Dexter, Missouri - Miss Dexter High School contestant first to walk on Friday evening was Miss Kassidey Bollinger.

Kassidey is the 17 year-old daughter of Jim Bollinger and the late Michelle Bollinger.

Kassidey is a member of FCCLA, Future Teachers of America, DECA and the Dexter Honor Society.  She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Kassidey plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University and major in Healthcare Administration.

Mr. Jake Harris escorted Kassidey.  He is the 15 year-old son of Nathan Harris and Jennifer Willis.

Jake’s three words to describe Kassidey are:  Intelligent, Strong, and Beautiful!

Poplar Bluff, Missouri - U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill chose Lake Road Elementary School to donate five used computers to as part of the Computers for Schools program of the legislative chamber.
 
The HP Compaq devices were placed in first grade classrooms on Friday, Sept. 4, to be utilized for differentiated instruction during group exercises, according to Lake Road educators.
 
"We are delighted that out of the hundreds of elementary schools in Missouri, Sen. McCaskill picked Lake Road," Principal Erica Weadon said. "This year we've been able to add computers in our classrooms with Title I funding so second and third graders can have access to online instructional resources. This generous donation will help us expand our efforts to reach more first graders as well."
 
Lake Road was the only school in Southeast Missouri selected to receive the computers under the national yearly program. The Missouri senator also donated computers to Jefferson City, Kansas City, Springfield and St. Louis elementary schools this summer.
 
"Technology is a critical component of education today," McCaskill stated in a press release. "This program connects young Missouri students with technology that can enhance classroom learning and boost the life skills needed to succeed in the 21st century."
 
In the photo: Support specialists Brandon March and Kim Geringer of Poplar Bluff R-I's information technology department set up a small computer lab in elementary teacher Alex Tinker's classroom.

Photo and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Coordinator, Poplar Bluff R-I School District.

Dexter, Missouri - Bearcat football players were on hand for Football Friday at Southwest Elementary greeting students as they were delivered to school.

The Bearcats helped the students out of vehicles and escorted them into the building with high fives and smiles with wishes to have a great school day.

Shown in the photos is Raegan Shipman being assisted from her vehicle sophomore lineman for the Dexter Football Bearcats, Alex Bellers.

Photo courtesy of teacher Shannon Putnam of Dexter Schools.

Dexter, Missouri - Southwest Elementary honors Tayton Williams with the Positive Office Referral certificate.

This award is presented to students who consistently show the 3 R's at Southwest Elementary in Dexter.

Tayton was nominated by his kindergarten teacher Bailey Christian.  He received the certificate, a golden loop and a free taco from Taco Bell.

Congratulations Tayton.

Dexter, Missouri - Southwest Elementary honors Ashlynn Stanley with the Positive Office Referral certificate.

This award is presented to students who consistently show the 3 R's at Southwest Elementary in Dexter.

Ashlynn was nominated by her 2nd grade teacher Rebekah Massey.  She received the certificate, a golden loop and a free taco from Taco Bell.

Congratulations Ashlynn.