WHS students celebrate Missouri Day with 3rd graders
Freedom Elementary 3rd graders and Waynesville High School students teamed up on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, to celebrate Missouri Day.
AP Government students created presentations and hands-on learning stations to teach the elementary students about Missouri’s history and heritage.
“This was so successful that we plan to make it an annual experience and possibly include East Elementary next year,” said AP Government Instructor Eric Thornburg.
The idea originated with Alexis Smith, a 3rd grade teacher at Freedom, who once had Thornburg as her social studies teacher in high school.
"This partnership proved to be a great collaboration," Smith said. "I was so impressed with the presentations and how interactive they were with our students.”
The State Legislature has designated the third Wednesday in October as Missouri Day—a day for schools and citizens to honor the state’s history and achievements.
Freedom Elementary 3rd graders and Waynesville High School students teamed up on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, to celebrate Missouri Day.
AP Government students created presentations and hands-on learning stations to teach the elementary students about Missouri’s history and heritage.
“This was so successful that we plan to make it an annual experience and possibly include East Elementary next year,” said AP Government Instructor Eric Thornburg.
The idea originated with Alexis Smith, a 3rd grade teacher at Freedom, who once had Thornburg as her social studies teacher in high school.
"This partnership proved to be a great collaboration," Smith said. "I was so impressed with the presentations and how interactive they were with our students.”
The State Legislature has designated the third Wednesday in October as Missouri Day—a day for schools and citizens to honor the state’s history and achievements.
FAFSA Night will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 28, 2025, at the Waynesville High School Library for WHS seniors and their parents/guardians who plan to attend college and/or trade school.
In addition, a college admissions counselor and GI Bill specialist will be available.
During this event, families will learn about the different types of aid and why it’s important for every student who plans to go to college or trade school to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – regardless of their income level.
To prepare for FAFSA night, please bring:
· A list of schools you are interested in attending
· StudentAid.gov account information for parents/guardians and student. Students will be able to create account during this time if they do not have one.
· Social Security numbers for both students and parents/guardians.
· Federal income tax returns and W-2 from 2024 as well as records of untaxed income like child support and asset information.
In addition, a college admissions counselor and GI Bill specialist will be available.
During this event, families will learn about the different types of aid and why it’s important for every student who plans to go to college or trade school to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – regardless of their income level.
To prepare for FAFSA night, please bring:
· A list of schools you are interested in attending
· StudentAid.gov account information for parents/guardians and student. Students will be able to create account during this time if they do not have one.
· Social Security numbers for both students and parents/guardians.
· Federal income tax returns and W-2 from 2024 as well as records of untaxed income like child support and asset information.
WHS senior takes 1st as Ultimate Raider,
Raiders finish 4th at Smith Cotton
The Waynesville Raider Team finished 4th overall and WHS Senior David Connor took 1st place in the Ultimate Raider competition at the Smith Cotton Raider Meet on Oct. 11, 2025, in Sedalia.
These are Waynesville’s results from a field of 30 teams representing 20 high schools:
· Connor David - 1st Place Ultimate Raider (of 20)
· Inez Casto - 4th Place Ultimate Raider
· 2nd Place - 1-Rope Bridge
· 3rd Place - 1 Mile Ruck Run
· 4th Place - 5k Run
· 4th Place - Physical Team Test
· 4th Place - Gauntlet!
· 4th Place - Overall
This was the last regular Raider Meet of the season. Raider Nationals has been postponed until April 26, 2026, due to the government shutdown.
Raiders finish 4th at Smith Cotton
The Waynesville Raider Team finished 4th overall and WHS Senior David Connor took 1st place in the Ultimate Raider competition at the Smith Cotton Raider Meet on Oct. 11, 2025, in Sedalia.
These are Waynesville’s results from a field of 30 teams representing 20 high schools:
· Connor David - 1st Place Ultimate Raider (of 20)
· Inez Casto - 4th Place Ultimate Raider
· 2nd Place - 1-Rope Bridge
· 3rd Place - 1 Mile Ruck Run
· 4th Place - 5k Run
· 4th Place - Physical Team Test
· 4th Place - Gauntlet!
· 4th Place - Overall
This was the last regular Raider Meet of the season. Raider Nationals has been postponed until April 26, 2026, due to the government shutdown.
Waynesville R-VI Superintendent Hilary Bales recognized the members of the 2025-2026 Student Leadership Team during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on Oct. 13, 2025.
Student Leadership Team members provide student input on various pertinent issues in the school district.
The following students were selected by their building administrators to serve on this team:
WSGC Representatives:
· Trace Boerner
· Lennox Carr
· Zaki Carter
· Aubree Lamkins
· Leonardo Miller
· Jessicah Njuguna
WMS Representatives:
· Maci Arthur
· Ava Campbell
· Finley Laderer
· Joseph Valencia
WHS Representatives:
· Emmanuel Aguirre
· Emily Babcock
· Kaden Crone
· Nelson Fala
· Sadie Faughn
· Omari Lewis
· Amelia Linde
· Isabella Torres
WCC Representatives:
· Pedro Betts
· Addison Bowling
· Wyatt Glaspell
· Celina Helmuth
· Jamie Laughlin
· Lauryn Lercher
· Belle Magner
· Sophia Roark
· Noah Scharff
· Caden Vaughn
· Haidyn Walters
Student Leadership Team members provide student input on various pertinent issues in the school district.
The following students were selected by their building administrators to serve on this team:
WSGC Representatives:
· Trace Boerner
· Lennox Carr
· Zaki Carter
· Aubree Lamkins
· Leonardo Miller
· Jessicah Njuguna
WMS Representatives:
· Maci Arthur
· Ava Campbell
· Finley Laderer
· Joseph Valencia
WHS Representatives:
· Emmanuel Aguirre
· Emily Babcock
· Kaden Crone
· Nelson Fala
· Sadie Faughn
· Omari Lewis
· Amelia Linde
· Isabella Torres
WCC Representatives:
· Pedro Betts
· Addison Bowling
· Wyatt Glaspell
· Celina Helmuth
· Jamie Laughlin
· Lauryn Lercher
· Belle Magner
· Sophia Roark
· Noah Scharff
· Caden Vaughn
· Haidyn Walters
An ambulance was dispatched to Waynesville High School at approximately 12:10 p.m. today (Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025) 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.
Waynesville High School’s Student Government Association will host a Trunk or Treat event Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the WHS parking lot. #wayschools
Waynesville High School hosted its annual College and Career Fair on Oct. 7, 2025. Juniors and seniors from Waynesville High School, the Waynesville Career Center and Crocker High School attended the event, which featured representatives from more than 60 colleges, universities, military branches and businesses.
Additionally, AVID students from both the middle school and high school participated, further enhancing their exposure to postsecondary and career opportunities.
Additionally, AVID students from both the middle school and high school participated, further enhancing their exposure to postsecondary and career opportunities.
Gen. Crockett visits Waynesville Tiger Battalion and recognizes 4 cadets
Brig. Gen. Sean Crockett, the Deputy Commander U.S. Army Cadet Command, visited the Waynesville Tiger Battalion on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, at the Waynesville Career Center.
Crockett toured the facilities, spoke to the battalion and received a "State of the Battalion" briefing from the Tiger Battalion commanders and staff. He also recognized four outstanding cadets: LET 1 Jessie Lopez, LET 2 Nicholas Vaughn, LET 3 Sarah Ketchum and LET 4 Addison Bowling.
Lopez was recognized for “facing every challenge with a positive outlook and a desire to improve, making every task, no matter how difficult, a valuable learning experience for herself and those around her.”
Vaughn was recognized for being “the definition of a steady performer. He will take any task assigned to him and complete it on time, to standard and with limited supervision. He always maintains a positive attitude and is respectful to his peers.”
Ketchum was recognized for “epitomizing what a Cadet Leader looks like. She is a scholar, athlete and leader. She is a varsity basketball player, and is the 6th hour class leader because of her demonstrated leadership ability and potential.”
In addition to being the cadet captain and public affairs officer, Bowling was recognized for being a member of the Drill Team and Raider Team. “She has done an amazing job taking photos of all of our events, and telling our battalion story; far ahead of any of her predecessors. She is in the WCC nursing program and is currently applying for the Army ROTC nursing scholarship.”
Brig. Gen. Sean Crockett, the Deputy Commander U.S. Army Cadet Command, visited the Waynesville Tiger Battalion on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, at the Waynesville Career Center.
Crockett toured the facilities, spoke to the battalion and received a "State of the Battalion" briefing from the Tiger Battalion commanders and staff. He also recognized four outstanding cadets: LET 1 Jessie Lopez, LET 2 Nicholas Vaughn, LET 3 Sarah Ketchum and LET 4 Addison Bowling.
Lopez was recognized for “facing every challenge with a positive outlook and a desire to improve, making every task, no matter how difficult, a valuable learning experience for herself and those around her.”
Vaughn was recognized for being “the definition of a steady performer. He will take any task assigned to him and complete it on time, to standard and with limited supervision. He always maintains a positive attitude and is respectful to his peers.”
Ketchum was recognized for “epitomizing what a Cadet Leader looks like. She is a scholar, athlete and leader. She is a varsity basketball player, and is the 6th hour class leader because of her demonstrated leadership ability and potential.”
In addition to being the cadet captain and public affairs officer, Bowling was recognized for being a member of the Drill Team and Raider Team. “She has done an amazing job taking photos of all of our events, and telling our battalion story; far ahead of any of her predecessors. She is in the WCC nursing program and is currently applying for the Army ROTC nursing scholarship.”
Last Saturday, October 4th, the Waynesville High School Tiger Pride Marching Band traveled to Springfield, MO, to compete in the Valhalla Marching Competition hosted by Parkview High School. We are extremely proud of how our students performed!
The Tiger Pride Marching Band earned 3rd place in Class D during the preliminary competition and received the Outstanding Music Award for all of Class D. Out of 28 bands competing throughout the day, the top 12 advanced to the evening finals — and our Tiger Pride Band was among them!
In the finals, the band placed 6th overall and was honored with the Outstanding Drum Major Award among all finalist bands. We couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and growth each and every week.
If you’d like to see the band perform, their next competition will be held on October 11th at Branson High School in Branson, MO.
WHS hosted its first Lunch and Learn of the year! Junior and senior students interested in military service were invited to learn about enlistment requirements, the mission of each branch, available career paths, and the many benefits the military offers. Recruiters also shared the valuable skills they’ve gained through their service and how the military has shaped their character.
Tiger soccer is live vs Nixa!
https://fan.hudl.com/_/_/_/organization/_/_/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0Mjg4NTE3OA==
Student artwork lined the hallway and art students provided live art demonstrations, including painting and pottery, during Showcase Waynesville Schools on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025.
An ambulance was dispatched to Waynesville High School at approximately 10:45 a.m. today (Monday, Oct. 6, 2025) 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.
Alaina Gordon, a senior at Waynesville High School, has signed to play softball at Stephens College. Her signing was held at WHS on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. #wayschools
Snack in a Pack fundraiser at Ed Morse Ford
The Drive4 UR Community event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at Ed Morse Ford in St. Robert to support Snack in a Pack. SIAP will receive $30 per each test drive (1 per household) for up to 200 test drives. A pre- and post-survey must be completed in order for SIAP to receive a $30 donation for driving.
PreRegistration is strongly encouraged for the text drives by scanning the QR code or going to https://d4urc.com/W64XR. (It will state Ed Morse Ford East.)
Snack in a Pack provides meals on weekends and holidays for Waynesville R-VI students who might otherwise go hungry.
To test drive a vehicle, an individual must be at least 18 years of age and a licensed driver.
The Drive4 UR Community event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at Ed Morse Ford in St. Robert to support Snack in a Pack. SIAP will receive $30 per each test drive (1 per household) for up to 200 test drives. A pre- and post-survey must be completed in order for SIAP to receive a $30 donation for driving.
PreRegistration is strongly encouraged for the text drives by scanning the QR code or going to https://d4urc.com/W64XR. (It will state Ed Morse Ford East.)
Snack in a Pack provides meals on weekends and holidays for Waynesville R-VI students who might otherwise go hungry.
To test drive a vehicle, an individual must be at least 18 years of age and a licensed driver.
VOICES to perform tonight during Showcase Waynesville Schools
The VOICES Choir, an honor choir for students in grades 4-6, rehearsed on Wednesday in preparation for their performance tonight (Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025) at Showcase Waynesville Schools at Waynesville High School.
The VOICES Choir is under the direction of Vanessa Mason and assistant directors Laura Taylor, Beth Gibson, Amanda Johnson-Gonzalez, Lisa Martin and Terri Heiby.
Showcase Waynesville Schools is hosted by the Waynesville R-VI School District Foundation and is free and open to the public.
* Showcase schedule at a glance *
- 5 to 6 p.m. WHS 1st Floor
Guests will view student artwork and students will demonstrate their artistic and robotic skills on the first floor fine arts wing of WHS.
- 6 to 7 p.m. WHS Auditorium
Waynesville R-VI students will perform dance, musical and choral numbers in the WHS Auditorium.
- 7:15 p.m. WHS Bronze Tiger
Close friends, family members and community leaders are invited to stay for the formal Induction ceremony into the Wall of Leaders – Janice Roam Dye and the late Dr. Ogden DeWitt as Lifetime Achievement - Alumni and the late Sadie Navarre as Outstanding Educational Professional. Wall of Leaders inductees.
2025 WHS Powder Puff Champs! 🏆 Huge shoutout to the Seniors for taking home the title! Thank you to everyone who participated, and a big thank you to all the parents and community members who came out to support our amazing WHS Tigers!
WHS Powder Puff 2025 is underway! The seniors are defending their championship title, and we’ve even got some future hall-of-fame sports broadcasters on the play-by-play! Go Tigers!
Waynesville's Mixed Team finishes 5th at Ozark
The Waynesville Raider Team traveled to Camp Arrowhead (Marshfield) on Sept. 27, 2025, to compete in the Ozark High School Raider Meet. This was also the 3rd ROTC Brigade qualifier for Army Raider Nationals.
In a field of more than 30 teams, Waynesville’s Mixed Team finished 5th overall, finishing 3rd on the Gauntlet. They were also 5th on the Physical Team, 6th on the Cross Country Litter Rescue, 7th on the 1 Rope Bridge and 11th on the 5k Run.
Next up is the Waynesville/Fort Leonard Wood Raider Meet, on Oct. 4, 2025, hosted by the 31st Engineer Battalion, 1st Engineer Brigade.
The Waynesville Raider Team traveled to Camp Arrowhead (Marshfield) on Sept. 27, 2025, to compete in the Ozark High School Raider Meet. This was also the 3rd ROTC Brigade qualifier for Army Raider Nationals.
In a field of more than 30 teams, Waynesville’s Mixed Team finished 5th overall, finishing 3rd on the Gauntlet. They were also 5th on the Physical Team, 6th on the Cross Country Litter Rescue, 7th on the 1 Rope Bridge and 11th on the 5k Run.
Next up is the Waynesville/Fort Leonard Wood Raider Meet, on Oct. 4, 2025, hosted by the 31st Engineer Battalion, 1st Engineer Brigade.
An ambulance was dispatched to Waynesville High School at approximately 2 p.m. today (Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025) 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.