Five Waynesville High School ensembles participated on March 3, 2026, at the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Large Ensemble State Evaluation in Camdenton.
WHS’s five ensembles included Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Saxophone Choir and Brass Choir.
“Each group represented the school with professionalism and dedication, earning tremendous remarks and positive feedback from the judges,” said Director of Bands Jared Sabatasso.
During the evaluation, each ensemble performed prepared selections for three judges before moving to a separate room for the sight-reading portion of the event. In sight-reading, students were given a brand-new piece of music to perform for a fourth judge, demonstrating their musicianship and preparation. All four judges’ scores were combined to determine an overall rating. The Wind Ensemble, Saxophone Choir, and Brass Choir each earned a Gold (Exemplary) rating, while the Symphonic Band and Concert Band received Silver (Outstanding) ratings.
“These achievements reflect the hard work, focus, and commitment of every student involved,” Sabatasso said.
The community will have the opportunity to hear these musicians in upcoming performances.
· The Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band will present their Spring Concert at 6 p.m. on March 30, 2026, in the WHS Auditorium.
· The Saxophone Choir and Brass Choir will perform at 6 p.m. on April 9 in the Waynesville Career Center lobby.
Both events are free and open to the public.
Waynesville JROTC take 1st place at Leavenworth Competition
The Waynesville JROTC Drill Team took 1st place Overall (Grand Champion) out of 27 teams on Feb. 27 and 28, 2026, at the Leavenworth Interservice Drill Competition.in Leavenworth, Kan.
These are the complete results:
- 1st Place Overall - Grand Champion
- 1st Place Overall - Unarmed Division
- 1st Place Overall - Armed Division
- 1st Place - Unarmed Color Guard
- 1st Place - Armed Exhibition
- 1st Place - Unarmed Exhibition
- 2nd Place - Armed Inspection
- 3rd Place - Unarmed Regulation
- 1st Place - Armed Exhibition Dual - Aiden Rivera/Aubrey Ellison
- 2nd Place - Unarmed Exhibition Dual - Addison Bowling/Teyla Byrom
- 1st Place - Individual Drill Down from about 500 Cadets - Serenity Maldonado
They will next compete on March 7, 2026, at Blue Springs South High School.
Links to two videos of our cadets competing:
1. Armed Exhibition Video
(https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1715438929440932)
2. Unarmed Exhibition Video
(https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=26437817815885025)
The Waynesville High School Chamber Choir received Exemplary ratings at the Central Methodist University Music Fest on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. The choir took 10 soloists and one small ensemble.
The following students received an Exemplary rating on their solo and small ensemble:
· Ava Byers
· Cyrus Calhoun
· Isabel Diaz
· Eulalia MOynihan
· Claire Reed
· Lilyana Romero
· A'Nyyah Tollison
· Anastasia Blunt
· small SATB Quartet with Emma Bailly, Ava Byers, A'Nyyah Tollison and Cyrus Calhoun.
The following students received an Outstanding Rating on their solos:
· Cassie Hays and Sainisha Simram
The following students received an Exemplary rating on their solo and small ensemble:
· Ava Byers
· Cyrus Calhoun
· Isabel Diaz
· Eulalia MOynihan
· Claire Reed
· Lilyana Romero
· A'Nyyah Tollison
· Anastasia Blunt
· small SATB Quartet with Emma Bailly, Ava Byers, A'Nyyah Tollison and Cyrus Calhoun.
The following students received an Outstanding Rating on their solos:
· Cassie Hays and Sainisha Simram
Neurodiversity Diversity Awareness Week will be held March 2-6, 2026.
An ambulance was dispatched to Waynesville High School at approximately 4:40 p.m. today (Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026) to treat an individual student with a medical condition.
The individual's parents have been notified and will determine what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
The individual's parents have been notified and will determine what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
Bill Davenport, a 1963 graduate of Waynesville High School, will be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 Outdoor Sports class presented by Bass Pro Shops on March 12, 2026, in Springfield, Mo.
The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame shared the following, “At 82 years young, Bill, affectionately known as "The Legend" around Lake of the Ozarks, has earned over 161 tournament wins, influenced countless anglers and even had a popular jig skirt color ("Davenport Special") named after him by Chompers Bait.”
Tickets to the March 12 Outdoor Sports Luncheon may be purchased at https://mosportshalloffame.com/events/.
The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame shared the following, “At 82 years young, Bill, affectionately known as "The Legend" around Lake of the Ozarks, has earned over 161 tournament wins, influenced countless anglers and even had a popular jig skirt color ("Davenport Special") named after him by Chompers Bait.”
Tickets to the March 12 Outdoor Sports Luncheon may be purchased at https://mosportshalloffame.com/events/.
SGA hosts blood drive at WHS
The Student Government Association (SGA) at Waynesville High School sponsored a blood drive with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.
Members of SGA and Health Occupations of America (HOSA) volunteered the day of the blood drive to keep donors company, relieve anxiety and escort donors back to class.
SGA and CBCO set a goal of 50 units of blood to be donated during blood drive. Thanks to the students who donated that day, CBCO collected 52 units of blood, which will be used locally in the Ozarks.
The Student Government Association (SGA) at Waynesville High School sponsored a blood drive with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.
Members of SGA and Health Occupations of America (HOSA) volunteered the day of the blood drive to keep donors company, relieve anxiety and escort donors back to class.
SGA and CBCO set a goal of 50 units of blood to be donated during blood drive. Thanks to the students who donated that day, CBCO collected 52 units of blood, which will be used locally in the Ozarks.
Jared Sabatasso was named the Educator of the Year by the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, during the Community Leadership Awards Banquet. He is the director of bands for the Waynesville R-VI School District.
Jared Sabatasso is pictured with Brett Reith, president of the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Pictured are band instructors Andrew Tiefenbrunn, Jared Sabatasso, Brady Perkins and Chance Inman.
Members of the Waynesville High School Pep Band who performed at the banquet are pictured along with their band instructors.
Jared Sabatasso is pictured with Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, and Courtney Long, executive director of secondary instruction.
Jared Sabatasso is pictured with Brett Reith, president of the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Pictured are band instructors Andrew Tiefenbrunn, Jared Sabatasso, Brady Perkins and Chance Inman.
Members of the Waynesville High School Pep Band who performed at the banquet are pictured along with their band instructors.
Jared Sabatasso is pictured with Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, and Courtney Long, executive director of secondary instruction.
THURSDAY!!
Waynesville R-VI will host a teacher recruitment event from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at the Parker Educational Center. The event will begin with a welcome session, followed by screening interviews being held on site. At the end of the evening, a drawing will be held for an iPad.
For more information about openings in the district, please go to https://www.applitrack.com/waynesville/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1 or call 573-842-2094.
Parker Educational Center is located at 909 U.S. Route 66 in Waynesville.
Ivy Smith, a senior at Waynesville High School, has signed to continue her academic and athletic (soccer) career at Evangel University. Her signing was held on Feb. 23, 2026.
Aden Maust, a senior at Waynesville High School, has signed to continue his academic and athletic (football) career at Missouri Valley College. His signing was held on Feb. 23, 2026.
Waynesville JROTC finishes 3rd at Ozark
The Waynesville JROTC Drill Team finished 3rd overall in a field of 18 team at the Ozark Drill Competition on Feb. 21, 2026.
The results are as follows:
- 3rd Place Overall
- 3rd Place Armed Overall
- 4th Place Unarmed Overall
- 1st Place Armed Inspection
- 2nd Place Unarmed Inspection
- 2nd Place Armed Exhibition
- 4th Place Armed Color Guard
- 4th Place Armed New Cadet
- 5th Place Unarmed Color Guard
- Aubrey Ellison and Aiden Rivera 1st Place Armed Exhibition Dual
- Aiden Rivera 2nd Place Armed Exhibition Solo
- Addison Bowling 4th Place Individual Drill Down
The next Drill Meet will be held Feb. 28, 2026, at Leavenworth High School.
The Waynesville JROTC Drill Team finished 3rd overall in a field of 18 team at the Ozark Drill Competition on Feb. 21, 2026.
The results are as follows:
- 3rd Place Overall
- 3rd Place Armed Overall
- 4th Place Unarmed Overall
- 1st Place Armed Inspection
- 2nd Place Unarmed Inspection
- 2nd Place Armed Exhibition
- 4th Place Armed Color Guard
- 4th Place Armed New Cadet
- 5th Place Unarmed Color Guard
- Aubrey Ellison and Aiden Rivera 1st Place Armed Exhibition Dual
- Aiden Rivera 2nd Place Armed Exhibition Solo
- Addison Bowling 4th Place Individual Drill Down
The next Drill Meet will be held Feb. 28, 2026, at Leavenworth High School.
An ambulance was dispatched to Waynesville High School at approximately 9:25 a.m. today (Monday, Feb. 23, 2026) to treat an individual employee with a medical condition. The individual will decide what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
Wagasky receives FLW Leadership Award
Sophia Wagasky, a sophomore at Waynesville High School, received the Fort Leonard Wood Leadership Award for February 2026 on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.
Wagasky was nominated for the honor word integrity. Sophia's nominator stated, "Being honest, trustworthy, and having strong principles are components of integrity and Sophia displays them all. In the time I have known Sophia through the Student Government Association she has shown herself to be honest and dependable. She is one of the managers for the SGA Tiger Store and with that comes the responsibility of keeping the store stocked and maintaining an accurate money box. In conversations with peers, it is clear that Sophia has a strong moral compass when it comes to academics and life. She also works hard academically and asks for help when she needs it."
Lt. Col. Chris McCann and CSM Christina Schoener, 787 MP BN , recognized Wagasky for representing the word integrity, one of the seven Army values. The seven Army values are loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.
The Waynesville JROTC Drill Team finished 3rd overall in the 3rd Army ROTC Brigade Championship Drill Competition at Smith Cotton on Feb. 13-14, 2026.
These are the complete results:
- Overall Meet Champions - 3rd Place
- Overall Armed Division - 3rd Place
- Overall Unarmed Division - 3rd Place
- Armed Color Guard, 1st Place
- Unarmed Color Guard, 2nd Place
- Armed Regulation - 3rd Place
- Armed Exhibition - 3rd Place
- Armed Inspection - 3rd Place
- Unarmed Regulation - 3rd Place
- Unarmed Regulation - 3rd Place
- Unarmed Inspection - 3rd Place
- Trevor Skyles - 4th Place Armed Exhibition Solo
- Aiden Rivera, Aubrey Ellison 3rd - Armed Exhibition Dual
Their next drill meet is on Feb. 21, 2026, at Ozark High School.
These are the complete results:
- Overall Meet Champions - 3rd Place
- Overall Armed Division - 3rd Place
- Overall Unarmed Division - 3rd Place
- Armed Color Guard, 1st Place
- Unarmed Color Guard, 2nd Place
- Armed Regulation - 3rd Place
- Armed Exhibition - 3rd Place
- Armed Inspection - 3rd Place
- Unarmed Regulation - 3rd Place
- Unarmed Regulation - 3rd Place
- Unarmed Inspection - 3rd Place
- Trevor Skyles - 4th Place Armed Exhibition Solo
- Aiden Rivera, Aubrey Ellison 3rd - Armed Exhibition Dual
Their next drill meet is on Feb. 21, 2026, at Ozark High School.
An ambulance was dispatched to Waynesville High School at approximately 12:25 p.m. today (Tuesday, Feb. 17, 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.
Taylor Miller, a senior at Waynesville High School, has signed to continue her academic and athletic (volleyball) career at George Fox University in Oregon. Her signing was held on Feb. 13, 2026.
There will be no school in the Waynesville R-VI School District and all offices will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents Day.
It’s game time!
Tigers take on the Chiefs. Let’s go Tigers!
Lercher named WHS Rotary Student of the Month
Lauryn Lercher, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the WHS Rotary Student of the Month for February 2026 for representing personal courage. She is the daughter of Layne and Becky Lercher and was recognized during the Rotary Club of Pulaski County meeting on Feb. 10, 2026.
The following is a compilation of statements made by her nominators, “'Lauryn has stepped out of her comfort zone to be a leader by example. She took the initiative to help set up a large Pink Out event to donate money to breast cancer awareness. From the start, Lauryn has been the student leading in every aspect of the planning. Lauryn also shows tremendous responsibility and accountability to ensure tasks are done effectively and efficiently. Lastly, she does a great job of getting other students involved to give them a chance to be leaders in various roles, as well. She is above her years of wisdom and has taken the initiative to reach out to community members, administration, and more to help make this event a success. She remains positive, solution-focused, and courageous in the face of any and all problems that arise. The mindset to stay composed, positive and empathetic while making important decisions is a next-level result of her courage.”
Lercher is an outstanding senior with a 4.28 GPA and a 100% attendance for all four years of high school. She is currently the president of DECA and a member of National Honor Society. She is an active athlete, playing both tennis and basketball. She serves as the captain of the basketball team and has earned the honors of Central Ozark Academic All-Conference and District Academic All-Conference.
Lercher will graduate with academic honors, as well as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) and Phlebotomy certification from her health science class. She plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia and has received a $14,000 scholarship. Her long-term goal is to become a nurse practitioner/pediatric oncologist.
Lauryn Lercher, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the WHS Rotary Student of the Month for February 2026 for representing personal courage. She is the daughter of Layne and Becky Lercher and was recognized during the Rotary Club of Pulaski County meeting on Feb. 10, 2026.
The following is a compilation of statements made by her nominators, “'Lauryn has stepped out of her comfort zone to be a leader by example. She took the initiative to help set up a large Pink Out event to donate money to breast cancer awareness. From the start, Lauryn has been the student leading in every aspect of the planning. Lauryn also shows tremendous responsibility and accountability to ensure tasks are done effectively and efficiently. Lastly, she does a great job of getting other students involved to give them a chance to be leaders in various roles, as well. She is above her years of wisdom and has taken the initiative to reach out to community members, administration, and more to help make this event a success. She remains positive, solution-focused, and courageous in the face of any and all problems that arise. The mindset to stay composed, positive and empathetic while making important decisions is a next-level result of her courage.”
Lercher is an outstanding senior with a 4.28 GPA and a 100% attendance for all four years of high school. She is currently the president of DECA and a member of National Honor Society. She is an active athlete, playing both tennis and basketball. She serves as the captain of the basketball team and has earned the honors of Central Ozark Academic All-Conference and District Academic All-Conference.
Lercher will graduate with academic honors, as well as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) and Phlebotomy certification from her health science class. She plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia and has received a $14,000 scholarship. Her long-term goal is to become a nurse practitioner/pediatric oncologist.
