Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Elks Lodge recently announced the winners of $500 scholarships awarded to 2016 seniors.

The 15 scholarships went to students and direct relatives of members of the Dexter Elks Lodge.

The Elks invest in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, by undertaking community projects that address unmet needs, and by honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans.

The recipients of this year's 2016 scholarships are Kendall Adams of Dexter, Kassidy Bollinger of Dexter, Kerigan Brady of Dexter, Shaylee Ficke of Doniphan, River Chism of Dexter, Matney Davis of Dexter, Michael Griffin of Dexter, Kayla Newell of Apex, North Carolina, Tyler Heil of Dexter, Jessica Holder of Dexter, Storm Massey of Dexter, Dakoda Monroe of Bloomfield, Seth Mouser of Dexter, Katylyn Pearson of Bloomfield, and Blake Robinett of Dexter.

Shown in the photo are Dexter seniors front row from left to right Kerigan Brady, Jessica Holder, Kendall Adams, and Matney Davis.  Back row from left to right are Michael Griffin, River Chism, Tyler Heil, Storm Massey, and Blake Robinett.

Dexter, Missouri - Southwest Elementary singers have two big events this week.  Shown in the photo is the Southwest Elementary Honors Choir.

Second grade choir will perform "We Haz Jazz" on Thursday, April 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the Southwest gym! 

"We Haz Jazz" will feature the classes of Mrs. Boyer, Mrs. Massey, Mrs. Mick, and Mrs. Nelson. This is FREE and open to the public!

On Friday, April 8th at 7:00 p.m. Radio Disney Host Nate and the Disney Band "Before You Exit" will perform.  Doors open at the Bearcat Event Center at 6:30 p.m.  This event is FREE and open to the public.

Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Three Rivers College closed its “Changing Lives, Building Futures” fundraising campaign with a “Victory Celebration” held at the college’s Poplar Bluff campus on April 1. The multi-year campaign was focused on raising donations for the college’s major building projects in Sikeston and Poplar Bluff.

“This isn’t a victory just for one person, but for everyone who has worked hard to support the college and make this campaign a success,” said Dr. Wesley Payne, President of Three Rivers College. “And while we are closing the capital campaign, we’re going to continue to move the college forward.”

Over the course of the “Changing Lives, Building Futures” campaign, Three Rivers raised approx. $7.5 million through over 400 private donations. The funds raised supported three major capital projects for the college: the construction of a major instructional facility in Sikeston; the Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise on the Poplar Bluff campus; and the Libla Family Sports Complex, also on the Poplar Bluff campus.

“Because of this campaign, where six years ago there was just a corn field, today there is one of the most modern education facilities in Missouri,” said Scott Matthews, a major donor to the Three Rivers – Sikeston project. “Three Rivers, at all of its locations, embodies the dreams of the area, and is truly changing lives and building futures.”

Construction on Three Rivers – Sikeston completed in 2014, while the Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise opened for classes in 2015. The final project supported by the “Changing Lives, Building Futures” campaign, the Libla Family Sports Complex, began construction in 2016, with an official groundbreaking on April 1 prior to the Victory Celebration.

In addition to financial donations, the campaign also generated numerous donations of property and equipment. Major property contributions included a 68-acre donation of land from the Matthews family, which made possible the Three Rivers – Sikeston building; and a significant land donation from Dr. Richard Camp, which was used to complete the college’s Main Entrance project.

While Three Rivers has completed the “Changing Lives, Building Futures” campaign, the college is still seeking donations for multiple initiatives, including one-time and endowed scholarships, the college’s “Excellence Fund,” and continuing support of Three Rivers’ capital projects. For more information on how you can make a difference at Three Rivers, or to make a donation, contact Director of Development Michelle Reynolds at 573-840-9077, or michellereynolds@trcc.edu.

Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu

Shown in the photo is Scott Matthews, a Sikeston resident and major donor to the “Changing Lives, Building Futures” campaign at Three Rivers College, speaks at a Victory Celebration held April 1 to commemorate the completion of that campaign.

Dexter, Missouri - Southwest Elementary honors Amyah McKinnis, Campbell Neely, Rebecca Holt, Colton Smith, Drake Carmode, and Ethan Parish with the Positive Office Referral certificate.

Amyah McKinnis is in kindergarten and was referred by Mr. Eldreth.  "Amyah is a pleasure to have in class.  She always shows the 3R's and sets a great example for her class."

Campbell Neely is also a kindergarten student and was referred by Mr. Eldreth.  "Campbell sets a wonderful behavior example for his peers.  He is always showing the 3R's."

Rebecca Holt is a kindergarten student and was referred by Mr. Eldreth.  "Rebecca is a wonderful behavior model for her class.  She is always showing the 3R's."

Colton Smith is in the 2nd grade and was referred by Mrs. Jarrell. "Colton is responsible and brings his folder to class each week.  He is also respectful of the teacher and other students."

Drake Carmode is a kindergarten student and was referred by Mr. Eldreth.  "Drake is a thrill to have in music class!  He is always showing the 3R's and behaves extremely well!"

Ethan Parish is a second grade student and was referred by Mrs. Jarrell.  "Ethan is responsible and brings his folder to class each week.  He is respectful of the teachers and other students."

Congratulations!

Front row from left to right Colton Smith, Drake Carmode, and Ethan Parish Back row from left to right Amyah McKinnis, Campbell Neely, and Rebecca Holt.

Dexter, Missouri - Gabrielle Guethle was one of several students taking part in the 2016 Dexter Kindergarten Screening held over a two-day period.

Children had to be 5 years old before August 1, 2016 to be eligible for the 2016-2017 school year. 

A total of 143 incoming kindergarten students attend this year's screening. 

If your child did not attend the screening and should be attending school in the fall please contact the Southwest Elementary office at 614-1015.

Photo submitted by Shannon Putnam, first grade teacher at Southwest Elementary.