Luge Hardman, a retired teacher and former mayor of Waynesville, donated her book “Tales From the Chalkboard: A Teacher’s Personal Journey” to the Waynesville R-VI School District during the Board of Education meeting on April 20, 2026. On behalf of the district, Superintendent Hilary Bales accepted the memoir on the lasting bonds between educators and their students. Hardman taught in the district from 1971 to 2001. Her book “blends personal memories, classroom stories and local history with thoughtful insight into how education, technology, discipline and student culture evolved” during her tenure. Proceeds from the book will be used to fund a scholarship for Waynesville High School seniors.
Author Luge Hardman, Publisher Lindsay Teal-Parrott and Superintendent Hilary Bales are pictured.
Author Luge Hardman, Publisher Lindsay Teal-Parrott and Superintendent Hilary Bales are pictured.
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
3 DECA students qualify to compete at International event
Three Waynesville Career Center students have qualified to compete at the 2026 DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Atlanta. They are:
· Collin Box (not pictured)
· Sadie Faughn
· Lauryn Lercher
Courtney Long, the executive director of secondary instruction, recognized the trio for qualifying for the international competition during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on April 20, 2026.
Three Waynesville Career Center students have qualified to compete at the 2026 DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Atlanta. They are:
· Collin Box (not pictured)
· Sadie Faughn
· Lauryn Lercher
Courtney Long, the executive director of secondary instruction, recognized the trio for qualifying for the international competition during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on April 20, 2026.
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.
9 WCC students qualify for Nationals
Nine Waynesville Career Center students have earned the right to compete at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta in June 2026 by placing at the top during the Missouri SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference.
The following students will compete at Nationals:
· Alexis Meyer, Audio Radio
· Emily Van Loan, Audio Radio
· Kaydence Stubblefield, Cosmetology
· Ellyia Bagby, Nail Care
· Hunter Alexander, Programming
· Alessander Eggart, Video News
· Ruby Hisatake, Video News
· Hannah Ussery, Video News
· Denver Wheeler, Video News
Nine Waynesville Career Center students have earned the right to compete at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta in June 2026 by placing at the top during the Missouri SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference.
The following students will compete at Nationals:
· Alexis Meyer, Audio Radio
· Emily Van Loan, Audio Radio
· Kaydence Stubblefield, Cosmetology
· Ellyia Bagby, Nail Care
· Hunter Alexander, Programming
· Alessander Eggart, Video News
· Ruby Hisatake, Video News
· Hannah Ussery, Video News
· Denver Wheeler, Video News
3 WCC students receive Breaking Tradition Award
Three Waynesville Career Center students were honored for being selected as Breaking Traditions Award winners by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
These outstanding non-traditional career and technical students were recognized as follows:
· Jimmie Jo Sufficool - Richland High School - Auto Body
· Brookelynn Humphrey - Iberia High School - Auto Service
· Teegean Duke - Waynesville High School - Carpentry
They are pictured with Courtney Long, executive director of secondary instruction, who presented them with certificates during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on April 20, 2026.
Three Waynesville Career Center students were honored for being selected as Breaking Traditions Award winners by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
These outstanding non-traditional career and technical students were recognized as follows:
· Jimmie Jo Sufficool - Richland High School - Auto Body
· Brookelynn Humphrey - Iberia High School - Auto Service
· Teegean Duke - Waynesville High School - Carpentry
They are pictured with Courtney Long, executive director of secondary instruction, who presented them with certificates during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on April 20, 2026.
3 sworn in as board members
Layne Lercher, Richard Oxendine and Mike Rawlings were sworn in as members of the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education on April 20, 2026, after the election results were certified. The oath of office was administered by Board Executive Secretary Megan Ace.
Andy Anderson, Layne Lercher and Rick Harne were recognized for having served their three-year terms, along with the entire board for their service this past year.
Past officers were also recognized and new officers were selected for the 2026–27 school year: Layne Lercher as president, Janel Rowell as vice president, Mike Keeling as secretary and Charles Quinn as treasurer.
Layne Lercher, Richard Oxendine and Mike Rawlings were sworn in as members of the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education on April 20, 2026, after the election results were certified. The oath of office was administered by Board Executive Secretary Megan Ace.
Andy Anderson, Layne Lercher and Rick Harne were recognized for having served their three-year terms, along with the entire board for their service this past year.
Past officers were also recognized and new officers were selected for the 2026–27 school year: Layne Lercher as president, Janel Rowell as vice president, Mike Keeling as secretary and Charles Quinn as treasurer.
Today’s #TeacherProudTuesday shout-out goes to Freedom Elementary staff members Julia Stapleton, Lisa Morgan and the school’s special education team.
#WaySchools #TeacherProudTuesday
#WaySchools #TeacherProudTuesday
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.
Thayer, Partridge and Wood Elementary students and staff received Culver’s custard sundaes donated by Culver’s on Monday, April 20, 2026, in celebration of April being the Month of the Military Child. Volunteers delivered and handed out the custard. The custard sundaes will be delivered to Waynesville R-VI Schools throughout the week. More than 60 percent of Waynesville R-VI students are military impacted.
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.
Kindergarten Kickoff to be held May 4
Waynesville R-VI will host a Kindergarten Kickoff at 5:30 p.m. on May 4, 2026, in the Waynesville High School Auditorium.
This is for parents of students who will be going into kindergarten this fall. Future kindergartners are welcome to attend as well. Snacks will be provided.
Future kindergartners and their parents will learn about preparing for a successful school year and:
· Kinder Kamp
· Enrollment
· Summer School
· Transportation Information
· Required Immunizations
· Food Service
· Volunteer Opportunities
· After School Programs
For more information, please contact Student Services at 573-842-2092 or studentservices@waynesville.k12.mo.us.
Waynesville R-VI will host a Kindergarten Kickoff at 5:30 p.m. on May 4, 2026, in the Waynesville High School Auditorium.
This is for parents of students who will be going into kindergarten this fall. Future kindergartners are welcome to attend as well. Snacks will be provided.
Future kindergartners and their parents will learn about preparing for a successful school year and:
· Kinder Kamp
· Enrollment
· Summer School
· Transportation Information
· Required Immunizations
· Food Service
· Volunteer Opportunities
· After School Programs
For more information, please contact Student Services at 573-842-2092 or studentservices@waynesville.k12.mo.us.
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.
Waynesville Career Center's Teacher Preparation FCCLA Chapter is hosting a Spring Parent's Night Out.
Children ages Pre-K-5th grade are invited to be dropped off at the WCC from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, for fun, educational centers prepared by future teachers. Your child will get to participate in many different learning activities such as rock painting, story book crafting, cloud slime creation, and different educational games. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
The cost is $20 per child. To sign up, click on this link https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSc_HBsGTZ.../viewform or use the QR code on the flyer and complete the Google Form for registration. Spots are limited, so sign up quickly!
Payment the night of may be cash or check
Children ages Pre-K-5th grade are invited to be dropped off at the WCC from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, for fun, educational centers prepared by future teachers. Your child will get to participate in many different learning activities such as rock painting, story book crafting, cloud slime creation, and different educational games. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
The cost is $20 per child. To sign up, click on this link https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSc_HBsGTZ.../viewform or use the QR code on the flyer and complete the Google Form for registration. Spots are limited, so sign up quickly!
Payment the night of may be cash or check
Pete Nowaki, James Lafferty and the 8th Grade Science Team from Waynesville Middle School are being recognized as this week’s #TeacherProudTuesday shout-out.
#ProudTeacherTuesday #WaySchools
#ProudTeacherTuesday #WaySchools
