Community conversation on preventing substance abuse is TONIGHT
Kym Laube spoke with students at Waynesville Middle School and Waynesville High School today, Friday, May 8, 2026, about preventing substance abuse and making healthy choices.
Parents, families and community members are strongly encouraged to attend a community presentation by Laube at 6 p.m. tonight in the Waynesville High School Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
With more than 30 years of experience working with youth and families, Laube is a member of the Tall Cop Says Stop team and serves as Executive Director of Human Understanding Growth Services. Her work focuses on helping young people and families prevent substance use through education, awareness and open communication.
During tonight’s presentation, Laube will discuss:
Strategies for preventing substance use
Ways to begin honest conversations with youth about drugs and alcohol
How families and communities can support young people in making healthy decisions
The event is hosted and sponsored by the Central Ozarks Medical Center (COMC).
#WaySchools
WHS celebrates Decision Day
Waynesville High School celebrated Decision Day on Friday, May 1, 2026, with the Class of 2026 publicly sharing their career plans for after graduation, including college, career training and apprenticeships, military service and employment.
Classmates showed their support, cheering each other on as those plans were shared.
Decision Day is observed statewide on May 1, the date by which many high school seniors are asked to notify a college of their plans to enroll.
The Decision Day event is part of a broader effort to help rural students achieve
career success through rootEd Missouri, a statewide public-private partnership
among national organization rootEd Alliance, Ozarks Technical Community College,
the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Missouri
Chamber of Commerce.
“Decision Day is an incredibly exciting opportunity for students across Missouri to celebrate their path to future success, whatever that path may be,” said Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. “Some students will seek a postsecondary degree, some may join the military, some may seek out certificates, training or apprenticeship opportunities, and others may immediately enter the workforce. Success is not one-size-fits all, and we are excited to celebrate each student’s commitment to achieving their goals.”
About rootEd
Founded in 2018, rootEd Alliance is a national nonprofit that helps rural high school
students achieve career success and strengthens America’s skilled workforce. rootEd
places dedicated career advisors in rural high schools to support students in defining
and realizing their career goals, whether through a college degree, workforce
credentials, apprenticeship, or military service, while partnering with communities,
states, and employers to close talent gaps and drive rural economic prosperity.
#WaySchools #rootEd
Waynesville High School celebrated Decision Day on Friday, May 1, 2026, with the Class of 2026 publicly sharing their career plans for after graduation, including college, career training and apprenticeships, military service and employment.
Classmates showed their support, cheering each other on as those plans were shared.
Decision Day is observed statewide on May 1, the date by which many high school seniors are asked to notify a college of their plans to enroll.
The Decision Day event is part of a broader effort to help rural students achieve
career success through rootEd Missouri, a statewide public-private partnership
among national organization rootEd Alliance, Ozarks Technical Community College,
the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Missouri
Chamber of Commerce.
“Decision Day is an incredibly exciting opportunity for students across Missouri to celebrate their path to future success, whatever that path may be,” said Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. “Some students will seek a postsecondary degree, some may join the military, some may seek out certificates, training or apprenticeship opportunities, and others may immediately enter the workforce. Success is not one-size-fits all, and we are excited to celebrate each student’s commitment to achieving their goals.”
About rootEd
Founded in 2018, rootEd Alliance is a national nonprofit that helps rural high school
students achieve career success and strengthens America’s skilled workforce. rootEd
places dedicated career advisors in rural high schools to support students in defining
and realizing their career goals, whether through a college degree, workforce
credentials, apprenticeship, or military service, while partnering with communities,
states, and employers to close talent gaps and drive rural economic prosperity.
#WaySchools #rootEd
District celebrates 1st AVID seniors
Waynesville R-VI celebrated a milestone on May 1, 2026, as the district’s AVID program honored its first group of graduating seniors.
“It was an awesome evening with parents, AVID students and teachers,” said District AVID Director Kym McCall. “The students had the opportunity to address the audience by talking about the program and how it had helped them.”
During the event, students took part in a Q&A session, answering questions from the audience about college planning, scholarships, and the personal strengths they developed through AVID.
In addition to receiving senior gift baskets filled with AVID supplies for college, three students —Gavin Randall, Justice Thao, Felisiah Myer — were each awarded a $500 scholarship from the Olney Family Endowment Waynesville R-VI School Foundation Fund. This community-supported fund will provide an AVID scholarship to a student each year.
“We also talked about AVID and the increase in enrollment next year for middle school and freshman classes,” McCall said.
AVID began in the Waynesville R-VI School District in August 2022. This year’s graduates are the first cohort to complete the program, and they will have the opportunity to return in the future as AVID tutors.
About AVID
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a comprehensive program for grades 6–12 that bridges the gap between students’ aspirations and their readiness for college and careers. It uses research-based strategies—focusing on WICOR (writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading)—to accelerate student learning and support them in rigorous coursework. AVID elective classes provide mentoring, study skills, tutoring and college preparation.
Waynesville R-VI celebrated a milestone on May 1, 2026, as the district’s AVID program honored its first group of graduating seniors.
“It was an awesome evening with parents, AVID students and teachers,” said District AVID Director Kym McCall. “The students had the opportunity to address the audience by talking about the program and how it had helped them.”
During the event, students took part in a Q&A session, answering questions from the audience about college planning, scholarships, and the personal strengths they developed through AVID.
In addition to receiving senior gift baskets filled with AVID supplies for college, three students —Gavin Randall, Justice Thao, Felisiah Myer — were each awarded a $500 scholarship from the Olney Family Endowment Waynesville R-VI School Foundation Fund. This community-supported fund will provide an AVID scholarship to a student each year.
“We also talked about AVID and the increase in enrollment next year for middle school and freshman classes,” McCall said.
AVID began in the Waynesville R-VI School District in August 2022. This year’s graduates are the first cohort to complete the program, and they will have the opportunity to return in the future as AVID tutors.
About AVID
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a comprehensive program for grades 6–12 that bridges the gap between students’ aspirations and their readiness for college and careers. It uses research-based strategies—focusing on WICOR (writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading)—to accelerate student learning and support them in rigorous coursework. AVID elective classes provide mentoring, study skills, tutoring and college preparation.
Kynleigh Barkley, a senior at Waynesville High School, has signed to continue her academic and athletic (volleyball) career at St. Louis Community College. Her signing was held on May 5, 2026.
Graduation for Class of 2026 to be broadcast live
Waynesville High School’s Graduation for the Class of 2026 will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2026. A ticket is required to enter graduation – either inside or outside.
Waynesville Career Center video production students will provide live coverage of the event on:
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18EPepoXAs/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/live/PEJYf3x7ohM?feature=share
If any technical difficulties occur during the broadcast, please note that the video of graduation will be posted to YouTube after it concludes.
Ticket information
Tickets are required to attend the graduation ceremony in person. Graduates will be issued their tickets following Passing of the Torch on Thursday, May 14.
• Inside graduation: If graduation is held inside, then each graduate will have five orange tickets to give to their guests. Only those with orange tickets will be able to attend inside graduation.
• Outside graduation: If graduation is held outside, each graduate will have a total of eight black tickets for outside graduation. Only those with black tickets will be able to attend outside graduation.
• All individuals age 2 and up will need a ticket for graduation.
• Individuals may opt to watch the live broadcast in the WHS Auditorium. A ticket is not needed for the auditorium; however, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Parking lot opens at 5:30 p.m.
The WHS parking lot will open at 5:30 p.m. Gates and/or doors will open at 6 p.m. WHS graduating seniors are encouraged to park at the Waynesville Career Center to allow their guests to park closer to the stadium. No parking is allowed along G.W. Lane Street.
Seniors should arrive at 6 p.m.
Graduating seniors should arrive on or before 6 p.m. for their ceremony. They will enter WHS through the main entrance, go to the cafeteria and be directed to their designated waiting area.
Cap and Gown/Graduation Photos:
Wagner Portrait Group will photograph individual graduate portraits and ceremony candids. Electronic image proofs will be sent directly to the graduate via email and text within 48-72 hours after the ceremony. To view and order online, go to https://WagnerPortraitGroup.com/Graduation.
An ambulance was dispatched to Waynesville High School at approximately 8:30 a.m. today (Wednesday, May 6, 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.
It's Teacher Appreciation Week!
Kaitlyn Sullivan, a senior at Waynesville High School, has signed to continue her academic and athletic (track & field) career at Drury University. Her signing was held on May 1, 2026.
Addison Keib a senior at Waynesville High School, has signed to continue her academic and athletic (cheer) career at Drury University. Her signing was held on May 1, 2026.
The Waynesville High School Wind Ensemble was honored to be invited to share the stage with the University of Missouri Symphonic Band on Sunday, April 26, 2026. The joint performance took place at the historic Missouri Theatre in Columbia, Mo., offering students a memorable opportunity to perform in one of the state’s premier venues.
"The students sounded great and represented Waynesville to the highest standard," said Director of Bands Jared Sabatasso.
Sabatasso was invited to guest conduct the University of Missouri Symphonic Band on one of their selections.
Pictured are members of the WHS Wind Ensemble alongside Sabatasso, as well as Dr. Amy Knopps, director of the University of Missouri Symphonic Band, and Connor Long, a Waynesville High School alumnus who now performs with the university symphonic band.
"The students sounded great and represented Waynesville to the highest standard," said Director of Bands Jared Sabatasso.
Sabatasso was invited to guest conduct the University of Missouri Symphonic Band on one of their selections.
Pictured are members of the WHS Wind Ensemble alongside Sabatasso, as well as Dr. Amy Knopps, director of the University of Missouri Symphonic Band, and Connor Long, a Waynesville High School alumnus who now performs with the university symphonic band.
On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, NextHome Realty–Team Lisa Ellis donated multiple pairs of shoes and socks to Waynesville High School through the Shoes from the Heart program. Shoes from the Heart, a non-profit organization committed to delivering footwear to children in need, joined with Lisa Ellis, Next Home Realty and her team. Shoes from the Heart helps provide shoe closets for public schools, providing school staff with immediate access to footwear for students when the need arises. This collaboration exemplifies the shared commitment of both organizations to enhance the well-being of children in our community.
Join us for a community conversation with Kym Laube from 6 to 7:15 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, in the Waynesville High School Auditorium. Laube has more than 30 years of experience helping youth and families prevent substance use and is a member of the Tall Cop Says Stop team.
Parents, families and the public are invited and encouraged to attend this free event.
Laube will share information about how to talk with young people about drugs, alcohol and making healthy decisions. Laube is the Executive Director of Human Understanding Growth Services and has dedicated her work to helping youth and families prevent substance use. She will discuss:
- Strategies to prevent substance use
- Tips for starting open, honest conversations with youth
- Ways families and communities can support and guide young people
This event is hosted and sponsored by the Central Ozarks Medical Center (COMC). In addition to the evening event, Laube will speak with middle school and high school students earlier in the day.
Parents, families and the public are invited and encouraged to attend this free event.
Laube will share information about how to talk with young people about drugs, alcohol and making healthy decisions. Laube is the Executive Director of Human Understanding Growth Services and has dedicated her work to helping youth and families prevent substance use. She will discuss:
- Strategies to prevent substance use
- Tips for starting open, honest conversations with youth
- Ways families and communities can support and guide young people
This event is hosted and sponsored by the Central Ozarks Medical Center (COMC). In addition to the evening event, Laube will speak with middle school and high school students earlier in the day.
Waynesville High School art students earned seven awards at the Clay It Up/Sketch It Out Competition hosted by Nixa High School on April 18, 2026.
A total of 22 WHS students competed against peers from seven schools, taking on a series of timed challenges throughout the day. Each challenge was 70 minutes long.
A total of 22 WHS students competed against peers from seven schools, taking on a series of timed challenges throughout the day. Each challenge was 70 minutes long.
Waynesville High School has announced the Prom queen and king candidates. They are as follows:
Prom Queen Candidates:
Breanna Bednarick
Katherine Bercier
Emmalie Erlewine
Destiny Griffin
Prom King Candidates:
Noah Forte
Brandon Jackson
Keegan Sharp
Ki Ventura
Prom will take place Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Prom Queen Candidates:
Breanna Bednarick
Katherine Bercier
Emmalie Erlewine
Destiny Griffin
Prom King Candidates:
Noah Forte
Brandon Jackson
Keegan Sharp
Ki Ventura
Prom will take place Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Join us tomorrow, Wednesday (April 29) for Community Salute to Service!
The community is invited to attend the Community Salute to Service at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in the Waynesville High School Auditorium.
This event is free and open to the public and members of the community are encouraged to attend.
The Community Salute to Service will recognize high school students from throughout Missouri who are joining/attending:
· any branch of the U.S. military
· National Guard
· Reserves
· ROTC program at a college/university
· military academy
Students being recognized should report to the Choir Room at 5:30 p.m. April 29 at WHS, which is located at 200 G.W. Lane St. in Waynesville, Mo.
The community is invited to attend the Community Salute to Service at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in the Waynesville High School Auditorium.
This event is free and open to the public and members of the community are encouraged to attend.
The Community Salute to Service will recognize high school students from throughout Missouri who are joining/attending:
· any branch of the U.S. military
· National Guard
· Reserves
· ROTC program at a college/university
· military academy
Students being recognized should report to the Choir Room at 5:30 p.m. April 29 at WHS, which is located at 200 G.W. Lane St. in Waynesville, Mo.
All after school activities for today, April 27, 2026, will not be held in the Waynesville R-VI School District due to the potential of impending weather.
This means there will be no Club Tiger, no WIN, no sports practices, no sporting events and no middle school band concert this evening.
The Waynesville Middle School Spring Band Concert has been rescheduled for 6 p.m. tomorrow, April 28, 2026, at Waynesville High School Auditorium.
The WMS baseball game will not be rescheduled, due to scheduling conflicts.
The Central Ozarks Conference Tennis Tournament, which had been scheduled for today, has been postponed until tomorrow.
This means there will be no Club Tiger, no WIN, no sports practices, no sporting events and no middle school band concert this evening.
The Waynesville Middle School Spring Band Concert has been rescheduled for 6 p.m. tomorrow, April 28, 2026, at Waynesville High School Auditorium.
The WMS baseball game will not be rescheduled, due to scheduling conflicts.
The Central Ozarks Conference Tennis Tournament, which had been scheduled for today, has been postponed until tomorrow.
JROTC Drill Team takes 3rd place at Nationals
The Waynesville JROTC Tiger Drill Team took 3rd place at Nationals during the U.S. Army Cadet Command Rocky Mountain National Drill Competition from April 22-26,2026.
Waynesville's team was awarded the Norwich Trophy for its 3rd place finish out of a field of more than 50 schools from around the world.
These are the complete results:
· 3rd Place Overall - Norwich Cup
· 3rd Place Armed Division Overall
· 5th Place Unarmed Division Overall
· 2nd Place Armed Inspection
· 2nd Place Unarmed Exhibition
· 3rd Place Armed Exhibition
· 4th Place Armed Color Guard
· 1st Place Armer Exhibition Dual - Austin Bailly & Trevor Skyles
· 1st Place Unarmed Exhibition Dual - Addison Bowling & Addison Smith
· 1st Place Unarmed Exhibition Quad - Danely Aguilar, Addison Bowling, Adriana Martinez and Addison Smith
· 3rd Place Armed Exhibition Solo - Trevor Skyles
· 4th Place Armed Exhibition Quad - Austin Bailly, Kaden Crone, Aubrey Ellison, Trevor Skyles
· 5th Place Best Overall Armed Commander - David Boyd
· 7th Place (of over 500) - Christie Bennett
The Waynesville JROTC Tiger Drill Team took 3rd place at Nationals during the U.S. Army Cadet Command Rocky Mountain National Drill Competition from April 22-26,2026.
Waynesville's team was awarded the Norwich Trophy for its 3rd place finish out of a field of more than 50 schools from around the world.
These are the complete results:
· 3rd Place Overall - Norwich Cup
· 3rd Place Armed Division Overall
· 5th Place Unarmed Division Overall
· 2nd Place Armed Inspection
· 2nd Place Unarmed Exhibition
· 3rd Place Armed Exhibition
· 4th Place Armed Color Guard
· 1st Place Armer Exhibition Dual - Austin Bailly & Trevor Skyles
· 1st Place Unarmed Exhibition Dual - Addison Bowling & Addison Smith
· 1st Place Unarmed Exhibition Quad - Danely Aguilar, Addison Bowling, Adriana Martinez and Addison Smith
· 3rd Place Armed Exhibition Solo - Trevor Skyles
· 4th Place Armed Exhibition Quad - Austin Bailly, Kaden Crone, Aubrey Ellison, Trevor Skyles
· 5th Place Best Overall Armed Commander - David Boyd
· 7th Place (of over 500) - Christie Bennett
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.
