Waynesville R-VI School District

Female athletes gain strength, confidence in first Women’s Power Hour



This summer, female athletes at Waynesville High School completed the district’s first Women’s Power Hour feeling stronger, faster and more agile—and they’ve got the data to prove it.



Designed to encourage more girls to get involved in strength and conditioning, the Women’s Power Hour offered two daily training sessions dedicated to female athletes. While open to all, this time focused on creating a supportive environment where girls could grow together physically and mentally.



One day, Coach Maubach approached with an idea that we’ve both had in mind for a long time. ‘It’s time to stop talking and start doing.’ That’s when the Women’s Power Hour really started to take shape,” said Girls Wrestling Coach Maria Duncan. “Our AD, Cory Ace, was fully supportive from the beginning. Once the idea was on the table, so many coaches jumped in. It truly became a team effort—and because we worked together, we made it happen. We’ve created a healthy sense of competition across teams, and this is just the beginning.”



For Ruby Hisatake, a senior who plays soccer, basketball, and softball, the program made a noticeable impact.



“This year we are prone to come to workouts every day and get stronger every day,” Hisatake said. “(Women’s Power Hour) helped me participate with my team and better my strength, my speed and my agility.”



Using PLT4M—an instructional fitness platform that lets students track progress—athletes were able to monitor their growth and set personal goals.



“I am now able to do stunts and techniques that I wasn’t able to do before,” said Kelise Johnson, a senior cheerleader.



Johnson said the camaraderie of athletes from multiple sports motivated her to keep going – even when she felt tired.



“There’s a kind of energy that spreads when everyone’s doing the same thing,” Duncan said. “A nod across the room, a quick ‘we’ve got this’—those little moments build momentum. You start hearing things like, ‘We’re getting stronger together.’ That’s when you know the culture is shifting.”



Athletes look forward to seeing how the consistency and camaraderie play out in competitions.



“We will definitely see a difference out on the field and court this year,” said Riley Grosvenor, a senior, who plays soccer, softball and basketball. “We’ve all consistently grown. I think it’s definitely going to make a difference.”



Superintendent Hilary Bales, joined by district administrators and coaches, recognized the athletes on July 31, 2025, for their dedication and success in this pilot program.



“Thanks to your leadership and hard work, you’ve helped lay the foundation for future opportunities like this,” Bales said.



In addition to Bales, district administrators Courtney Long, Dr. Elizabeth Washington and Dr. Jamie Goforth attended the Power Hour recognition event for the student athletes. Also present were coaches who actively supported/participated in the Power Hour: Coaches Kevin Schnicker, Cat Poole, Justice Miller, Chase DenDekker, Rochelle Maubach, Miranda Schierding and Jeremy Bartz.



Those who also led the Power Hours, but not present in the photo were Coaches Maria Duncan, Amber Barkley, Sheena Hodges and Kayla Wilson.

Waynesville R-VI Superintendent Hilary Bales spoke at the Military Adventures Operation Alpha Award Ceremony and Benefit Dinner on July 26, 2025, at the St. Robert Community Center.



Beyond providing physical adventures, camp founder Reginald Reese’s goal was to create a summer camp to help arm youth with skills to prevent child trafficking. Through survival training, self-defense techniques, situational awareness and skills, the youth learned confidence, self-discipline and mental resilience. The camp partnered with Meredith of TigerLili Resources of St. Louis.



"Thank you, Reggie, and your team for adding to our community’s child trafficking defense system," Bales said. "Prevention costs far less—financially and emotionally—than recovery.”



Afterward, Bales joined Waynesville Mayor Sean Wilson, Waynesville Mayor James Breckinridge and Pulaski County Sheriff Stacy Ball in congratulating the students for successfully completing the camp held near Richland, Mo.

Peggy Arnold receives MEMO Lifetime Achievement Award

The Marketing Educators of Missouri (MEMO), a division of MOACTE and ACTE, presented the 2025 MEMO Lifetime Achievement Award to longtime marketing educator and leader Peggy Arnold during its annual conference held in Springfield, Mo., on July 22, 2025.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is MEMO’s highest honor, recognizing a career of outstanding contributions to marketing education across the state. The award recognizes Arnold for exemplifying the very best of the profession, through decades of teaching, mentoring, and program leadership that have left a profound and lasting impact on students, colleagues and the Career and Technical Education (CTE) community.

Arnold’s career at the Waynesville Career Center has been marked by excellence both in and out of the classroom. As a DECA advisor, she guided students to excel in local, state and national competitions. Her programs are known not only for their rigor but also for their heart—providing students with real-world experiences, confidence and leadership opportunities.

"Peggy sparked my love and interest for marketing and changed the course of my life," shared Isabella Pondrom, a former student who now works in sales for the New York Mets. "Her encouragement helped me pursue a degree in marketing and launch my career in the industry. She’s been a pillar in my success."

Arnold’s passion extends far beyond the classroom. She has been a relentless advocate for CTE, consistently introducing innovative, real-world teaching practices and maintaining strong connections with industry partners. According to one colleague, "Her forward-thinking approach ensures that her programs remain relevant and effective. She fosters a culture of excellence and continuous improvement wherever she goes."

"Peggy’s leadership within MEMO and the broader CTE community has been nothing short of transformational," said MEMO President Sarah Estes. "Her influence can be seen in the success of her students, the strength of her programs, and the inspiration she provides to fellow educators statewide."

MEMO is proud to honor Peggy Arnold with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award for her enduring legacy of excellence, mentorship, and dedication to advancing marketing education in Missouri.

About MBEA
The Marketing Educators of Missouri (MEMO) is Missouri’s premier professional organization for marketing educators. MEMO supports professional development, advocacy and excellence in marketing education statewide.