Waynesville R-VI School District

Upcoming Athletic Events These photos of the Waynesville High School boys and girls basketball teams playing in the Rolla Holiday Classic during the holiday break are by Connie Feighery. ___________________ Upcoming HOME athletic events • The next home WHS boys varsity basketball game will begin at approximately 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7 against Cuba. The varsity boys basketball schedule is at https://waynesvilletigerathletics.org/main/teamschedule/id/58669/seasonid/4883079. • The next home WHS girls varsity basketball game will begin at approximately 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9 against Webb City. The girls varsity basketball schedule is at https://waynesvilletigerathletics.org/main/teamschedule/id/58670/seasonid/4883109. • The first home varsity boys wrestling team match will be on Jan. 8 vs. Rolla with an approximate start time of 5:30 p.m. The varsity boys wrestling schedule is at https://waynesvilletigerathletics.org/main/teamschedule/id/58668/seasonid/4883649. • The next home varsity girls wrestling team match will be on Jan. 8 vs. Rolla with an approximate start time of 5:30 p.m. The varsity girls wrestling schedule is at https://waynesvilletigerathletics.org/main/teamschedule/id/3772196/seasonid/4883618. ___________________ Upcoming Swim Meet • The girls swim team will compete on Jan. 4 in Springfield. The girls swimming schedule is at https://waynesvilletigerathletics.org/main/teamschedule/id/3765275/seasonid/4883426. ___________________ All Athletic Schedules • Specific individual sports schedules are at https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/o/whs/page/athletics. Click on the “24-25 Game Schedules” link on the left side of the page to find a specific sport • To view all high school athletic events, go to https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/o/whs/events and click on Freshman, JV or Varsity athletics under the word “Calendars” on the left. • To view all middle school athletic events, go to https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/o/wms/events and click on 7th grade and 8th grade athletics under the word “Calendars” on the left. ___________________ Tournament Information All tournament schedules are posted under “Tournament Central” on the Athletics website at https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/o/whs/page/athletics. Schedules are typically posted one week prior to the tournament.

The Army Engineer Association recently donated $1,000 to support the Snack in a Pack program at the Waynesville R-VI School District. “As part of our ongoing commitment to the communities we proudly serve, the Army Engineer Association made this donation to support the Waynesville R-VI School District and its Snack in a Pack Program,” the Army Engineer Association stated. “Our dedication extends beyond the Army Engineer Soldiers stationed at Fort Leonard Wood to include their families and the families who serve alongside them. By investing in the local community, we reaffirm our mission to strengthen the bonds between the Army Engineer Regiment and the places we call home, ensuring we meet the needs of those who serve and support our nation.” Snack in a Pack provides meals and snacks to more than 450 students over holidays and weekends who might otherwise go hungry. Individuals may purchase items on Snack in a Pack’s wishlist on Amazon by going to https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/LHIMQ7EWYF88?ref_=wl_share. Donations to Snack in a Pack may be mailed to Snack in a Pack, Community Resource Office, 12225 Pulaski Ave, Bldg. 8041, Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473, or you may call 573-842-2250.

The Waynesville High School boys basketball team won in overtime, defeating the St. Louis Christian Blue Knights on Dec. 20, 2024, in the Route 66 Shootout at WHS. Today's schedule is below. Saturday, Dec. 21: 12:30 p.m. Waynesville (Girls) vs. St. Elizabeth 2 p.m. Blue Knights (Boys) vs. Poplar Bluff 3:30 p.m. Waynesville (Boys) vs. St. Pius X

WHS holds Hall of Fame induction ceremony A basketball team and three individuals were inducted into the WHS Athletic/Activity Hall of Fame for the 2024-25 year during the Route 66 Shootout on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, at Waynesville High School. The inductees included: · 1985 Boys Basketball MSHSAA Final Four Team (Basketball) · Cheryl Vernon (Cheerleading Coaching) · Larry “LJ” Fort (Football Player) · Daniel Pippin (Basketball Player, inducted posthumously) The WHS boys basketball team The WHS 1985 boys basketball players were inducted for their Final Four finish in the MSHSAA Missouri State High School Activities Association Class 3 basketball tournament. Members of this team included Tony Bibbs, Jeff Carlson, Mike French (1st Team All-District), Steve Lynch, Robert Melton, Mike Morriss, Rico Smith, Keenan Studstill, Anthony Walker (1st Team All-State & All-District), Darren Walker, Karl Wilking and Vincent Wyatt. The team managers were Ron Henry, Warren Martinez and Roy West. The Tigers were coached and led by Head Coach Butch O’Riley and Assistant Joe Walker. In the 1985 season, the Waynesville Tigers finished 31-6. They were district champions and defeated St. Francis Borgia 71-63 in the first round of the state tournament and then topped Ozark in a tight quarter-final game by a score of 53-52 before losing to eventual state champion Malden and then to Benton in a low-scoring consolation final game. The Tigers were known for their fast-paced play and offensive tenacity. Larry “L.J.” Fort L.J. Fort was inducted for playing an integral role on the 2007 Waynesville Tiger State Championship team and going on to play for nine years in the National Football League. Fort was an All-State player as a running back during that historical season. After high school he was a 3-year starter at Northern Iowa, where he was a second-team Missouri Valley Football Conference selection in 2010. In the following season, Fort was named as the Missouri Valley Football Conference's Defensive Player of the Year and a finalist for the National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Championship Subdivision National Defensive Player of the Year Award. Fort was an undrafted free agent out of college and earned his way into the National Football League through his hard work and determination. Fort competed for nine years in the NFL. He played for the Cleveland Browns (2012-13), Seattle Seahawks (2014-15), Pittsburgh Steelers (2016-2019), Philadelphia Eagles (2019) and the Baltimore Ravens (2019-2021). In total he played 91 career NFL football games. Cheryl Vernon Cheryl Vernon was inducted for being a Tiger through and through during her 30-plus years as a teacher, 25 years as cheer coach and continuing today. During her stint as a coach, she had tremendous influence in the lives of her cheerleaders and students, leading the cheer team to unsurpassed achievements and recognitions. For her leadership, Vernon received the MSHSAA Distinguished Service Award (1997-98) and was named the MSHSAA Cheer Coach of the Year (2004-05). In addition, she received the NFHS Spirit Association Outstanding Service Award. A dedicated Tiger, excellent role model and supportive member of the community, Vernon created a Future Cheer program that continues today and after retirement, developed a twirling program to encourage more youth involvement in sports. She set a prime example for what it means to be a Tiger and has dedicated her life toward the betterment of the youth in the Waynesville community, which she shows through her giving spirit and willingness to lead by example. She continues to be involved within the community and currently serves as the president of the Waynesville R-VI Foundation. Mr. Daniel Pippin The late Daniel Pippin became a two-time all-conference performer for the WHS Tigers and helped lead Mizzou to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1944. He ended his MU career with 802 points scored, which was the most in school history at the time. Pippin led Mizzou in scoring with a 10.7 points-per-game average in 1948, and he won first-team all-Big 6 Conference honors in both 1944 and 1947. Following his days at Mizzou, Pippin went on to national acclaim on the hardwood. He was a two-time Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) All-American and National Champion in 1952 and ’53 playing for the Peoria Cats of the National Industrial Basketball League. He also had the distinct honor of being the team captain for the United States Olympic Team, which won the gold medal at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. That team twice defeated rival Russia, including in the gold medal contest. Pippin scored in double figures three times in the Olympics. He was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 1992. Accepting the award on his behalf was his son Dru Pippin.

In the opening game of the Route 66 Shootout at Waynesville High School, the Waynesville girls basketball team lost to Capital City, 59-44. The shootout continues this evening with the final game starting at 7:30 p.m. Games begin at 12:30 p.m. tomorrow (Dec. 21, 2024).

Representatives from the Fort Leonard Wood Lions Club presented two cash awards to sixth graders Cove Cornforth and Penelope Johnson for their art contest entries during the Waynesville Sixth Grade Center's Leader in Me Assembly on Dec. 18, 2024. #wayschools

One Waynesville R-VI family will have a special holiday season, thanks to the Boot Campaign’s Seasons of Service Program. The Armed Services YMCA on Fort Leonard Wood partnered with the Boot Campaign and nominated three families in the FLW area – two active duty families and one veteran family – that have experienced challenges this year, such as a major medical challenge, financial hardship/catastrophic event or are experiencing a hardship. If a nomination is accepted, the Boot Campaign provides gifts and/or services to veterans and active duty military families, such as clothing, household necessities, school items, etc. “We are grateful to have the partnership with the Boot Campaign to provide holiday joy to a few families in our military community,” said Shelley Emperato, executive director of the Armed Services YMCA of Missouri. #wayschools

The Waynesville R-VI School District will be dismissing school early today (Friday, Dec. 20, 2024) as follows: · Noon Grades 6-12 dismiss · 12:45 p.m. Parker dismisses · 1 p.m. Grades K-5 dismiss · No afternoon sessions at Williams There will be no school in the Waynesville R-VI School District on Dec. 23, 2024 – Jan. 3, 2025. District offices will be closed Dec. 23, 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1.

Rick and Ginger Harne donated $2,500 today (Dec. 18, 2024) – the first of a four-year commitment totaling $10,000 to the Snack in a Pack program at the Waynesville R-VI School District. The program provides meals and snacks to more than 450 students over holidays and weekends who might otherwise go hungry. “A few years ago, Ginger and I were attending the Route 66 Shootout when a young man approached us,” Harne said. “He was home from college and he said, ‘Mrs. Harne, do you remember me?’ Ginger responded, ‘of course I do.’ After some small talk with those two catching up, the young man looked at Ginger and said, ‘Do you know what I will always remember about you?’ She looked intently trying to think of something he may have said or done that would have stood out. He said, ‘I will always remember in elementary school that you made sure I had my Snack in a Pack.’ Neither of us ever forgot that moment in time and the importance of this program, then and now!” Snack in a Pack is funded through donations. “We are so thankful for the Harnes making this generous donation and for sharing what the program means to them,” said Tina Rowden, coordinator of grant management and AmeriCorps director at the district’s community resource office. Superintendent Hilary Bales said the gift serves as an example of the profound impact one couple can have in transforming a community. “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for their generous donation and unwavering support for feeding our children,” Bales said. “Their kindness and compassion make an incredible difference in the lives of so many, providing them not just with food, but also with hope for a brighter future and a sense that their school community cares.” Individuals may purchase items on Snack in a Pack’s wishlist on Amazon by going to https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/LHIMQ7EWYF88?ref_=wl_share. Donations to Snack in a Pack may be mailed to Snack in a Pack, Community Resource Office, 12225 Pulaski Ave, Bldg. 8041, Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473, or you may call 573-842-2250. #wayschools

The Waynesville JROTC collected eight bins of toys for local Toys for Tots efforts this holiday season. Col. (Ret.) Charles Williams, senior Army instructor, thanked all of the cadets, SkillsUSA, and all of the other classes and individuals that donated stating, "You all did an amazing job and your efforts will make the holidays better for countless families in the Pulaski County Area".

Williams Early Childhood Center students performed two concerts (featuring AM students in the first one and PM students in the second one) for their families and friends on Dec. 17, 2024, at Waynesville High School. The young performers shared joy, bringing holiday cheer to life with their music and bright smiles. These photos are from the AM student concert. #wayschools

Leading up to the holiday season, Waynesville Sixth Grade Center students have been making a difference in the community. In addition to raising funds for Snack in a Pack and ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, sixth graders: · Raised $370 for Genesis House through candy cane sales. · Along with faculty collected more than 180 pairs of socks and mittens to be donated to those in need. · Sold hot chocolate and raised $72 for the Pulaski County Shop with a Cop Program. #wayschools

The Route 66 Shootout will be held Dec. 20 and 21 at Waynesville High School. The second class of WHS Athletic/Activity Hall of Fame inductees will be honored prior to the 7:30 p.m. game on Friday, Dec. 20. The inductees include: 1985 Boys Basketball MSHSAA Final Four Team (Basketball) Cheryl Vernon (Cheerleading Coaching) Larry “LJ” Fort (Football Player) Daniel Pippin (Basketball Player) Admission is $10 per person for the weekend or $6 per day.* *All individuals over age 5 will need to purchase tickets, including senior citizens, season pass holders, annual pass holders and staff with athletic passes, as these are not regular season games.

Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, presented Shekinah Tabernacle Ministries with the Community Recognition Plaque for December 2024 during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on Dec. 16, 2024. Bishop Dr. Willie Curry, Pastor Margaret Curry and their church members were recognized for their generous donation of turkey dinners for staff.

Tricia Foster, an English teacher at Waynesville High School, was presented the Project Teach Award for the Second Quarter during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on Dec. 16, 2024. Foster’s project, “AP Literature Independent Novel Project,” was selected for helping to better prepare students for AP examinations and the collegiate level. The project includes a $100 stipend from Personnel Services. #wayschools

Two Waynesville R-VI elementary students were recognized for being selected to the All State Children’s Choir by Mike Henson, executive director of elementary instruction, during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on Dec. 16, 2024. Brooklynn Bogucki, a 5th grader at Partridge Elementary, and Trace Boerner, a 5th grader at Freedom Elementary, are two of the 136 4th and 5th graders from across the state who were selected for this honor. #wayschools

Three Waynesville Career Center culinary arts students were recognized for their 3rd place finish at an international food competition by Courtney Long, executive director of secondary instruction, during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on Dec. 16, 2024. The students were recognized for the highest finish by a WCC team at the World Food Championships in the bacon category where they competed against professional chefs. The three students, who are also Waynesville High School students, are as follows: · Antonio Villalobos · Emily Shempert · Alex Allen #wayschools

Six Waynesville High School students were recognized for being named to Missouri All-State Music by Courtney Long, executive director of secondary instruction, during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on Dec. 16, 2024. The three students named to All-State Choir are as follows: · Citali Arzabala, 1st Alternate · William Figueroa, 2nd Alternate · Addison Bowling, Honorable Mention The three students named to All-State Band are as follows: · Jayla Courtney, 2nd chair honorable mention bass clarinet · Dylan Liegey, 1st Chair honorable mention lead jazz trumpet · Seth Steuck, 1st alternate alto saxophone #wayschools

Waynesville Middle School Student Council members volunteered to ring bells with the Salvation Army on Dec. 11, 2024. Student Council members showed true holiday spirit while serving our community. #wayschools

More than 160 students and 230 family members attended a special family night on Dec. 6, 2024, at the Waynesville Sixth Grade Center to celebrate the reading of the book, “Hoot” by Carl Hiaasen. Every sixth grader received a copy of the book and followed a reading timeline, which ended just before family night. At the event, students and families enjoyed pizza, popcorn and a movie, which is based on the book. Following the movie, every student who attended left with a prize, courtesy of the WSGC Learning Commons, making the event a memorable celebration of learning and community. In addition to receiving a copy of the book, WSGC students participated in class activities exploring themes like courage, perseverance and environmental awareness—including dissecting owl pellets. “Hoot” marks Hiaasen’s debut into children’s literature, earning him a Newbery Honor for this entertaining and heartfelt story. The book is filled with humor, hapless villains, and clever kids who manage to outsmart them. #wayschools