Dexter, Missouri – Talented solo vocal students represented Dexter High School during the last weekend in March at the District Music Festival held at Poplar Bluff.

Out of the 27 entries taken to the contest, 15 received a #1 Exemplary rating, according to DHS Choir Director Jamie Sepalvado.   Eleven soloists received #1 ratings.

"When students receive a “1” rating, they are qualified to go to Columbia on May 1, 2015, to perform at the State Music Festival,” stated Sepalvado.

Sepalvado credited all of the students for dedication to their music and for well representing Dexter at the recent competition.

In the photo at are students who performed solos and earned a Number 1 rating. They are: (in back) Brooks Propst (senior), Noah Kronk (senior), Tres Hampton (freshman), Andrew Teel (sophomore), Shelby Gathings (senior), and Lauren Thrower (junior). In front are Myca Sutton (sophomore), Ashlynn Wyman (sophomore), Caroline Powers (sophomore), Sarah Miller (sophomore) and Ryan Mayo (sophomore).

Dexter, Missouri - Southwest Elementary School in Dexter holds a Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser each year for the American Heart Association.

First and second graders jumps their little hearts out for the cause!

This year, under the direction of Coach Kyle Williamson, students raised a total of $7,414.48.  The school's top fundraisers in second grade are pictured above.

Emma Pennington raised $207.  Korbin Williams raised $250 and Elizabeth Bolin who jumped 127 times in a row to earn her certificate.  Not available for the photo are Cale Robinson who raised $210 and Cali Jones who raised $200.

Congratulations and thank you for raising so much money for the American Heart Association!

Dexter, Missouri - Southwest Elementary School in Dexter holds a Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser each year for the American Heart Association.

First and second graders jumps their little hearts out for the cause!

This year, under the direction of Coach Kyle Williamson, students raised a total of $7,414.48.  The school's top fundraisers in first grade are pictured above.

Klaire Essner raised $217, Emmelia Cliff raised $250, Calab Rowland raised $300 and the overall fundraiser was Eli Scott.  He raised $505 on his own.  for his accomplishment, the school gym at Southwest Elementary was named after Eli for a week.  His classroom, with Shannon Putnam as teacher, was the top fundraising class with $1,069.00 turn in for the American Heart Association.

Congratulations Eli and to all the students who worked so hard to raise money for a great cause!

Dexter, Missouri - Robert Shell brought a load of "free gifts" to the T.S. Hill Middle School Jr. Beta Club.  He also addressed the club explaining FORD's Drive for Your School opportunity.

On Saturday, April 11th, Bud Shell Ford in Dexter will have select automobiles at T.S. Hill Middle School for test driving opportunities.  Every person 18 and over who fill out a form will earn the Jr. Beta Club $20.  The offer is limited to 300 participants and will earn the T.S. Hill Jr. Beta Club $6,000. 

This money will be used to travel to the National Convention in Nashville, Tennessee on June 25, 2015.

There will also be other events on Saturday, April 11th.  They will host a carwash (donation only), yard sale (donation only), and a Diaper Derby.

Support like this is greatly appreciated and the students left the gym motivated and in high spirits.

Shown in the photo are Jr. Beta Club members and Robert Shell.

Dexter, Missouri - Matt Worley is a Dexter School Board Candidate.  The Dexter CTA made available at Monday evening's School Board Candidate Forum a little background information on each candidate to share with the public.

Family Members:  Amy (wife), Jack (9th grade), and Cooper (2nd grade)

Personal Education History:  Graduate of Dexter High School Class of 1989, Southeast Missouri State University with Bachelor of Science in General Studies.

Occupation: Owner and President of Specialty Products & Services, Inc.

Community Service Activities/Affiliations:  Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Mental Health Regional Advisory Council.

Why do you want to serve as a school board member?  "I have two children in school, and I want them to receive the best education possible.  As a member of the school board, I hope to affect Dexter's schools in order ot give my children this opportunity, and by those same efforts give the same opportunity to all the children of the district."

What is your philosophy of education?  "I believe education starts at home with the parents.  The school has the responsibility to give them the structured education they deserve, and need, to be successful.  School should have an environment that is conducive to learning, and have opportunities for extracurricular activities that enhance the education experience.  I believe the way to do this is by developing a strong administration, and supporting that administration while it performs its duties."

School Board Election is Tuesday, April 7, 2015 in Dexter.