Teachers recognized at JROTC Ball and Morris serves as keynote speaker Rick Morris served as the keynote speaker and Waynesville Army JRTOC cadets honored teachers during their 2024-25 Military Ball on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Waynesville Career Center. The teachers who were recognized and the students who recognized them during the banquet are as follows: • Lashanda McColister (who was unable to attend) was recognized by Annalyse Rivera • Laura Steibrink was recognized by Nathaniel Copeland • Dawn Wilking was recognized by Emily Trotten • Rick Jeter was recognized by Maxemillian Jorgensen • Cydnee Gilmore was recognized by Marissa Esquivel In addition, Stacie Parker was recognized by Joseph Mendiola in the program. Morris is the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Missouri South. He is also the director of operations for Fort Wood Hotels by Ehrhardt Properties that owns and operates five hotels in St. Robert and he is the managing partner of Liberty Management Group. He is also the chair of the Committee of Fifty. He served in the U.S. Army for 23 years, retiring at the rank of command sergeant major. The JROTC Chain of Command Battalion S-3 Annalyse Rivera, Battalion Commander Nathaniel Copeland, Command Sgt. Maj. Kaden Crone, and Executive Officer Joseph Mendiola presented keynote speaker Rick Morris with a plaque and certificate. Following his speech, Morris recognized WHS Choir Director Cyndee Gilmore, and cadets Marissa Esquivel, Addison Smith, Sirenedi Maldonado, Drake Rodger and Nathaniel Copeland with coins. Morris also praised Addison Bowling and Aaron Gonzales for their outstanding singing of the National Anthem at the beginning of the evening. Col. (R) Charles Williams, senior Army instructor, also presented a plaque to Marianne Ward, director of communications and marketing, for her help in telling JROTC’s story. Williams and Command Sgt. Maj. (R) Steven Tetreault presented the senior members of the drill team with their senior coins. #Wayschools #fortwoodhotels

The FLW Mid-Missouri AUSA Chapter has again donated $500 to the Waynesville JROTC program. The funds are designed to assist the program as needed and are earmarked for the championship trophies at Waynesville’s Drill Meet and Raider Meet. JROTC students also support the efforts of the local Mid Missouri Chapter by providing a Color Guard and other support when needed. CSM(R) Freddie Brock, AUSA Chapter President, is pictured with Waynesville JROTC cadet leaders. #wayschools

For the first time ever, Waynesville High School entered six ensembles in the MSHSAA Large Ensemble Festival and all six received the highest rating of Exemplary on March 4, 2025, at Camdenton High School. “We cannot stress enough how proud we are of all of our ensembles,” said Band Director Jared Sabatasso. “Our goal is to instill a sense of ownership and pride within our band program and, once achieved, the students tend to get the results they are searching for.” The six ensembles were the Waynesville Saxophone Choir, Brass Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. "We are thrilled about our growth in numbers within our band program," said Sabatasso. “One of the judges wrote a note to our students stating, ‘You are blessed to be a part of a truly wonderful program. Enjoy every moment of it.’" These ensembles will perform their Spring Band Concert at 6 p.m. March 11 in the WHS Auditorium. The band program is under the direction of Jared Sabatasso, and assistant band directors Andrew Tiefenbrunn, Chance Inman and Keisha Jarrett. #wayschools

Waynesville High School students Abby Augenstein and Ginger McElhaney led an “Over and Under Drive” this winter to collect socks, underwear, blankets and coats for students at Williams Early Childhood Center, Parker Educational Center, East Elementary and Freedom Elementary. Augenstein and McElhaney conducted the drive as part of their Family, Career and Community Leaders of America project. The pair competed at FCCLA Regional Star Events, Chapter Service Project, in January and were selected to go onto State. They will be competing at State on March 16-18, 2025. #wayschools

Hill named WHS head football coach Dalton Hill has been named the new head football coach for Waynesville High School, beginning with the 2025-26 school year. “We are extremely excited to have Dalton as our next head football coach,” said Cory Ace, director of MSHSAA activities and athletics. “His energy is off the charts and his depth of knowledge of the game is high. His work ethic, ability to motivate and communication skills will surely be an added value to the athletic department.” Hill brings both coaching and collegiate-level playing experience, having served as the head football coach at Palmyra High School for the past two seasons. In addition to leading the football program, he was an assistant wrestling coach and a strength and conditioning coach. Before his time at Palmyra, he worked as the run game coordinator and offensive coach at Mark Twain High School in Center. At Palmyra, he took over a team that finished 0-10 in 2022, averaging just 8 points per game. Under his leadership, the team saw significant improvement, increasing their scoring average to 18 points per game in 2023 and 25 points per game in 2024. In addition, Coach Hill has vast knowledge in the weight room and is experienced in student-athlete development for all sports. A graduate of Mark Twain High School, Hill was an All-State offensive lineman. He continued his football career at Northwest Missouri State University as a starting offensive guard and was recognized as one of the nation’s top interior offensive linemen, ranking #19 on the College Football Network’s Top 20 list. He holds a degree in physical education from Northwest Missouri and has taught physical education, health, strength and fitness, and special education. A meet and greet for players and parents will be scheduled and announced prior to the end of the spring season to ensure a smooth transition into the summer training season. #WaySchools #WHSfootball

The Waynesville JROTC Tiger Drill Team took 3rd place overall in three categories at the Blue Springs South Invitational Drill Competition on Saturday, March 1, 2025. In a field of 17 other high schools from Missouri, Kansas, Oklahma, Iowa and Illinois, the Tiger Drill Team finished 3rd Overall, and took 3rd place Overall in the Unarmed Division and 3rd place Overall in the Armed Division. The complete results are below: 3rd Place Overall (All Six Team Events) 3rd Place Overall Armed Category (All Three Armed Team Events) 3rd Place Overall Unarmed Category (All Three Armed Team Events) 3rd Place Unarmed Exhibition 3rd Place Armed Exhibition 3rd Place Unarmed Exhibition 3rd Place Unarmed Color Guard 4th Place Armed Color Guard Lord Torres - 1st Place Armed Exhibition Solo Max Jorgensen and Aubrey Ellison - 3rd Place Armed Exhibition Dual Peyton Stuart and Addison Smith - 2nd Place Unarmed Exhibition Dual Teyla Byrom and Alex Diaz - 3rd Place Unarmed Exhibition Dual Annalyse Rivera - 5th Place Individual Drill Down The team will compete next at the Rocky Mountain Drill National Championship in Denver on April 9-13.

Three Waynesville High School wrestlers placed at the State Wrestling Tournament on Feb. 28-March 1, 2025. They are as follows: Yisel Perez 190 3rd Dakota Nix 120 5th Addison Brown 135 6th

The Waynesville High School choirs had a great showing at the State contest at Camdenton High School on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. The Treble Choir received an Exemplary rating and the Tenor Bass Choir and Chamber Choir received Outstanding ratings. "Accolades were given to our two soloists William Figueroa and Michael Samuelu," said Choir Director Cydnee Gilmore. "Thank you to all the students for their hard work!" Photos are from the fall choir concert.

On Feb. 21, 2025, the Waynesville High School Tiger Jazz I traveled to Springfield to compete in the Missouri State University Jazz Festival held on the campus. The students had the opportunity to play on a professional stage in the Juanita K. Hammons Hall. "It was an exhilarating experience for the students," said WHS Band Director Jared Sabatasso. "The band received amazing comments and compliments from all judges." Three musicians were recognized for their musical excellence while playing their solos. They were Dylan Liegey on flugelhorn, Jack Gasek on drum set, and Seth Steuck on tenor saxophone. "We are proud of these students and their accomplishments," Sabatasso said. The WHS jazz bands will perform their Spring Band Concert at 6 p.m. March 11 in the WHS Auditorium March 11.

Spring Sports Tryout/Practice Schedule (Begins Monday, March 3rd) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lmjeUmq2cN2QJJ9Ue_H70HXdh-bl0xxr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114153333880162748937&rtpof=true&sd=true

Waynesville High School Cheerleaders celebrated senior night on Feb. 24, 2025. #wayschools

Waynesville High School's Rhythm Nation dance team celebrated senior night Feb. 24, 2025. #wayschools

Waynesville High School girls basketball celebrated senior night before taking home a tiger victory over Central with a final score of 49-38. Girls Basketball Seniors: Sophia Freesmeier Imani Jackson

This weeks schedule. Note: Feb 24th will be a JV/V game night only vs. Central and start at 5:30 PM. Sr. Night for GBB and Cheer will begin after the JV game.

Congrats to our Cheer Squads for their stellar performances at the Missouri State Cheer Championships this weekend!

Tonight's Basketball Schedule at Glendale

Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, will be a traditional snow day. There will be no in-person school and no AMI (virtual) learning. We are so proud of your outstanding work during this challenging winter season! Enjoy your snow day and we will see you on Monday!

There will be no in-person school in the Waynesville R-VI School District on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025; however, Waynesville R-VI students will attend school virtually on Thursday morning as this will be an AMI day. School will be in session using an Alternative Method of Instruction (AMI online) from 8:30 a.m. to noon for grades K-12 and Parker Preschool. Williams Early Childhood Center AM classes will be online from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m. and Williams PM classes will be online from 10:15 a.m. to noon. All AMI days begin at 8:30 a.m., including Wednesdays.

Mark Sabala has been named the new WHS Head Track Coach for the Waynesville Tigers and will be taking over the program from long-time Coach Mike Rawlings starting in the 2025-26 school year. “Mr. Sabala is a passionate track and field and cross country guru with 30 years of experience,” said Cory Ace, director of MSHSAA activities and athletics at Waynesville R-VI. “Since 2004 at Hermitage High School, he has helped shape champions within the school’s cross country and track and field programs.” Sabala is a 5-time MTCCA Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year, 9-time SWMO Cross Country Coach of the Year, and a 2-time track and field Coach of the Year. “His leadership has created a culture that has earned the school multiple cross country district titles, a MSHSAA State Championship in Track and Field during the 2023 season, and a 4th place MSHSAA Track and Field finish in 2024,” Ace said. Prior to coming to Missouri, Sabala served in multiple coaching roles in the states of Nevada (1995-1999) and California (1999-2003). In addition, Sabala has helped create both the Middle School and Track and Field State Championships within the state of Missouri, which have seen more than100 schools participating since its development. “He is committed to fostering young talent and elevating athletic excellence, one finish line at a time and we are proud to welcome him within the athletic program at Waynesville,” Ace said.

Waynesville High School students conducted a food drive, setting out to make Valentine’s Day extra special for 100 high school and middle school students and their families, and along the way, far exceeded their goals. Throughout January and the beginning of February, the WHS Student Government Association Student Leadership Class—in conjunction with Family, Career and Community Leaders of America’s star event projects—conducted a food drive called Meals that Matter to put together meal kits for WHS and WMS families enrolled in the Snack in a Pack program. The students wanted to be able to send home the ingredients to make two family meals that would go home on Feb. 14 for the long weekend. “The students started this project in hopes of getting 1,000 donations to put together 100 meal kits,” said Student Leadership Advisor Joshua Mize. “Ultimately, the students collected enough to make 160 meal kits and collected over 1,800 goods.” Clubs at WHS were challenged to bring in food items that would be needed for chicken dumplings and a pasta dish, as well as participate in the community collections. Student volunteers spent two weekends partnering with Price Cutter, working in shifts collecting items to benefit their cause. In addition to the meal kits, an additional 478 items were donated to the district’s Snack in a Pack efforts. “I am extremely pleased with the planning, effort, and dedication shown by the students—Mackenzie Henderson, Mackenzie Workman, Danika Em, Jade Anderson, Chloee Santos, Remington Minard, Kelise Johnson, and Shelby Cannon—in making this project such a success,” Mize said.