Dexter, Missouri - Mary Kate Miller is the 2016 recipient of a $500 scholarship given by the Stoddard County Republican Club.

She is pictured receiving the check from Ashley Mayer, Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee.

Mary Kate is the daughter of Mike and Candy Miller.

She is active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is a member of the Dexter Honor Society, Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America, Future Teachers of America, Rotary Interact.  She also attended Missouri Girl’s State during the summer of 2015.

After graduation, Mary Kate plans to attend college and obtain a degree in nursing.  She then plans to pursue a degree in Advanced Practice Nursing.

Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter School Board met in a Special Closed Board Meeting in Executive Session on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at noon.  Below are the minutes from that meeting.

In Executive Session: 

The Board accepted a letter of resignation from High School Social Studies / Asst. MS Boys Basketball Coach Lucas McKinnis.

Discussion was held on the Assistant Superintendent Job opening. 

The decision was made to re-open the position during the 2016-17 school year so that an Assistant Superintendent can be in place for 2017-18.

Mr. Wood, Superintendent, stated: “This option was discussed from the beginning, I knew it would be very tough getting a list of qualified applicants with the amount of experience necessary for this job with it being so late in the year.  I feel it’s the best decision in our next step to fill this crucial job with the right person”. 

Dexter, Missouri - Southwest Elementary honors Kindergarten students Gracie Edwards, Myra Wright, Dixie Willis, Kaylin Myers, Drake Carmode, Ashton Holden, Lucas Woods, Bryson Barnes, Leah Smith, and Bella Lacy with the Positive Office Referral certificate.

This award is presented to students who consistently show the 3R's RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, and READY TO LEARN at Southwest Elementary in Dexter.

Blacksburg, Virginia - Megan Bush Baber recently graduated from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Megan is formerly from Dexter and was a Class of 2005 Dexter High School graduate.  She graduated from Harding University, in Searcy, Arkansas in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.  She then worked in Dexter for Dr. Robert Jibben and Nurse Practitioner, Laurie Jibben.

She later taught algebra at Kennett High School before choosing to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a physician.  She will begin her pediatrics residency on June 20th at UAMS/Arkansas Children's Hospital.

Megan is the daughter of Jeff and Cindy Bush formerly of Dexter, but now reside in Phoenix, Arizona.  She and her husband, Randall, reside in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Congratulations Megan!  Dexter proud!

Dexter, Missouri - The first ever Musical Theatre Camp for grades second - sixth was held the week of June 6th - 10th.  Approximately 40 beautiful voices attended the camp. 

The students were divided into 4 different casts and they learned Scene 1 from the musical "Annie Jr."

The youngsters learned their lines by Tuesday and they also learned three songs.  Each camper had a special job and they learned how to stage a scene and move on the stage.  Projection of voice was also a big topic of the week.  They learned how to work together as a cast to create the story and portray their characters.

"The week would not have gone as smooth if it had not been for my high school musical student who came to be counselors," stated choir director Jamie Sepulvado.  "Erica Parris, James Robinson, Makayla Pyle, Brittany Gibson, and Cassidy Bess have been here all week.  Jon Rodgers, Josh Sitze, Meg Simmons, Angel Maze, and Andrew Teel were also here a couple days to help.  I also want to thank Mrs. Christian for being here all week with me as another set of adult eyes!"

"The campers this week have exceeded my expectations," commented Mrs. Sepulvado.  "They are a very talented group of kids.  On day 1 they gave me 110% and didn't let up all week.  I am very proud of them and the future of my musicals is bright with these kids!"

The Dexter High School show this year will be "The Wizard of Oz" and Mrs. Sepulvado will need 5 or more younger students to play the munchkins.  Mrs. Sepulvado noted that the camp was a huge success and she has enjoyed working with all of the students.

Below are the awards presented at the end of the camp:

Cast 1:

Best Attitude: Hunner Kyle, Best Voice: Carly Long, Funniest: Kylan Moore, Sweetest Sweet Tart: Lucy Thorton and Senna Churchill, Growth Award: Amber Madigan, Most Musical: Sofia Gibson, Extra Mile Award: Meredith Benton, Best Smile: Amber Madigan, Best Acting: Kylan Moore, Friendliest: Sofia Gibson, Easy-Going Award: Serina Churchill, Jolly Rancher: Meredith Benton, Best Listener: Lucy Thornton, Most Spirited: Carly Long, Most Polite: Hunner Kyle.

Cast 2:

Best Voice and Best Attitude: Lydia Christian, Best Voice and Best Acting: Cassie Bess, Funniest and Most Musical: Cheyenne Austin, Sweetest and Best Listener: Isabella Pittman, Most Happy and Sweetest: Alisha Pittman, Funniest and Most Spirited: Cameron Bell, Most Musical and Best Acting: Tatum Taylor, Growth Award and best Attitude: Makenzie Kirkpatrick, Easy going Award and Best Listener: Brooklyn Bennett, Easy Going Award and Best Voice: Klaire Essner.

Cast 3:

Best Attitude: Brooke Lasater, Best Voice: Emma Sadler, Funniest: Marissa Wallace, Sweetest Sweet Tart: Andre Hernandex, Growth Award: Anistin Kyle, Most Musical: Grace Sepulvado, Extra Mile Award: Marissa Wallace, Best Smile: Michelie Currie, Best Acting: Grace Sepulvado, Friendliest: Mia Williams, Easy Going Award: Brooke Lasater, Jolly Rancher: Michelie Currie, Best Listener: Emma Sadler, Most Spirited; Emma Worley, Most Polite Emma Worley, Best Facial Expressions: Mia Williams, Best Stage Presence: Anistin Kyle, Most Animated: Andre Hernandez.

Cast 4:

Best Attitude: Luke Gentry, Best Voice: Abrianna McPherson, Sweetest: Ava Schaefer, Growth Award: Avery Riley, Most Musical: Abrianna McPherson, Extra Mile Award: Alliye Lee and Alexis Bennett, Funniest: Abrianna Frazier, Best Smile: Luke Gentry and Ava Schaefer, Best Acting: Abrianna Frazier, Friendliest: Katarrah Churchill, Jolly Rancher: Avery Riley, Best Listener: Katarrah Churchill, Most Spirited: Alexis Bennett and Alliye Lee.