Waynesville High School students honored Veterans during a student-led Veterans Day assembly held at Tiger Stadium on Nov. 11, 2026.
Waynesville Mayor Sean Wilson, Command Sgt. Maj. Maria Duncan, a WHS PE teacher, and Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Mike Bennett, all Veterans, served as guest speakers, sharing their experiences and reflections on military service.
Students and staff gathered to express their appreciation for those who have served and continue to serve our nation. Students were encouraged to invite Veterans from their families to attend the assembly and be recognized for their service.
The Waynesville JROTC Color Guard presented the Colors, the WHS choir sang the National Anthem and the WHS band performed during the event that was led by the WHS Student Lighthouse.
As part of the tribute, students in the Waynesville Career Center’s Introduction to Communication class produced a video highlighting some staff members who are Veterans. The project provided students with an opportunity to learn more about the military service of individuals within their school community and recognize their dedication, commitment and contributions both in uniform and in education.
Waynesville Mayor Sean Wilson, Command Sgt. Maj. Maria Duncan, a WHS PE teacher, and Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Mike Bennett, all Veterans, served as guest speakers, sharing their experiences and reflections on military service.
Students and staff gathered to express their appreciation for those who have served and continue to serve our nation. Students were encouraged to invite Veterans from their families to attend the assembly and be recognized for their service.
The Waynesville JROTC Color Guard presented the Colors, the WHS choir sang the National Anthem and the WHS band performed during the event that was led by the WHS Student Lighthouse.
As part of the tribute, students in the Waynesville Career Center’s Introduction to Communication class produced a video highlighting some staff members who are Veterans. The project provided students with an opportunity to learn more about the military service of individuals within their school community and recognize their dedication, commitment and contributions both in uniform and in education.
Lercher named WHS Student of the Month
Brooklynn Lercher, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the Rotary Student of the Month for November 2026. She was recognized during the Rotary Club of Pulaski County meeting on Nov. 10, 2026. Her parents, Brock and Kasie Lercher, also attended.
Lercher’s nominator stated, “Brooklynn speaks honor to me whenever I see her. She has such pride in everything she does whether it is her school work, athletics or community work. She has the utmost respect for her teachers, classmates, peers and everyone. She is always smiling and encouraging others. She is a courageous person with overcoming any battle that she is faced with. She has a full plate of extremely difficult courses, but yet still continues to excel in sports and other extracurricular activities. We are honored at WHS to have such an honorable student.”
Lercher carries an outstanding 4.43 grade point average and an impressive 100% attendance rate for all four years of high school. She demonstrates a strong commitment to her academic excellence and is taking her 13th Advanced Placement course. She is an active member of National Honor Society (NHS) and HOSA for future health professionals. She has been involved in cross country all four years, served as the captain of the girls cross country team and is preparing to enter her fourth season of track.
Lercher’s future plans are to attend a four-year university to study chemical engineering and biology with the long-term goal of pursuing a career in medical research.
Brooklynn Lercher, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the Rotary Student of the Month for November 2026. She was recognized during the Rotary Club of Pulaski County meeting on Nov. 10, 2026. Her parents, Brock and Kasie Lercher, also attended.
Lercher’s nominator stated, “Brooklynn speaks honor to me whenever I see her. She has such pride in everything she does whether it is her school work, athletics or community work. She has the utmost respect for her teachers, classmates, peers and everyone. She is always smiling and encouraging others. She is a courageous person with overcoming any battle that she is faced with. She has a full plate of extremely difficult courses, but yet still continues to excel in sports and other extracurricular activities. We are honored at WHS to have such an honorable student.”
Lercher carries an outstanding 4.43 grade point average and an impressive 100% attendance rate for all four years of high school. She demonstrates a strong commitment to her academic excellence and is taking her 13th Advanced Placement course. She is an active member of National Honor Society (NHS) and HOSA for future health professionals. She has been involved in cross country all four years, served as the captain of the girls cross country team and is preparing to enter her fourth season of track.
Lercher’s future plans are to attend a four-year university to study chemical engineering and biology with the long-term goal of pursuing a career in medical research.
Walkup named FLW Student of the Month
Clay Walkup, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the Fort Leonard Wood Student of the Month for October 2026. He was recognized on Oct. 21, 2026, at WHS, which his mother, Kristi Walkup attended. Walkup was chosen for demonstrating self-respect and respect for others, creating increased morale and promoting positive outcomes for those around him.
Walkup's nominator said, "Clay displays respect in how he quietly assumes leadership roles - be it in class as a student, in his extracurriculars, or in his peer interactions. He is supportive in every capacity and will go out of his way to help the class run smoothly and ensure his classmates get the assistance they need as well."
Clay Walkup, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the Fort Leonard Wood Student of the Month for October 2026. He was recognized on Oct. 21, 2026, at WHS, which his mother, Kristi Walkup attended. Walkup was chosen for demonstrating self-respect and respect for others, creating increased morale and promoting positive outcomes for those around him.
Walkup's nominator said, "Clay displays respect in how he quietly assumes leadership roles - be it in class as a student, in his extracurriculars, or in his peer interactions. He is supportive in every capacity and will go out of his way to help the class run smoothly and ensure his classmates get the assistance they need as well."
Let's celebrate our Waynesville High School Senior Cross Country runners!
From early mornings to countless miles, these student-athletes have demonstrated hard work, dedication, and perseverance while proudly representing Waynesville High School.
Thank you for the time, commitment, and passion you've given to the cross country program. Your impact and the example you've set will extend far beyond the finish line!
Congratulations, Seniors! We are proud of you!
Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger!
Photos by; Ava Campbell
Introducing this week's Senior Spotlight... Anastasia!
Parents, if you want to see your student featured on our Senior Spotlight, please complete the Google Form at the following link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScnJjPoHGy5ikLS3sQdFxprsWIVVd0JFVi5zT_F-QFimyg-gQ/viewform?usp=dialog
At WHS we know its Friday in the Fall when we get to hear the Tiger Marching Band in the halls!!
We got an extra week of it this season as the Tiger Football team travels to Nixa for the District Semifinals tonight at 7 pm.
Digital Tickets are require for entry: https://www.mshsaa.org/Tickets.aspx
Select Football, Class 6, Get Tickets for the District 9 game.
#GoTigers!
We got an extra week of it this season as the Tiger Football team travels to Nixa for the District Semifinals tonight at 7 pm.
Digital Tickets are require for entry: https://www.mshsaa.org/Tickets.aspx
Select Football, Class 6, Get Tickets for the District 9 game.
#GoTigers!
WHS Weekly Attendance Update!
Tiger Families,
Attendance matters, and every day counts! Here is a look at last week's attendance percentages by grade level. The sophomore class won the attendance challenge for the first 6 weeks, and they are still in the lead.
Our schoolwide goal is 96% attendance or higher! Thank you, parents and guardians, for your continued support in making sure our Tigers are at school, on time, and ready to learn each day.
Every Student. Every Day. Go Tigers!
Tiger Families,
Attendance matters, and every day counts! Here is a look at last week's attendance percentages by grade level. The sophomore class won the attendance challenge for the first 6 weeks, and they are still in the lead.
Our schoolwide goal is 96% attendance or higher! Thank you, parents and guardians, for your continued support in making sure our Tigers are at school, on time, and ready to learn each day.
Every Student. Every Day. Go Tigers!
Meet Aden Westerman, an outstanding WHS Senior.
Congratulations to Coach Camp, his staff, and especially our Tiger football players on their 35–25 victory over the Kickapoo Chiefs!
Thank you to our awesome students and parents for cheering on our Tigers and showing your support!
Sometimes Me Sometimes You Always We.
Go Tigers!
Striking the right chord: welding, manufacturing and band come together to save $10,000
This fall students in the Waynesville Career Center's welding and manufacturing classes struck just the right chord with the Waynesville High School Tiger Pride Marching Band, helping the band save approximately $10,000 while gaining real-world experience.
When band director Jared Sabatasso needed backdrop props, he turned to WCC instructor Adam Rodden to see if his students could create something similar to a sample he had. Rodden and his welding and manufacturing classes accepted the challenge, creating the props for the band's performances, while saving $10,000.
“The real value of the project, however, goes well beyond the money saved,” says Courtney Long, executive director of secondary. “This collaboration demonstrates how Client Connected Projects (CCPs) provide students with opportunities to solve real-world problems for actual clients while supporting our CSIP commitment to students earning market value assets.”
Just like professionals in the manufacturing industry, the WCC students had to take Sabatasso's vision, understand the specifications and produce a finished product that met the band’s needs. For students, it was an opportunity to see how the skills they are learning in the classroom translate directly into the workplace. The project also introduced some WCC students from sending schools to an unexpected application of their skills.
“Some of our sending schools do not have marching bands, so students had the added bonus of learning how manufacturing could play a role in creating the visual elements of a band performance.”
The collaboration highlights the strength of two outstanding programs—one dedicated to musical excellence and the other to preparing students with technical skills for careers and future opportunities.
And while the fabric and performances may change over the years, the props—and the lessons learned while building them—will endure.
This fall students in the Waynesville Career Center's welding and manufacturing classes struck just the right chord with the Waynesville High School Tiger Pride Marching Band, helping the band save approximately $10,000 while gaining real-world experience.
When band director Jared Sabatasso needed backdrop props, he turned to WCC instructor Adam Rodden to see if his students could create something similar to a sample he had. Rodden and his welding and manufacturing classes accepted the challenge, creating the props for the band's performances, while saving $10,000.
“The real value of the project, however, goes well beyond the money saved,” says Courtney Long, executive director of secondary. “This collaboration demonstrates how Client Connected Projects (CCPs) provide students with opportunities to solve real-world problems for actual clients while supporting our CSIP commitment to students earning market value assets.”
Just like professionals in the manufacturing industry, the WCC students had to take Sabatasso's vision, understand the specifications and produce a finished product that met the band’s needs. For students, it was an opportunity to see how the skills they are learning in the classroom translate directly into the workplace. The project also introduced some WCC students from sending schools to an unexpected application of their skills.
“Some of our sending schools do not have marching bands, so students had the added bonus of learning how manufacturing could play a role in creating the visual elements of a band performance.”
The collaboration highlights the strength of two outstanding programs—one dedicated to musical excellence and the other to preparing students with technical skills for careers and future opportunities.
And while the fabric and performances may change over the years, the props—and the lessons learned while building them—will endure.
WHS students to present the comedy: "The Play That Goes Wrong"
Waynesville High School Theatre & Troupe 1669 will present the play, "The Play That Goes Wrong," at 7 p.m. on Oct. 29 & 30, and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 31 & Nov. 1 at WHS Auditorium.
Doors open 30 minutes prior to the event. Tickets are $7 each for general admission.
Waynesville High School Theatre & Troupe 1669 will present the play, "The Play That Goes Wrong," at 7 p.m. on Oct. 29 & 30, and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 31 & Nov. 1 at WHS Auditorium.
Doors open 30 minutes prior to the event. Tickets are $7 each for general admission.
WCC students participate in KC photography experience
Waynesville Career Center advertising design students recently traveled to Kansas City to step behind the camera and experience the world of professional fashion photography.
“The biggest take away for our students was don't be afraid to pursue your passion,” said Advertising Design Instructor Donna Groves. “Sometimes the most valuable lesson isn't just about cameras, lighting, or software. It's about meeting creative professionals who prove that a passion can become a career.”
Students spent the day learning from Emmalee Rathsam, Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), whose work spans portraiture, architecture and fashion photography.
“And this wasn't just a demonstration—our students became the photographers,” Groves said. “With access to professional Canon camera bodies, high-end lenses, and studio lighting equipment, students gained hands-on experience photographing professional model Elena Weber. The experience included a makeup artist, carefully selected high-end wardrobe pieces, and a behind-the-scenes look at how a professional fashion shoot comes together.”
Throughout the seven-hour workshop, students explored the differences between fashion editorial photography and commercial fashion photography, discovering how lighting, styling, composition, and creative direction work together to tell a story or sell a product.
“These are the experiences that inspire our students, build confidence and connect classroom learning to future careers in the creative industry,” Groves said. “Students now have firsthand experience in planning a fashion shoot, setting professional lighting, directing and photographing a model, and making intentional creative decisions that communicate a message—skills used every day in advertising, commercial photography and magazine publishing.”
A special thank you to Rathsam, Weber and Ryan Brown from Canon USA for putting professional photography technology into our students' hands and sharing valuable industry knowledge
Back in the WCC’s “Design Hive” classroom, students continue take images they capture and use Adobe Lightroom to apply the professional editing techniques they are learning.
Our CSIP in action
This is another example of our CSIP in action. The district’s strategic plan, called the CSIP Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP), includes this Collective Commitment:
College & Career Readiness: We commit to preparing students (PK-12) to be college and career-ready through rigorous coursework and relevant learning experiences that foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Waynesville Career Center advertising design students recently traveled to Kansas City to step behind the camera and experience the world of professional fashion photography.
“The biggest take away for our students was don't be afraid to pursue your passion,” said Advertising Design Instructor Donna Groves. “Sometimes the most valuable lesson isn't just about cameras, lighting, or software. It's about meeting creative professionals who prove that a passion can become a career.”
Students spent the day learning from Emmalee Rathsam, Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), whose work spans portraiture, architecture and fashion photography.
“And this wasn't just a demonstration—our students became the photographers,” Groves said. “With access to professional Canon camera bodies, high-end lenses, and studio lighting equipment, students gained hands-on experience photographing professional model Elena Weber. The experience included a makeup artist, carefully selected high-end wardrobe pieces, and a behind-the-scenes look at how a professional fashion shoot comes together.”
Throughout the seven-hour workshop, students explored the differences between fashion editorial photography and commercial fashion photography, discovering how lighting, styling, composition, and creative direction work together to tell a story or sell a product.
“These are the experiences that inspire our students, build confidence and connect classroom learning to future careers in the creative industry,” Groves said. “Students now have firsthand experience in planning a fashion shoot, setting professional lighting, directing and photographing a model, and making intentional creative decisions that communicate a message—skills used every day in advertising, commercial photography and magazine publishing.”
A special thank you to Rathsam, Weber and Ryan Brown from Canon USA for putting professional photography technology into our students' hands and sharing valuable industry knowledge
Back in the WCC’s “Design Hive” classroom, students continue take images they capture and use Adobe Lightroom to apply the professional editing techniques they are learning.
Our CSIP in action
This is another example of our CSIP in action. The district’s strategic plan, called the CSIP Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP), includes this Collective Commitment:
College & Career Readiness: We commit to preparing students (PK-12) to be college and career-ready through rigorous coursework and relevant learning experiences that foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
WHS Athletics & Activities Oct. 26th-31st
Meet Jazlene, another awesome Senior!
Parents, if you want to see your student featured on our Senior Spotlight, please complete the Google Form at the following link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScnJjPoHGy5ikLS3sQdFxprsWIVVd0JFVi5zT_F-QFimyg-gQ/viewform?usp=dialog
Meet Caiden another awesome Senior!
Parents, if you want to see your student featured on our Senior Spotlight, please complete the Google Form at the following link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScnJjPoHGy5ikLS3sQdFxprsWIVVd0JFVi5zT_F-QFimyg-gQ/viewform?usp=dialog
An ambulance was dispatched to Waynesville High School at approximately 5 p.m. today (Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026) to treat an individual student with a medical condition. A parent/guardian has been notified and will determine what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
Every season tells a story, and these seniors have helped make this one unforgettable. From the hard work on the field to the memories made along the way, our senior soccer players have left their mark on the Waynesville Tigers program. As they close this chapter, we celebrate not only the players they have been, but the leaders, teammates, and individuals they have become. Thank you for the time, effort, and heart you have given to this program. Your next chapter is just beginning, and we cannot wait to see where it takes you! Congratulations Seniors! Once a Tiger always a Tiger.
Photos by; Kaleyah Buttner
Photos by; Kaleyah Buttner
Tonight, we celebrate our senior volleyball players and all they have contributed to the Waynesville Tigers volleyball program. We are proud of the hard work, dedication, and memories they have shared throughout their time on the team. Thank you for being a part of this program and leaving your mark on Tiger volleyball. We wish you the best in everything that comes next! Congratulations Seniors!! Once a Tiger Always a Tiger.
Photos By; Vaiden Matlock
Photos By; Vaiden Matlock
Waynesville High School juniors and seniors explored opportunities for their future at our College and Career Fair! Representatives from colleges, military branches, and local businesses shared information, answered questions, and helped students learn about their options after graduation.
Thank you to everyone who helped our students prepare for their next chapter! Go Tigers!
Photos by; Cambria Wilcox
Waynesville R-VI will host "Math Together: Tools for Home and School" from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, at Parker Educational Center, 909 U.S. Route 66, Waynesville.
The evening will focus on helping families support student success in mathematics. Parents and students will explore practical strategies, hands-on tools and resources to help strengthen math skills, build confidence and encourage problem-solving. Families will leave with ideas and materials to support continued learning.
This is the second in the Tiger Pride Night series for 2026-27.
The evening will focus on helping families support student success in mathematics. Parents and students will explore practical strategies, hands-on tools and resources to help strengthen math skills, build confidence and encourage problem-solving. Families will leave with ideas and materials to support continued learning.
This is the second in the Tiger Pride Night series for 2026-27.