From the Director's Desk

September is here and the school year is in full swing. Classes at TRCC are off to a great start with over 470 students from our sending schools preparing for promising careers. The 2025-2026 school year marks the beginning of our Criminal Justice program which is headed up by Mr. Bryan Miller. Mr. Miller is a retired Lieutenant from the Branson Police Department with 25 years of experience ranging in many different areas of the Law Enforcement sector. As students move out of their initial safety training and orientation, they'll be moving on to some exciting learning in the shops. I'm excited about what all this school year has in store and watching this group of students grow into fine professionals.

September Professionals of the Month

Table Rock Career Center would like to spotlight two students from our Welding Program as our September Professionals of the Month. Congratulations to the following students:

Forsyth High School senior Dylan Price has made it a habit of always exceeding program expectations. He appreciates the welding skills he has learned , but most importantly, he is thankful for what he has learned about the expectations of what it takes to be successful in the welding industry. Upon completion of his program of study he is excited about continuing his welding education and then pursuing a career as a pipeline welder.

Reeds Spring High School senior Kadyn Allerton is taking advantage of the opportunity to learn all he can about the welding industry while he is in high school. He comes to class every day with a professional attitude and with the communication skills that will help him standout in this high-demand industry. He, like many others in his family, is looking forward to pursuing a career as a pipeline welder in an effort to carry on the family tradition.

Thanks to Tracy Carver-American Family Insurance Agency for her continued support of our TRCC Professionals of the Month!

TRCC Highlighted at Congressional Hearing

The U.S. House Subcommittee on Economic Growth heard about the success of Table Rock Career on Wednesday, September 17. Reeds Spring Superintendent Dr. Cody Hirschi testified before the subcommittee.

It was part of a hearing about alternatives to four-year college degrees.

Dr. Hirschi informed lawmakers about the career and technical education opportunities available at Table Rock Career Center, as well as the internship and apprenticeship opportunities offered through the RS Works Program.

“Each child deserves a personalized learning experience that prepares them for the workforce, family life, and active, responsible citizenship,” Hirschi said.

Click to watch the hearing in its entirety.

2025-2026 TRCC Student Advisors

The student advisors at Table Rock Career Center represent every program of study. This dedicated group of students plays a vital role in planning and coordinating special events at TRCC. One of their biggest responsibilities is facilitating the tours of sophomores from our 11 sending schools during the spring semester.

TRCC morning student advisors top row (left to right)

Jack Aksmait (Auto Technology1/Hollister HS), Korbin Mullen (Auto Technology I/Branson HS), Aydin Murray (Welding/Forsyth HS), Cason Kemp (Construction/Hollister HS), and Andrew Legler (Collision Repair/ Branson HS)

TRCC morning student advisors middle row (left to right)

Roman Halbrook (Culinary Arts/Hollister HS), Leah Topka-Cornett (Early Education Careers/Forsyth HS), Jaydyn Hunt (Criminal Justice/Hollister HS), Adrieanna Morgan (EMT/Crane HS), and Mason Nelson (Auto Technology II/Branson HS)

TRCC morning student advisors bottom row (left to right)

Ian Henson (Criminal Justice/Branson HS), Savannah Carthright (Graphic Design/Branson HS), Dakota Ashmore (Engineering/ Branson HS), Ellena Cordova (Healthcare Careers/Branson HS), and Aaron Bull (Computer Technology/Crane HS)

TRCC afternoon student advisors top row (left to right)

Kaivyn Boan (Criminal Justice/Galena HS), Austin Youngblood (Construction/Galena HS), Damien Nagel (Construction/Reeds Spring HS), Tyson Porter (Welding/Reeds Spring HS), and Hunter Howe (Marine Technology/Reeds Spring HS)

TRCC afternoon student advisors middle row (left to right)

Lucia Esqueda (Culinary Arts/Spokane HS), Claire Ross (Criminal Justice/Reeds Spring), Johnny Smith (Auto Technology I/Reeds Spring HS), Autumn Kasikantiris (Auto Technology I/Reeds Spring HS), Emilee Coleman (Engineering/Reeds Spring HS), Konnor Davis (Auto Technology II/Reeds Spring) and Kayla Milot (Graphic Design/Galena)

TRCC afternoon student advisors bottom row (left to right)

Natylei Fish (Healthcare Careers/Reeds Spring HS), Sara Harrison (Early Education Careers/Reeds Spring HS), Maddie Ellersick (Early Education Careers/Reeds Spring HS), Draven Davis (Collision Repair/ Reeds Spring HS), Michael Baldwin (Computer Technology/Reeds Spring HS), and Jacob Coones (EMT/Galena HS)

Congratulations to our Automotive Technology I instructor, Shannon Lasiter, for being named the September Teacher of the Month. Mr. Lasiter embraces the role he plays in helping students learn new skills, but most importantly, helping students get on the right path en route to living happy productive lives. One of his former students had this to say about the impact he had on his life, “The Auto Technology program gave me a solid foundation of skills and knowledge I still carry with me today. Mr. Lasiter’s ability to not only teach the technical side of the automotive industry, but also to instill life lessons about responsibility, problem-solving, and perseverance made a lasting difference in my life.”

Congratulations to our administrative assistant Candy Boyd for being named our September Employee of the Month. Mrs. Boyd always makes everyone who walks into the office feel like they are VIP. She always embraces the opportunity to help students and staff with a positive contagious attitude. She enjoys the comradery of the TRCC staff and how the building is like a second family to her. Mr. Moler, TRCC director, said it best, “Mrs. Candy Boyd is a lot more than just a welcoming smile that greets everyone as they enter our building, she is also a vital piece of our team that keeps TRCC running smoothly. Mrs. Boyd works tirelessly to assure all of our students are properly enrolled and teachers have all they need for their classes.”

Focus on RS Works Intern: Cami Lee

Spotlight on Graphic Design

The Graphic Design program has increased its enrollment and this year’s students are excited to begin the year at Table Rock Career Center. Students will have the opportunity to earn Adobe InDesign and Illustrator Industry Recognized Credentials this year. The program has recently purchased a sublimation printer, screen printing equipment and the students are gaining experience using a digital embroidery machine.

The Graphic Design program is more than a class, it is a live lab with real customers. Over 400 customer projects roll through his shop during a typical school year. Mr. Bruffett is filled with great pride watching students grow and flourish in a place that allows young people to be challenged as they learn new skills they will have for the rest of his/her life.

Mr. Bruffett worked in the graphic design industry for over ten years before he began working in education. During his tenure at TRCC he has embraced the idea of always working outside his comfort zone. By doing this he has always been able to keep up with the technological advances that are synonymous with this ever-changing industry.

SkillsUSA's 2025 Diaper Drive

Our SkillsUSA chapter is facilitating the 2nd annual Pooper Troopers of the Ozarks Diaper Drive. This initiative aims to address a critical and often overlooked need for diaper assistance in our community. The diaper drive will begin on Saturday, September 27, 2025 and end on Sunday, October 12, 2025. All diapers will directly benefit Pregnancy Lifeline in Branson West and Options Pregnancy Clinic in Branson. The Pooper Troopers Diaper Drive offers multiple convenient drop-off locations making it easy for everyone to help us reach our goal of collecting 25,000 diapers. You can make a purchase and/or drop off your donation at any of the following area grocery stores:

Harter House (Hollister)
Harter House (Kimberling City)
Harter House (Nixa)
Harter House (Shell Knob)
King Food Saver (Branson West)
Sun Fest Market (Crane)
Country Mart (Branson)
Country Mart (Forsyth)
Country Mart (Hollister)

To learn more visit: https://poopertroopers.org/ozarks/

TRCC Alumni Spotlight:

Wyatt Honey

We are delighted to feature 2021 Hollister High School graduate Wyatt Honey for our alumni spotlight for the month of September. Wyatt excelled in the Auto Technology Program at Gibson Technical Center and made the easy transition to the Automotive Technology program at Pittsburg State University where he earned his associates degree in 2023. With the training Wyatt received at GTC and PSU he was immediately hired after graduation at BMW of Springfield. As a BMW member technician he has the opportunity to “Work on some of the coolest most state-of-the-art vehicles on the market today.” He arrived at GTC as a junior with an interest in cars and trucks and quickly realized he was going to pursue a career in the automotive industry. Because of this he encourages students to, “Pursue their interests at Table Rock Career Center because there is nothing to lose.” Wyatt really appreciated how his Automotive Technology II instructor, Mr. Tom Sears, “Always stressed the importance of always doing things the right way and never taking shortcuts.”

TRCC Debuts Criminal Justice Program

Table Rock Career Center is excited to announce that Bryan Miller will be leading TRCC’s Criminal Justice program as it makes its debut during the 2025-2026 school year. Mr. Miller brings 32 years of law enforcement experience, 28 serving in a wide variety of roles with the Branson Police Department. He began his career as a patrol officer and worked his way up to the rank of lieutenant. During his time in Branson he developed a passion for education through the D.A.R.E. program and served at the end of his career as the department’s training/recruiting coordinator. As he prepares for the upcoming school year, he is placing great value in establishing partnerships with law enforcement agencies all over the area. Mr. Miller feels at home in the classroom and is excited about the role he will be playing in preparing area students for a wide variety of careers that are available to them in the criminal justice industry.

Focus on RS Works Intern: Allie Johnson

Spotlight on Marine Technology

The Marine Technology program at Table Rock Career Center is one of just two programs serving the marine industry in Missouri. Students have an opportunity to earn the following certifications from this high-demand program: Yamaha University Introduction to Outboard Systems, Snap-On Precision Measurement, OSHA-10, Forklift and a Missouri Boaters License through the Missouri Coast Guard Auxiliary. Mr. Jenkins is looking forward to a great year with a great group of students who are excited to learn skills they will have for the rest of their lives. The students are currently gaining valuable hands-on experience on service calls on customer boats on area docks on Table Rock Lake.

Mr. Chris Jenkins has been the instructor in Table Rock Career Center’s Marine Technology Program since 2016. He is a graduate of Forsyth High School and excelled in the Small Engine/Marine Technology Program at Gibson Technical Center where he placed first in the State SkillsUSA competition based on the skills he learned in his program of study. Mr. Jenkins brings with him over 30 years of experience as a marine technician and business owner before he began pursuing a career in education.

TRCC Releases Fall Adult Education Schedule

Many of our great classes have already started. Take a look at what’s being offered starting in October. Click on the following link for more details: https://5il.co/22ybd

TRCC Receives Donation for Scholarships

Thanks to Nita Jane Ayres who made a $500 donation for a scholarship in recognition/celebration of Kyle Wittmuss. Kyle graduated from our Auto Technology program 2018 and earned a degree Pittsburgh State University. He now works for Fabick Cat in Springfield. We are looking forward to featuring Kyle in our Fall Newsletter.

2025-2026 SkillsUSA Officers

SkillsUSA Officers

Morning Officers: From left to right

Secretary: Jayden Hunt (Criminal Justice–Hollister High School)

Vice President: Andrew Legler (Collision Repair–Branson High School)

Parliamentarian: Casen Kemp (Construction–Hollister High School)

President: Savanna Cartright (Graphic Design–Branson High School

Reporter: Izack Test (Graphic Design–Blue Eye High School)

Activities Chairperson: Aubrey Melton (Culinary Arts–Branson High School)

Afternoon Officers: From left to right

Vice President: Isabella Yartz (Criminal Justice–Reeds Spring High School)

President: Lucia Esqueda (Culinary Arts–Spokane High School)

Reporter: Marina Schrunk (Healthcare Careers–Reeds Spring High School)

Secretary: Athena Cohen (Healthcare Careers–Spokane High School)

Activities Chairperson: Briana Carr (Healthcare Careers–Galena High School)

Parliamentarian: Aidan Broomfield (Auto Technology–Reeds Spring High School)

Reeds Spring Homecoming

TRCC is Hosting a Basketball Tournament

Table Rock Career Center’s Adult Education program is hosting an Adult 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Proceeds from the event will go in support of Table Rock Career Center’s Scholarship Program and TRCC’s SkillsUSA chapter.

When: Saturday, October 25, 2025

Time: 10:00

Where: Reeds Spring High School

How Much: $75

Registration Deadline: October 22, 2025

To register and learn more click on the following link: 3 on 3 Tournament Registration

If you have any questions contact John Giebler jgiebler@wolves.k12.mo.us