Ayden Nunez, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the Rotary WHS Student of the Month for November 2025 for best representing resilience. He was recognized during the Rotary Club of Pulaski County meeting on Nov. 4, 2025.
One of Nunez’s nominators stated, “Ayden continues to show up to school and perform despite adversities present in his life. Ayden is very conscientious about missing assignments and communicates when he is in need of help. Ayden is resilient … and does everything he can to make sure he is on track for graduation and keeping up with course work.”
Another nominator stated, “Ayden's resilience has led him to a place of strength and continued growth, even when setbacks occur.”
After graduation, Nunez plans to attend Ozarks Technical Community College for two years and then transfer to Missouri State University to receive a business or culinary degree. His ultimate goal is to manage his own restaurant.
FAFSA Night will be held at 6 p.m. tonight (Oct. 28, 2025) at the Waynesville High School Library for WHS seniors and their parents/guardians who plan to attend college and/or trade school.
In addition, a college admissions counselor and GI Bill specialist will be available.
During this event, families will learn about the different types of aid and why it’s important for every student who plans to go to college or trade school to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – regardless of their income level.
To prepare for FAFSA night, please bring:
· A list of schools you are interested in attending
· StudentAid.gov account information for parents/guardians and student. Students will be able to create account during this time if they do not have one.
· Social Security numbers for both students and parents/guardians.
· Federal income tax returns and W-2 from 2024 as well as records of untaxed income like child support and asset information.
Waynesville High School’s Student Government Association will host a Trunk or Treat event today (Monday, Oct. 27, 2025) from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the WHS parking lot. #wayschools
Opening night is tonight!
Waynesville High Theatre Department and Thespian Troupe 1669 present “Lady Dracula” adapted by Tim Kelley in the WHS Auditorium.
· Wednesday, Oct. 22: 7 p.m.
· Saturday, Oct. 25: Two performances—the first at 12:30 p.m. and the second at 7 p.m.
· Sunday, Oct. 26: 2:30 p.m.
Regular tickets are $8 each; senior citizens tickets are $5 each; and kids under 3 are free. This show includes thunder, lightning and rainstorms with howling wolves and wind.
Doors open 30 minutes prior to the performance.
About Lady Dracula
Step inside the academy, where an unsettling feeling lingers and the sense of being watched never quite fades. Students whisper of strange figures moving through the moonlit halls or the voices when no one is there. And in the heart of it all, behind the royal purple and lightning, she waits. Lady Dracula has awoken once more.
Waynesville High Theatre Department and Thespian Troupe 1669 present “Lady Dracula” adapted by Tim Kelley in the WHS Auditorium.
· Wednesday, Oct. 22: 7 p.m.
· Saturday, Oct. 25: Two performances—the first at 12:30 p.m. and the second at 7 p.m.
· Sunday, Oct. 26: 2:30 p.m.
Regular tickets are $8 each; senior citizens tickets are $5 each; and kids under 3 are free. This show includes thunder, lightning and rainstorms with howling wolves and wind.
Doors open 30 minutes prior to the performance.
About Lady Dracula
Step inside the academy, where an unsettling feeling lingers and the sense of being watched never quite fades. Students whisper of strange figures moving through the moonlit halls or the voices when no one is there. And in the heart of it all, behind the royal purple and lightning, she waits. Lady Dracula has awoken once more.
Waynesville High School Bands: Nov. 18, 2025, at 6 p.m.
Waynesville Middle and High School Choirs: Dec. 2, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
Waynesville Middle School Bands: Dec. 4, 2025, at 6 p.m.
The Waynesville R-VI School District has opened its ANNUAL PARENT SURVEY now through Oct. 26. The online survey link has been sent to parents via email. We value your thoughts and opinions about your child’s school and educational experiences. We encourage you to please take a moment to complete the parent survey.
Storie named WHS Rotary Student of the Month
Sloan Storie was named the Waynesville High School Rotary Student of the Month for October during the Rotary Club of Pulaski County’s meeting on Oct. 14, 2025. She was nominated for best representing the character trait "selfless service."
Her nominator stated, “Sloan Storie works tirelessly to support the art department. She has contributed her time and talent by painting for the 7 Habits Project and serving as Ms. Birdsell’s A+ student, where she assists her peers daily in ceramics. Sloan’s dedication goes beyond class time—she has spent over an hour cleaning ceramics during art club and consistently lends a hand without needing to be asked. Rather than sitting idle, she actively looks for ways to help wherever she is needed. She has also volunteered at every concession stand and event we’ve held. I am incredibly proud of her selflessness, work ethic and willingness to give her time and energy to others.”
Storie is an exceptional student at WHS. She carries a 3.79 grade point average and has an overall attendance rate of 95 percent for all four years. Storie been a member of the Art Club and National Art Honor Society since 9th grade. She has taken multiple Advanced Placement art classes and attended Youth Art Month, where her art was displayed at the Missouri State Capitol. Upon graduation, Storie would like to continue her love for art and attend the Kansas City Art Institute to study graphic design.
Pictured in the group photo are Morgan Storie, sister of the recipient; Courtney Long, executive director of secondary instruction at Waynesville R-VI; Rotary President Ursula Lebioda; Sloan Storie, student of the month recipient; WHS Principal Brian Vernon; and Tammy Storie, mother of the recipient.
Freedom Elementary 3rd graders and Waynesville High School students teamed up on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, to celebrate Missouri Day.
AP Government students created presentations and hands-on learning stations to teach the elementary students about Missouri’s history and heritage.
“This was so successful that we plan to make it an annual experience and possibly include East Elementary next year,” said AP Government Instructor Eric Thornburg.
The idea originated with Alexis Smith, a 3rd grade teacher at Freedom, who once had Thornburg as her social studies teacher in high school.
"This partnership proved to be a great collaboration," Smith said. "I was so impressed with the presentations and how interactive they were with our students.”
The State Legislature has designated the third Wednesday in October as Missouri Day—a day for schools and citizens to honor the state’s history and achievements.
In addition, a college admissions counselor and GI Bill specialist will be available.
During this event, families will learn about the different types of aid and why it’s important for every student who plans to go to college or trade school to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – regardless of their income level.
To prepare for FAFSA night, please bring:
· A list of schools you are interested in attending
· StudentAid.gov account information for parents/guardians and student. Students will be able to create account during this time if they do not have one.
· Social Security numbers for both students and parents/guardians.
· Federal income tax returns and W-2 from 2024 as well as records of untaxed income like child support and asset information.
