Let me start off by wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  As we wrap up our first semester at TRCC, we've got eyes on a busy 2026. Over the next few weeks, we'll be wrapping up our sophomore tours and lining up our class rosters for the next school year, and our focus turns to making sure our graduating seniors have their certifications complete and are ready to start their careers.  Part of that preparation will be participating in competitions through our Career Technical Student Organizations as well as participating in career readiness activities with local industry/businesses leaders. It's hard to believe this school year is already half over with so much yet to accomplish.  Have a wonderful holiday break. 

Congratulations to our Graphic Design instructor, Bob Bruffett, for being named the November Teacher of the Month. Mr. Bruffett loves the diversity of all of the projects that roll through the graphic design shop and how the industry is always evolving at a fast pace.  A 2002 graduate had this to say about Mr. Bruffett,  “He was an amazing teacher when I was at Gibson Technical Center and he left a lasting impression on my life. He is now my daughter's instructor and she comes home everyday excited to tell me about what she is learning in graphic design.”  One of his students also shared, “He is an awesome teacher who cares about his students and lets us be creative in our own way.”

Congratulations to our assistant teacher, Keith McDannold, for being named our November Employee of the Month.  Mr. McDannold receives great satisfaction in the role he plays in the Construction program.  He plays an instrumental part in making sure all students feel like they belong as they evolve and grow in his/her skills in the construction industry.  The program’s instructor, Mr. Sonny Young, added, “Mr. McDannold always does whatever it takes to make sure every student in the program is successful.” One of his colleagues declared, “One can see the love Mr. McDannold has for his role as an educator and how much he cares about the students at Table Rock Career Center.”

Students preparing for careers in law enforcement will now gain hands-on experience with real equipment. The Stone County Sheriff’s Office has donated an out-of-service patrol car to the Table Rock Career Center’s Criminal Justice program. 

“We're firm believers in this criminal justice program. It serves all the schools in Stone County, so we’re investing in future law enforcement,” said Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader.

The car is a 2007 Ford Crown Victoria. Instructor Bryan Miller says he and the students are eternally grateful for the donation. 

“We're going to utilize it to teach students proper approach on vehicle stops, proper care of equipment, and how to transport prisoners in the back seats,” Miller said. “This opens up a whole lot of new possibilities for us in the program.”

Article Courtesy of Reeds Spring Schools

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

Branson High School senior Andrew Legler is a student who is 100% invested in what he is learning in the classroom and easily transitions newly learned skills in the shop.  During his time in the Collision Repair program he is thankful for the role Mr. Stober has played in his professional growth.  “He has high expectations on all projects and when they are not met, he uses the moment for students to learn from.”  Andrew is excited about beginning an RS Works internship in January at Crash Champions in Nixa with the hope the internship will evolve into a full-time position upon graduation from high school.

Ayden Simms, a senior from Reeds Spring High School, appreciates how “Mr. Stober makes learning fun for all students.”  Mr. Stober enthusiastically raves, “Ayden always leads by example in the shop and already has experience in the collision repair industry as a part-time technician at Crash Champions in Branson.  Because of his experience, he is always willing to help students master new skills in the shop.  He does this without being asked.”  Ayden is also taking advantage of an RS Works internship in the second semester where he will be able continue to build on his professional growth at Crash Champions.

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

It was great having the opportunity to meet with sophomores from Blue Eye High School on November 19.  They were able to explore all of the great things TRCC has to offer in all of our programs of study. We appreciate the partnership we have with the Bulldogs in empowering learners for lifelong success.

We are excited to showcase Ronnie Recklein for the TRCC alumni spotlight for the month of December.  Ronnie is a 2009 graduate from Forsyth High School who excelled in the Computer Technology program at Gibson Technical Center under the instruction of Jock Thompson.  As a sophomore he thought about enrolling in the Auto Technology program and changed his mind when he came to the realization that computers were becoming the driving force in all cars and trucks.  This decision is the main reason why he chose Computer Technology as his GTC program of study.  Ronnie is the Systems Administrator for the City of Springfield where he and his team manage over 200 servers on the city’s network.  One of the most important skills he learned at GTC was troubleshooting.  He explains, “Mr. Thompson forced us to figure real-world solutions to real-world problems.”

After graduating from high school Ronnie earned an associates degree in Networking Technology at Ozarks Technical Community College.  He began his professional career as an IT technician at Layer 3 Technologies.  In his five years with Layer 3 Technologies he was promoted to manager/engineer.  In 2021 he began working for the City of Springfield.  As a token of his great appreciation for the role GTC played in his professional growth he serves as a member of the TRCC Computer Technology’s advisory board where he helps shape how the program will provide the skills students will need for the jobs of tomorrow.

The students in the Welding program have been hard at work mastering the skills they will need to directly enter the workforce or continue their training after graduation.  Jordan Lewallen, the program’s instructor, provides opportunities for students to continue their training by inviting from the following welding academies who promote their educational institutions and demonstrating a wide variety of skills that are cornerstones in this industry:  Missouri Welding Institute,  Arkansas Elite Welding Academy, Apex Welding Academy, and American Welding Academy.

Tyson Porter (Reeds Spring High School) talked about how the Welding program changed his life, “This experience has been a life changer. I used to hate coming to school until I found an industry where I can find success in today’s world.”  

Savannah Cauley (Spokane High School) reflected, “The most important thing welding has taught me is control.  You have to have control over your body and also your mind.  You constantly have to be thinking about the next step.”

Upon completion of this program of study students have an opportunity to earn an OSHA Safety & Health Administration, forklift and American Welding Society certifications.

Instructor, Mr. Jordan Lewallen, is a Reeds Spring graduate who was enrolled in Gibson Technical Center’s Automotive and Welding programs. He graduated from the Missouri Welding Institute and gained industry experience as a fabricator at James River Boat Dock Service. Under his leadership the Welding program has had excellent enrollment and excellent career placement.

On December 3 sophomores from Forsyth High School had an opportunity to tour and witness firsthand the role Table Rock Career Center plays in inspiring and equipping every student for their next stage in life.

It has been a very busy semester for the students in the Computer Technology program.  With the transition into the new building the program has added an additional lab space with new computers.  This allows more opportunities for students to gain more experience installing and trouble shooting operating systems and hardware issues.  The program is also transitioning to a new cyber security curriculum that will continue to prepare students for positions in this high-demand industry. 

The program has been hard at work repairing over 2,200 student Chromebooks for the Reeds Spring School District.  Through RS Chrome, they have saved the school district almost $200,000 in less than two years because of the IT support they are providing.  There is no way to measure the value the hands-on experience the students in the program are receiving through the service they are providing for students and staff in the Reeds Spring School District

Since 2002, Jock Thompson has been an instructional cornerstone at TRCC.  Many of his students thank him for lighting a spark that grew into careers in technology.  He always encourages students to find their passion and when they use this passion to pursue a career brings him so much professional satisfaction.  

386 West State Highway 76, Reeds Spring, Missouri 65737

Phone: (417) 272-3271

Email: bmoler@wolves.k12.mo.us

Website: https://www.rs-wolves.com/o/trcc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TableRockCareerCenter

Twitter: @TableRockCC