Ozark Conference Returns in 2027–28; Participating Schools Announced
The Ozark Conference will officially return in the 2027–28 school year, and its participating schools have now been announced.
At this time Camdenton, Lebanon, Rolla, Springfield Central, Springfield Parkview, and Waynesville will form the reestablished conference, bringing together a competitive and tradition-rich group of programs. The return of the OC will reignite longstanding rivalries while creating exciting new moments for athletes, students, and fans.
This announcement signals a strong future for regional competition, rooted in tradition and driven by opportunity.
More details will follow in the coming months. Schools will remain in their current conference alignments during the 2026–27 school year.
The Ozark Conference will officially return in the 2027–28 school year, and its participating schools have now been announced.
At this time Camdenton, Lebanon, Rolla, Springfield Central, Springfield Parkview, and Waynesville will form the reestablished conference, bringing together a competitive and tradition-rich group of programs. The return of the OC will reignite longstanding rivalries while creating exciting new moments for athletes, students, and fans.
This announcement signals a strong future for regional competition, rooted in tradition and driven by opportunity.
More details will follow in the coming months. Schools will remain in their current conference alignments during the 2026–27 school year.
Waynesville High School Student Government Association was recognized for receiving the MASC Honor Council Award and Special Olympics School of Character Gold Award by Superintendent Hilary Bales during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on April 20, 2026.
Honor Council
WHS SGA received the Missouri Association of Student Councils Honor Council Silver Award, which recognizes councils for their involvement at the local, the South Central District Student Council and state levels.
Special Olympics School of Character
The Special Olympics School of Character is an award given to schools that take active steps toward making their school environment more inclusive. WHS received the Gold Award and was recognized for students being involved in the CBI class, Tiger Buddies and SGA.
Honor Council
WHS SGA received the Missouri Association of Student Councils Honor Council Silver Award, which recognizes councils for their involvement at the local, the South Central District Student Council and state levels.
Special Olympics School of Character
The Special Olympics School of Character is an award given to schools that take active steps toward making their school environment more inclusive. WHS received the Gold Award and was recognized for students being involved in the CBI class, Tiger Buddies and SGA.
Myla Hendricks, a junior at Waynesville High School, earned a top award for her artwork at the state Capitol and received a $100 gift certificate in celebration of Youth Art Month in April 2026.
For Youth Art Month from March 9 to April 9, students from across the state are selected to have their artwork displayed in the 3rd-floor Rotunda of the State Capitol in Jefferson City, Mo. Hendricks was one of the four selected from Waynesville High School. At the closing ceremony of the Youth Art Month, 15 students were selected for the top awards. Hendricks received the Fine Arts Coordinator Choice Award for her alternate self-portrait in colored pencil titled "Masking." She received a $100 gift certificate sponsored by Blick Art Materials. Hendricks’ teacher is Sarah Luttrell.
For Youth Art Month from March 9 to April 9, students from across the state are selected to have their artwork displayed in the 3rd-floor Rotunda of the State Capitol in Jefferson City, Mo. Hendricks was one of the four selected from Waynesville High School. At the closing ceremony of the Youth Art Month, 15 students were selected for the top awards. Hendricks received the Fine Arts Coordinator Choice Award for her alternate self-portrait in colored pencil titled "Masking." She received a $100 gift certificate sponsored by Blick Art Materials. Hendricks’ teacher is Sarah Luttrell.
Alexander Valencia, a senior at Waynesville High School, has signed to continue his academic and athletic (soccer) career at Drury University. His signing was held on April 21, 2026.
Students recognized for having artwork published
Waynesville R-VI students were recognized for having their artwork published in the Missouri Art Education Association's Show Me Art Coloring Book during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education on April 20, 2026.
Students designed a coloring page based on their favorite outdoor activities, such as cycling, fishing, camping, sports, etc. and submitted their work for consideration in the publication.
Arianna Haslim's artwork took 1st place at the middle school level, and Emiyah Glover's artwork is featured as the back cover design winner.
Mike Henson, executive director of elementary, and Courtney Long, executive director of secondary, presented certificates to the following:
Freedom Elementary:
• Fiona Qui, 4th grade
• ZaRiyah McCaster, 5th grade
• Kyndal Osborne, 5th grade
Thayer Elementary:
• Jace Taylor, 4th grade
• Isabella Mendoza, 4th grade
• Olivia Davis, 5th grade
• Mina Figueroa, 5th grade
Wood Elementary:
• Ezekiel Mason, 4th grade
• Emiyah Glover - Back Cover Design Winner, 5th grade
Waynesville Middle School:
• Mya Klontz, 7th grade
• Mayzee Magee, 8th grade
• Ellery Earnest, 8th grade
• Arianna Haslim - 1st Place Middle School, 8th grade
Waynesville High School
• Roxanne Acklin, 9th grade
• Kimari Stuart, 12th grade
Waynesville High School students and staff received Culver’s custard sundaes donated by Culver’s on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in celebration of April being the Month of the Military Child. Volunteers delivered and handed out the custard. More than 60 percent of Waynesville R-VI students are military impacted.
Families and community members enjoyed the Spring Tiger Festival of Nations on Friday, April 17, 2026, inside Waynesville High School. Multiple countries were represented and in addition to providing facts about a culture, volunteers served up samples of food.
Waynesville R-VI hosted its Annual District Art Show on April 17, 2026, with a variety of art projects on display from K-12 students.
Art Show and Tiger Festival of Nations: 2 free events on 1 night
The Waynesville R-VI School District will host its annual District Art Show on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Lecture Hall at Waynesville High School.
This event will showcase artwork from students in grades K-12 within the district. In addition, the Tiger Festival of Nations will also be held from 5 to 6 p.m. on Friday (April 17) in the Ninth Grade Center at Waynesville High School.
Both the Lecture Hall and the Ninth Grade Center entrance are located on the east side of the WHS campus (on the Tiger Stadium side) at 200 G.W. Lane St. in Waynesville. Both events are free and open to the public.
The Waynesville R-VI School District will host its annual District Art Show on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Lecture Hall at Waynesville High School.
This event will showcase artwork from students in grades K-12 within the district. In addition, the Tiger Festival of Nations will also be held from 5 to 6 p.m. on Friday (April 17) in the Ninth Grade Center at Waynesville High School.
Both the Lecture Hall and the Ninth Grade Center entrance are located on the east side of the WHS campus (on the Tiger Stadium side) at 200 G.W. Lane St. in Waynesville. Both events are free and open to the public.
OPAA! hosted the Murphy Territory Recipe Contest at Waynesville High School on April 8, 2026. WHS students were among the judges who were able to sample and vote on the creativity and talent of the food services team members.
The winner was Dustin Hibler, DNS at Hamilton RII, whose BBQ mac and cheese wrap earned top honors. He will advance to represent this territory at the company-wide contest later this month in Turner, Kan.
The winner was Dustin Hibler, DNS at Hamilton RII, whose BBQ mac and cheese wrap earned top honors. He will advance to represent this territory at the company-wide contest later this month in Turner, Kan.
An ambulance was dispatched to Waynesville High School at approximately 4:15 p.m. today (Wednesday, April 15, 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.
Olivia Bone, a junior at Waynesville High School, received the Fort Leonard Wood Army Values Leadership Award for representing the Army value of personal courage. She is the daughter of Joshua and Stephanie Bone.
Lt. Col. Chris McCann, the battalion commander for the 787th Military Police Battalion, and Master Sgt. Michael Self, the S3 NCOIC, presented the award to Bone on April 15, 2026, at Waynesville High School.
Lt. Col. Chris McCann, the battalion commander for the 787th Military Police Battalion, and Master Sgt. Michael Self, the S3 NCOIC, presented the award to Bone on April 15, 2026, at Waynesville High School.
Waynesville R-VI to join reorganized Ozark Conference in 2027–28
Waynesville R-VI will transition from the Central Ozark Conference (COC) to the newly reorganized Ozark Conference (OC) beginning with the 2027–28 school year.
This realignment will renew long-standing rivalries and enhance athletic competition across a variety of sports.
Additional details regarding the transition and conference structure will be shared in the coming months.
During the 2026–27 school year, Waynesville will continue to compete within Central Ozark Conference (COC).
Waynesville R-VI will transition from the Central Ozark Conference (COC) to the newly reorganized Ozark Conference (OC) beginning with the 2027–28 school year.
This realignment will renew long-standing rivalries and enhance athletic competition across a variety of sports.
Additional details regarding the transition and conference structure will be shared in the coming months.
During the 2026–27 school year, Waynesville will continue to compete within Central Ozark Conference (COC).
Brayden Ornot, a junior at Waynesville High School, has been named the WHS Rotary Student of the Month for April 2026. He is the son of Matthew and Fay Ornot and was recognized during the Rotary Club of Pulaski County meeting on April 14, 2026.
The following is a compilation of statements made by his nominators: “Brayden exemplifies an outstanding work ethic. He is respectful, willing to learn and wants to excel. He is self-motivated and focused. What makes Brayden particularly remarkable is his perseverance; when faced with a difficult problem or unexpected challenge, he pushes forward with patience and determination until a solution is found. As a WHS tech intern, he brings meticulous attention to detail, maintaining and troubleshooting Chromebooks, diagnosing technical issues and providing support to fellow students. Brayden does not simply complete tasks, he takes ownership of them, ensuring every detail is addressed and every person he assists walks away with a solution. He accepts feedback and uses it to guide his next steps. He is genuinely polite and gets along with everyone. Brayden leads by example. He is a quiet yet mighty force in the classroom, yet his presence is known, as I can always count on him to step up and do what is asked of him.”
Ornot is an outstanding student at WHS with a 3.8 grade point average and an overall attendance of 99 percent. In addition to being a tech intern, he is a member of the Art Club. His favorite subject is math and he often takes initiative to attend Academic Assistance to be proactive about his grades. Ornot’s future plans include pursuing a career in welding or ecology.
The following is a compilation of statements made by his nominators: “Brayden exemplifies an outstanding work ethic. He is respectful, willing to learn and wants to excel. He is self-motivated and focused. What makes Brayden particularly remarkable is his perseverance; when faced with a difficult problem or unexpected challenge, he pushes forward with patience and determination until a solution is found. As a WHS tech intern, he brings meticulous attention to detail, maintaining and troubleshooting Chromebooks, diagnosing technical issues and providing support to fellow students. Brayden does not simply complete tasks, he takes ownership of them, ensuring every detail is addressed and every person he assists walks away with a solution. He accepts feedback and uses it to guide his next steps. He is genuinely polite and gets along with everyone. Brayden leads by example. He is a quiet yet mighty force in the classroom, yet his presence is known, as I can always count on him to step up and do what is asked of him.”
Ornot is an outstanding student at WHS with a 3.8 grade point average and an overall attendance of 99 percent. In addition to being a tech intern, he is a member of the Art Club. His favorite subject is math and he often takes initiative to attend Academic Assistance to be proactive about his grades. Ornot’s future plans include pursuing a career in welding or ecology.
Tim Camp named WHS head football coach and TPT director
Waynesville High School is proud to announce Tim Camp as the new Head Football Coach and Director of Tiger Performance Training, beginning with the 2026–27 school year.
“My family and I are grateful for the opportunity to join the Waynesville community,” said Camp. “We are excited to build meaningful relationships, inspire young athletes and be part of something truly special.”
Coach Camp brings more than 20 years of collegiate coaching and athletic leadership experience to Waynesville. His distinguished career includes stops at The University of the South, the University of Nebraska–Omaha, and Bucknell University, along with a highly successful tenure at Eastern Oregon University.
Camp led the Eastern Oregon University Mountaineers football program for 17 years, becoming the all-time winningest coach in program history during his tenure. Under his leadership, the program experienced sustained success both on and off the field. He developed over 100 All-Conference players and coached seven Conference Players of the Year, including five Frontier Conference Defensive Players of the Year and two Offensive Players of the Year. On the national level, 22 Mountaineers earned AFCA-NAIA All-America honors under his guidance.
Camp was named Frontier Conference Co-Coach of the Year twice and, in 2020, led the Mountaineers to their first conference championship in program history, earning Frontier Conference Coach of the Year honors. His teams also achieved national recognition, climbing as high as No. 11 in the country.
Camp has also played a significant role nationally in shaping the game of football. He has served on the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Rules Committee and the AFCA Football Raters & National Oversight Committee since 2008. He is also a member of the AFCA-NAIA All-America Team Selection Committee (since 2014) and the AFCA Summer Manual Committee (since 2010). Additionally, Camp is a frequent presenter at Glazier and Nike coaching clinics, sharing his expertise with coaches across the country.
Camp earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Oregon State University and a master’s degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University Irvine. A four-year starting offensive lineman at Oregon State, he earned all-conference honors before signing a free agent contract with the San Diego Chargers.
“Joining this district marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter,” Camp added. “We look forward to contributing, growing and making a positive impact together.”
Camp and his wife, Janet, have two sons, Willie and Walker, and one daughter, Kali.
Waynesville High School is proud to announce Tim Camp as the new Head Football Coach and Director of Tiger Performance Training, beginning with the 2026–27 school year.
“My family and I are grateful for the opportunity to join the Waynesville community,” said Camp. “We are excited to build meaningful relationships, inspire young athletes and be part of something truly special.”
Coach Camp brings more than 20 years of collegiate coaching and athletic leadership experience to Waynesville. His distinguished career includes stops at The University of the South, the University of Nebraska–Omaha, and Bucknell University, along with a highly successful tenure at Eastern Oregon University.
Camp led the Eastern Oregon University Mountaineers football program for 17 years, becoming the all-time winningest coach in program history during his tenure. Under his leadership, the program experienced sustained success both on and off the field. He developed over 100 All-Conference players and coached seven Conference Players of the Year, including five Frontier Conference Defensive Players of the Year and two Offensive Players of the Year. On the national level, 22 Mountaineers earned AFCA-NAIA All-America honors under his guidance.
Camp was named Frontier Conference Co-Coach of the Year twice and, in 2020, led the Mountaineers to their first conference championship in program history, earning Frontier Conference Coach of the Year honors. His teams also achieved national recognition, climbing as high as No. 11 in the country.
Camp has also played a significant role nationally in shaping the game of football. He has served on the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Rules Committee and the AFCA Football Raters & National Oversight Committee since 2008. He is also a member of the AFCA-NAIA All-America Team Selection Committee (since 2014) and the AFCA Summer Manual Committee (since 2010). Additionally, Camp is a frequent presenter at Glazier and Nike coaching clinics, sharing his expertise with coaches across the country.
Camp earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Oregon State University and a master’s degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University Irvine. A four-year starting offensive lineman at Oregon State, he earned all-conference honors before signing a free agent contract with the San Diego Chargers.
“Joining this district marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter,” Camp added. “We look forward to contributing, growing and making a positive impact together.”
Camp and his wife, Janet, have two sons, Willie and Walker, and one daughter, Kali.
Lercher wins audio essay contest on patriotism
Brooklynn Lercher, a Waynesville High School junior, is the winner of the Crocker Memorial VFW Post 4956’s audio essay contest on patriotism.
The Crocker Memorial VFW Post 4956 awarded Lercher a $500 scholarship and the Auxiliary awarded her another $100, for $600 total on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
Lercher’s audio essay focused on this year’s theme, “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country.” The 2026-2027 theme will be “What a Veteran Taught Me About America.”
Post Commander Lee Orison and Bianca Orison (Auxiliary President) are pictured with Lercher.
In the group photo, Lercher is pictured with VFW and Auxiliary members, along with Crocker students who won the 3D print contest and the middle school essay contest.
Brooklynn Lercher, a Waynesville High School junior, is the winner of the Crocker Memorial VFW Post 4956’s audio essay contest on patriotism.
The Crocker Memorial VFW Post 4956 awarded Lercher a $500 scholarship and the Auxiliary awarded her another $100, for $600 total on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
Lercher’s audio essay focused on this year’s theme, “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country.” The 2026-2027 theme will be “What a Veteran Taught Me About America.”
Post Commander Lee Orison and Bianca Orison (Auxiliary President) are pictured with Lercher.
In the group photo, Lercher is pictured with VFW and Auxiliary members, along with Crocker students who won the 3D print contest and the middle school essay contest.
7 WHS students win all-expenses-paid trips for essays
Seven Waynesville High School juniors have earned all-expenses-paid trips through an essay competition sponsored by the Laclede Electric Cooperative and hosted by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives.
The WHS students are Russell Aden, Emmay Bailly, Aminah Harmon, Ziarlene Bituin, Deja Pelliccia, Joe Telebrico and Bella Wethington.
This contest showcases student talent and leadership among Missouri’s youth. The schools serviced in the Laclede Electric Cooperative were invited to participate in the contest, and entries were received from Conway, Hartville, Lebanon and Waynesville.
Out of the 95 essays that were entered, a panel of judges at the Laclede Electric Cooperative in Lebanon selected the top 15. They then sent the essays to three judges in separate cooperatives across the state who chose the top 10. Out of those 10, Waynesville students took seven of the winning spots. The top four essays earn the Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., and the other six earn the CYCLE Leadership Conference in Jefferson City trip.
Russell Aden, Emmay Bailly and Aminah Harmon will represent Waynesville High School on the Missouri Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., in June 2026, while Ziarlene Bituin, Deja Pelliccia Joe Telebrico and Bella Wethington will attend the Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience (CYCLE) in Jefferson City in July 2026.
The Missouri Youth Tour, organized by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, brings more than 100 Missouri high school juniors to Washington, D.C., for a week of leadership development and civic engagement. The essays of Aden, Bailley, and Harmon earned them a spot among nearly 2,000 students nationwide. They will visit the U.S. Capitol, Smithsonian Museums and other historic monuments while learning about electric cooperatives’ community impact.
The CYCLE program, a four-day conference in Jefferson City, immerses high school juniors in Missouri’s state government and cooperative model, and also brings in national guest speakers. The four essays of Bituin, Pelleccia, Telebrico and Wethington secured their place among Missouri’s brightest young leaders. They will engage with nationally known speakers, tour the State Capitol, and participate in a mock legislative session.
Seven Waynesville High School juniors have earned all-expenses-paid trips through an essay competition sponsored by the Laclede Electric Cooperative and hosted by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives.
The WHS students are Russell Aden, Emmay Bailly, Aminah Harmon, Ziarlene Bituin, Deja Pelliccia, Joe Telebrico and Bella Wethington.
This contest showcases student talent and leadership among Missouri’s youth. The schools serviced in the Laclede Electric Cooperative were invited to participate in the contest, and entries were received from Conway, Hartville, Lebanon and Waynesville.
Out of the 95 essays that were entered, a panel of judges at the Laclede Electric Cooperative in Lebanon selected the top 15. They then sent the essays to three judges in separate cooperatives across the state who chose the top 10. Out of those 10, Waynesville students took seven of the winning spots. The top four essays earn the Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., and the other six earn the CYCLE Leadership Conference in Jefferson City trip.
Russell Aden, Emmay Bailly and Aminah Harmon will represent Waynesville High School on the Missouri Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., in June 2026, while Ziarlene Bituin, Deja Pelliccia Joe Telebrico and Bella Wethington will attend the Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience (CYCLE) in Jefferson City in July 2026.
The Missouri Youth Tour, organized by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, brings more than 100 Missouri high school juniors to Washington, D.C., for a week of leadership development and civic engagement. The essays of Aden, Bailley, and Harmon earned them a spot among nearly 2,000 students nationwide. They will visit the U.S. Capitol, Smithsonian Museums and other historic monuments while learning about electric cooperatives’ community impact.
The CYCLE program, a four-day conference in Jefferson City, immerses high school juniors in Missouri’s state government and cooperative model, and also brings in national guest speakers. The four essays of Bituin, Pelleccia, Telebrico and Wethington secured their place among Missouri’s brightest young leaders. They will engage with nationally known speakers, tour the State Capitol, and participate in a mock legislative session.
The Waynesville High School Jazz Bands, Saxophone Choir, Clarinet Choir, Brass Choir and Percussion Ensemble presented a concert on April 9, 2026, in the lobby of the Waynesville Career Center.
“The event was well attended, with a full audience demonstrating strong support for these outstanding student ensembles,” said Director of Bands Jared Sabatasso. “Attendees expressed great appreciation for the diverse selection of repertoire performed throughout the evening, which showcased a wide range of musical styles and highlighted the versatility of our student musicians.”
In addition to the performances, senior trombone player Kayden Wass was presented with the Louis Armstrong Award. This honor is awarded to an exemplary student who demonstrates exceptional talent, musicianship and dedication within the jazz arts.
“Kayden’s commitment to excellence and his contributions to the success of the jazz program make him a truly deserving recipient of this distinguished award,” Sabatasso said.
“The event was well attended, with a full audience demonstrating strong support for these outstanding student ensembles,” said Director of Bands Jared Sabatasso. “Attendees expressed great appreciation for the diverse selection of repertoire performed throughout the evening, which showcased a wide range of musical styles and highlighted the versatility of our student musicians.”
In addition to the performances, senior trombone player Kayden Wass was presented with the Louis Armstrong Award. This honor is awarded to an exemplary student who demonstrates exceptional talent, musicianship and dedication within the jazz arts.
“Kayden’s commitment to excellence and his contributions to the success of the jazz program make him a truly deserving recipient of this distinguished award,” Sabatasso said.
The WHS Girls Soccer team hit the field on April 9, 2026, in a hard fought game against Willard, losing in overtime.
3 WHS students take leadership roles in FCCLA Region 5
On April 10, 2026, three Waynesville High School students were inducted into leadership positions for Region 5 FCCLA, including one as a state officer.
Faith Bohrer was inducted as the Region 5 Family and Consumer Science state officer, along with Wyatt Carter as secretary and Lela Burnham as treasurer.
“We are excited to see the impact these leaders will have as they serve and represent Region 5 in the coming year,” said FCCLA Advisory Katelynn Hawk.
On April 10, 2026, three Waynesville High School students were inducted into leadership positions for Region 5 FCCLA, including one as a state officer.
Faith Bohrer was inducted as the Region 5 Family and Consumer Science state officer, along with Wyatt Carter as secretary and Lela Burnham as treasurer.
“We are excited to see the impact these leaders will have as they serve and represent Region 5 in the coming year,” said FCCLA Advisory Katelynn Hawk.
