience.
During the three-week program, JBA scholars live on campus in university housing and engage in a rigorous course of study led by college faculty and JBA staff. Woodin will participate in the “Soil to Supper” course, while Bullard will study “Big History: Finding Humanity’s Place in the Universe.” Fulkerson, who was also accepted into JBA, has chosen to pursue other opportunities this summer, including competing in the State Civics Bee, which he qualified for earlier this semester.
During the three-week program, JBA scholars live on campus in university housing and engage in a rigorous course of study led by college faculty and JBA staff. Woodin will participate in the “Soil to Supper” course, while Bullard will study “Big History: Finding Humanity’s Place in the Universe.” Fulkerson, who was also accepted into JBA, has chosen to pursue other opportunities this summer, including competing in the State Civics Bee, which he qualified for earlier this semester.
The last day of the 2025-26 school year will be Friday, May 22, 2026.
Students will be dismissed early as follows:
- Grades 6-11 will dismiss at noon.
- Full day Pre-K at Parker Educational Center, Freedom Elementary and Pick Educational and Volunteer Center will dismiss at 12:45 p.m.
- Grades K-5 will dismiss at 1 p.m.
There will be no afternoon session at Williams Early Childhood Center.
Students will be dismissed early as follows:
- Grades 6-11 will dismiss at noon.
- Full day Pre-K at Parker Educational Center, Freedom Elementary and Pick Educational and Volunteer Center will dismiss at 12:45 p.m.
- Grades K-5 will dismiss at 1 p.m.
There will be no afternoon session at Williams Early Childhood Center.
FULL day preschool graduations will be held this evening in the Waynesville High School Auditorium.
Buses receive Fleet of Excellence Award
Waynesville R-VI has earned the Missouri Highway Patrol's Total Fleet of Excellence Award for 2026 with 95.6 percent of its buses passing inspection.
Each bus must pass a multiple-point inspection that covers 23 categories. Waynesville R-VI’s stats compared to state averages:
• Approved: 95.60% (State Average: 89.94%)
• Defective: 4.40% (State Average: 7.54%)
• Out of Service: 0.00% (State Average: 2.52%)
“These results reflect the effort and attention given to maintaining our transportation fleet and ensuring safe operations for our students,” said Dr. Elizabeth Washington, executive director of student services.
The award means that the district’s buses can display the Patrol's Total Fleet of Excellence sticker in the lower corner of the first window on the passenger entry side of each bus.
WHS Graduation to be held outside
Waynesville High School's Graduation will be held outside today (Friday, May 15, 2026). Graduation begins at 7:30 p.m. A ticket is required to enter graduation outside. Each senior received eight black tickets to be used for their guests at the outside graduation.
Waynesville Career Center video production students will provide live coverage of the event on:
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18EPepoXAs/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/live/PEJYf3x7ohM?feature=share
If any technical difficulties occur during the broadcast, please note that the video of graduation will be posted to YouTube after it concludes.
Waynesville High School's Graduation will be held outside today (Friday, May 15, 2026). Graduation begins at 7:30 p.m. A ticket is required to enter graduation outside. Each senior received eight black tickets to be used for their guests at the outside graduation.
Waynesville Career Center video production students will provide live coverage of the event on:
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18EPepoXAs/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/live/PEJYf3x7ohM?feature=share
If any technical difficulties occur during the broadcast, please note that the video of graduation will be posted to YouTube after it concludes.
The COMC will offer free sports physicals for Waynesville R-VI athletes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (students must arrive by 3 p.m.) on July 20-23, 2026, at the COMC Clinic located inside East Elementary. The clinic entrance is near the FEMA Shelter on the back side of the building. East Elementary is located at 1501 State Road F, Waynesville.
Appointments are not required. This is done on a first come, first served basis.
A legal guardian must accompany the student to sign MSHSAA permission forms.
No insurance card needed. Paperwork available on-site.
No vaccines will be given at this event.
Appointments are not required. This is done on a first come, first served basis.
A legal guardian must accompany the student to sign MSHSAA permission forms.
No insurance card needed. Paperwork available on-site.
No vaccines will be given at this event.
Tonight's Graduation for the Class of 2026 will be broadcast live
Waynesville High School’s Graduation for the Class of 2026 will be held at 7:30 p.m. tonight (Friday, May 15, 2026). A ticket is required to enter graduation – either inside or outside.
Waynesville Career Center video production students will provide live coverage of the event on:
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18EPepoXAs/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/live/PEJYf3x7ohM?feature=share
If any technical difficulties occur during the broadcast, please note that the video of graduation will be posted to YouTube after it concludes.
Ticket information
Tickets are required to attend the graduation ceremony in person. Graduates will be issued their tickets following Passing of the Torch on Thursday, May 14.
• Inside graduation: If graduation is held inside, then each graduate will have five orange tickets to give to their guests. Only those with orange tickets will be able to attend inside graduation.
• Outside graduation: If graduation is held outside, each graduate will have a total of eight black tickets for outside graduation. Only those with black tickets will be able to attend outside graduation.
• All individuals age 2 and up will need a ticket for graduation.
• Individuals may opt to watch the live broadcast in the WHS Auditorium. A ticket is not needed for the auditorium; however, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Parking lot opens at 5:30 p.m.
The WHS parking lot will open at 5:30 p.m. Gates and/or doors will open at 6 p.m. WHS graduating seniors are encouraged to park at the Waynesville Career Center to allow their guests to park closer to the stadium. No parking is allowed along G.W. Lane Street.
Seniors should arrive at 6 p.m.
Graduating seniors should arrive on or before 6 p.m. for their ceremony. They will enter WHS through the main entrance, go to the cafeteria and be directed to their designated waiting area.
Cap and Gown/Graduation Photos:
Wagner Portrait Group will photograph individual graduate portraits and ceremony candids. Electronic image proofs will be sent directly to the graduate via email and text within 48-72 hours after the ceremony. To view and order online, go to https://WagnerPortraitGroup.com/Graduation.
An ambulance was dispatched to Pick Educational and Volunteer Center at approximately 12:42 p.m. today (Wednesday, May 13, 2026) to treat an adult with a medical condition.
The individual will determine what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
The individual will determine what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
Choi named Rotary Student of the Month
Juliet Choi, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the WHS Rotary Student of the Month for May 2026. She is the daughter of Byonghwan and Misook Choi and was recognized during the Rotary Club of Pulaski County meeting on May 12, 2026.
Choi’s nominator stated, Juliet Choi “is a remarkable student whose leadership, academic excellence and compassion truly distinguish her among her peers. Juliet’s passion for healthcare is evident in her extensive involvement and leadership within the Heart Mind Soul (HMS) Medical Club, where she serves as president. She has created meaningful opportunities for students to explore medical fields, organized career panels with healthcare professionals and led engaging lessons on anatomy and physiology. Her initiative also extends beyond the school community through her founding of Brain2Heart, a mentorship program connecting students with healthcare experiences and career exploration opportunities in both San Diego and Waynesville. These achievements reflect Juliet’s drive to inspire others while developing her own understanding of the medical field.”
Juliet carries a 4.42 grade point average and has a 98% attendance. She is taking her 7th Advanced Placement course, ranking her at the top percent of her class. Since 2024, Choi has founded three different student clubs at WHS and within the community: Heart Mind Soul Medical Club, the Korean Culture Club and Brain2Heart . Aside from leading these clubs, Choi is the senior class secretary, a member of National Honor Society, choir, and previously a varsity runner of cross country. During her spare time, she is an active member of Korean Baptist Church, where she is the president of Youth Leadership, a member of the Praise Team, and teaches intermediate Korean at the Korean Language School.
At the Waynesville Career Center, Choi earned a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification and phlebotomy certification. She will attend Baylor University and major in biology on the Pre-Med track with the goal of becoming a pediatric immunologist.
Juliet Choi, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the WHS Rotary Student of the Month for May 2026. She is the daughter of Byonghwan and Misook Choi and was recognized during the Rotary Club of Pulaski County meeting on May 12, 2026.
Choi’s nominator stated, Juliet Choi “is a remarkable student whose leadership, academic excellence and compassion truly distinguish her among her peers. Juliet’s passion for healthcare is evident in her extensive involvement and leadership within the Heart Mind Soul (HMS) Medical Club, where she serves as president. She has created meaningful opportunities for students to explore medical fields, organized career panels with healthcare professionals and led engaging lessons on anatomy and physiology. Her initiative also extends beyond the school community through her founding of Brain2Heart, a mentorship program connecting students with healthcare experiences and career exploration opportunities in both San Diego and Waynesville. These achievements reflect Juliet’s drive to inspire others while developing her own understanding of the medical field.”
Juliet carries a 4.42 grade point average and has a 98% attendance. She is taking her 7th Advanced Placement course, ranking her at the top percent of her class. Since 2024, Choi has founded three different student clubs at WHS and within the community: Heart Mind Soul Medical Club, the Korean Culture Club and Brain2Heart . Aside from leading these clubs, Choi is the senior class secretary, a member of National Honor Society, choir, and previously a varsity runner of cross country. During her spare time, she is an active member of Korean Baptist Church, where she is the president of Youth Leadership, a member of the Praise Team, and teaches intermediate Korean at the Korean Language School.
At the Waynesville Career Center, Choi earned a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification and phlebotomy certification. She will attend Baylor University and major in biology on the Pre-Med track with the goal of becoming a pediatric immunologist.
NEW families: Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is open for NEW students to the Waynesville R-VI School District. If the link above does not work, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/o/wrv/page/enrollment-registration
Returning families: Parents/guardians of students who will be returning to the Waynesville R-VI School District for the 2026-27 school year will receive a link to the annual Returning Student Forms on June 1.
Returning families: Parents/guardians of students who will be returning to the Waynesville R-VI School District for the 2026-27 school year will receive a link to the annual Returning Student Forms on June 1.
Francisco wins 2nd place in Mizzou Competition
East Elementary 5th grader Avery Francisco was recognized in April 2026 for her outstanding instrumental composition, “Grün Regen (Green Rain),” during the 2026 Creating Original Music Project at University of Missouri School of Music. Avery earned 2nd place in the Elementary Instrumental category for her original work.
As part of this prestigious honor, her composition was performed by students from the University of Missouri School of Music, and she received a $200 award in recognition of her achievement.
East Elementary 5th grader Avery Francisco was recognized in April 2026 for her outstanding instrumental composition, “Grün Regen (Green Rain),” during the 2026 Creating Original Music Project at University of Missouri School of Music. Avery earned 2nd place in the Elementary Instrumental category for her original work.
As part of this prestigious honor, her composition was performed by students from the University of Missouri School of Music, and she received a $200 award in recognition of her achievement.
