From the Director's Desk

Winter is in full swing, and so are 2nd semester classes at TRCC. It's great to see students continuing to improve upon their knowledge and skills in all of our programs. It also so exciting to observe seniors marching ever closer to graduation. Our official ribbon cutting and "Grand Opening" was held on January 22nd. It was so much fun hosting hundreds of people who were able to see TRCC in person for the first time.

As we break into February, it's a great time to remind everyone that it is also CTE month. Our students and staff will be celebrating CTE all month long with special activities centered around real-world experiences in all programs. Many students recently competed in program specific contests, they will listen to guest speakers from their related industries, and they will participate in mock interviews to help prepare them to enter the workplace.

We're also in the midst of sophomore tours from our sending schools, so we've had lots of visitors through our doors over the past few weeks. If you haven't had a chance to see the building in person, mark your calendars for our next Open House which will be the evening of March 12 from 5:00-8:00.

Congratulations to our Construction instructor, Sonny Young, for being selected as the January Teacher of the Month. One of Mr. Young’s former students had this to say about the impact he had, “I currently work in the construction industry and use what I learned in his class every day.” Mr. Young places a strong emphasis on building positive relationships with his students and is impactful in demonstrating what it means to have the work ethic needed to be successful in all industries.

We are proud to recognize Mike Burke as our January Employee of the Month. Mr. Burke played an important role in the transition from the Gibson Campus to the new Table Rock Career Center. He always does a great job of anticipating the needs of the staff as it relates to the maintenance and making sure all learning spaces are conducive to learning. He plays an important role in making sure our new building is always spotless. He appreciates how the TRCC staff works together to always do what’s best for kids.

Public Enjoys First Look at Table Rock Career Center

More than 400 students from 11 school districts can now access cutting-edge, career-focused education at the new Table Rock Career Center. This facility replaces Gibson Technical Center, which operated in Reeds Spring for 50 years.

“This facility will serve as a launching pad for dreams, equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in the modern workforce,” said Reeds Spring Superintendent Dr. Cody Hirschi.

The Reeds Spring School District celebrated this milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and public Open House on Wednesday, January 22.

The state-of-the-art center offers 12 career and technical education programs, equipping students with industry certifications and workforce readiness upon graduation.

During the event, the district honored Missouri Commissioner of Education Dr. Karla Eslinger for her instrumental role in securing additional funding for the project.

Special recognition was also given to Omar Gibson, the former Reeds Spring superintendent who established the district’s technical education program. The new lecture hall at the center bears his name in tribute to his legacy.

This innovative facility represents a major step forward in preparing students for successful careers and fostering workforce development in the region.

“Let us remember that this is just the beginning,” Hirschi said. “Together, we are building brighter futures for our students and a stronger foundation for our community. Let’s celebrate this incredible milestone and look forward to the many successes that lie ahead!”

Article courtesy of Reeds Spring Schools

Former Marine Technology Student Reaches Apprenticeship Milestone

Caleb Cronk, A 2022 Reeds Spring High School graduate has made history by becoming the first former student to meet the rigorous requirements of the Missouri Registered Youth Apprenticeship Program through the Table Rock Career Center.

He achieved this distinction by completing 4,500 hours of hands-on experience at The Ski Shack. While in school, Cronk was an active participant in the Marine Tech program, where he developed the foundational skills that led to his success.

“Caleb’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence are truly commendable,” said RS Works Coordinator Rachel Pryor.

The Missouri Registered Youth Apprenticeship Program is designed to prepare students for high-demand careers through comprehensive training. To qualify, participants must be employed by a registered apprenticeship sponsor and engage in programs that combine structured, on-the-job learning with mentorship from experienced professionals.”

Cronk’s accomplishment highlights the effectiveness of this program and the opportunities available to students through partnerships with local businesses and the Table Rock Career Center. His achievement sets a high standard for current and future students pursuing similar pathways.

Article courtesy of Reeds Spring Schools

TRCC Spring 2025 Adult Education Course Offerings

Table Rock Career Center is proud to announce our 2025 Spring Community Adult Education Class Schedule. Course offerings include the following: Water & Boat Safety, Microsoft Office, Sign Language, Basket Making, Introduction to ISO 9001, Basic Car Care, Yoga, Painting, Taekwondo, Pickleball, Zumba, and Abstract Photography.

Branson High School Tour

It was awesome having over 100 Branson High School students tour TRCC on January 23. They were able to explore all 13 programs of study designed to prepare students for career and life.

Focus on RS Works Intern: Kaden Jones

Kaden Jones, a senior at Blue Eye High School represents our construction program. Kaden is gaining valuable hands-on experience through his internship with Ken Bowling Construction. He’s excited about learning more about the tools and techniques of the trade and takes pride in seeing projects he works on come to completion.

January Professionals of the Month

Table Rock Career Center would like to spotlight four students from the Heath Technology and EMT programs as our January Professionals of the Month. Congratulations to the following students:

Branson High School senior, Carrie Clark, is representing the EMT program. Carrie is a dedicated student who comes to class everyday willing to step-up to help her classmates. Through her training at TRCC she secured employment as a 911 dispatcher in Stone County. She is excited to begin a career as an EMT after high school with aspirations of being a paramedic.

Our second representative from the EMT Program is Reeds Spring High School senior, Makya Schweighauser. During her time in the EMT program she demonstrated tremendous growth and determination. Makya has always wanted to pursue a career in the medical field and being in the EMT program is helping her realize her long-term educational goal of becoming a nurse.

Cadence Kleeman is our first representative from our Healthcare Careers Program. Cadence, a junior from Forsyth High School is always excited to learn all she can about the healthcare industry. Upon graduation from high school she is looking forward to continuing her education in pursuit of a career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Reeds Spring High School junior, Camirin Lee is our second representative from the Healthcare Careers program. Camirin has always been excited about pursuing a career in the healthcare industry. She always comes to school every day eager to help others. She is looking forward to continuing her education after high school with the goal of becoming a delivery room nurse.

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

Forsyth Sophomores Tour TRCC

On January 29 we had a great time visiting with almost 100 sophomores from Forsyth High School about the 13 great programs of study TRCC offers that are designed to prepare today's students for tomorrow through quality career and technical education.

Spotlight on EMT

The EMT program is progressing successfully, and the students are enthusiastically participating in their clinical rotations with the Taney County Ambulance District. These clinical rotations consist of twelve-hour shifts on an ambulance, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world situations. The early start to these clinical shifts has proven to be very beneficial for the students. The students earned their OSHA 10 Hour General Industry-Healthcare certifications during the first semester. Seniors who are eligible to take the EMT licensure exam, have already passed their psychomotor skills examination for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification. This semester, the students will continue their clinical rotations while enhancing their knowledge in preparation for the NREMT written exam for official EMT certification, which they will take at the end of the semester.

Mrs. Lacey Williams began her industry experience as an EMT in 2006. In 2013 she transitioned to a career win education when she started the EMT program at Gibson Technical Center. She takes tremendous pride in the number of students who completed this program of study and working in this industry as an EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and in other healthcare professionals. She believes in the importance of building positive relationships with all of her students and she inspires, motivates, and mentors these students to be the best they can be.

TRCC Alumni Spotlight:

Megan Baughman

We are privileged to feature Megan Baughman for our alumni spotlight. Megan is a 2010 Reeds Spring High School graduate who took advantage of the opportunities that were afforded to her in the Healthcare Careers program. She took advantage of the CNA license she earned while in the program and began her career at Table Rock Healthcare right after high school. As she progressed through her career, she continued her education. She earned her LPN degree (licensed practical nurse) in 2013 from California Nurses Educational Institute and in 2019 she became a Registered Nurse (RN) upon graduating from North Arkansas College.

For the last five years she has served as a nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit at Cox South in Springfield, Missouri. This position truly inspires her; “Watching these little babies 22-24 weeks old come into the world fighting to survive and seeing these children who are healthy enough go home with their parents is the best thing ever.”

Mrs. Tammy Parrish, the Healthcare Careers instructor, reflected on Megan’s time as a student and was impressed with how she was always exceeding expectations in the classroom, the lab and in her practicum. Megan appreciated how Mrs. Parrish was always kind, encouraging and willing to share essential wisdom from her experience as a nurse before she began her career in education. Megan said it best when she shared, “I am a nurse because of her.”

Focus on RS Works Intern: Ava Sammons

Ava Sammons, a senior at Reeds Spring High School who has aspirations of becoming an accountant. She is currently interning at Hometown Tax and Accounting in Kimberling City. She is focused on expanding her knowledge in bookkeeping during the second semester. Having already developed skills in tax preparation and basic accounting, she is eager to continue learning and trying new things everyday, making her internship an exciting and enriching experience.

Galena Students Explore TRCC

On January 29 sophomores from Galena High School toured all 13 programs of study and were able to experience first hand why Table Rock Career Center is “The Rock careers are built upon.”

Spotlight on Early Education Careers

The Early Education Careers Program offers local high school students an enriching educational experience that not only prepares them for a career in early childhood education, but also empowers them with skills and knowledge they can apply throughout their lives. EEC students have recently begun leading intervention groups. Students meet twice a week and focus on literacy and math skills. Whether a student pursues additional education or steps directly into a career, this program provides a solid foundation for making a difference in the lives of children and families.

Upon completion of this program of study students have an opportunity to earn the following certifications: Missouri Substitute Teacher, CPR & First Aid, American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences Early Childhood, and ParaPro.

Mrs. Caitlin Sullivan has been leading the Early Education Careers program since 2020. She gained her first industry experience working at the Child Development Center as a student at College of the Ozarks. After graduating from C of O she worked as a first grade teacher in the Branson School District for eight years.

Mrs. Sullivan loves working with students from all over the area. She loves the role she plays in helping students grow academically, socially and professionally as they transition from high school to college or straight into the childcare industry.

TRCC Hosts Blue Eye Sophomores

We had the privilege of having students from Blue Eye High School on January 30. It was great seeing the students excited while they tour all of our programs of study designed to prepare students for careers and/or additional training upon high school graduation

February Professionals of the Month

Table Rock Career Center would like to spotlight four students from our Graphic Design and Computer Technology programs as our February Professionals of the Month. Congratulations to the following students:

Hollister High School senior, James Lopacinski, is representing the Graphic Design program. James values the opportunity he has at TRCC to turn his artwork into a wide variety of mediums that he is able to share with the world. Mr. Bruffett, his instructor, appreciates how “James always takes initiative in the classroom and will do anything in support of the program.” Upon graduation James is looking forward to pursuing a career in graphic design.

Our second representative from the Graphic Design program is Reeds Spring High School senior, Ciera Davis. She enjoys how Mr. Bruffett fosters her creativity through a classroom atmosphere conducive to maximizing her potential . Mr. Bruffett proudly states, “Ciera produces projects that are always accurate and exceed expectations. These skills are imperative in this industry.” Ciera is looking forward to continuing her education at OTC next fall.

Alex Bodi is our first representative from our Computer Technology program. Alex is a senior at Forsyth High School. Alex is maximizing his time at TRCC by earning TestOut PC Pro and Security Pro certifications. He enjoys learning about networking and cyber security. His instructor, Mr. Jock Thompson, can trust him to “Take on any challenge and will never quit.” Alex is looking forward to starting his own business in the IT industry.

Reeds Spring High School senior, Tristan Eby is our second representative from the Computer Technology program. Tristan says, "The best part about working on computers is being able to help people out.” Mr. Thompson can always count on him to “Do whatever it takes to get results.” Tristan is looking forward to working with the Reeds Spring IT department this summer before he continues his technology training at OTC.

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

Hollister Students Explore TRCC Programs

It was amazing watching the excitement on the faces of over 80 students from Hollister High School on February 6 who were able to get a sample of all TRCC has to offer in our 13 programs of study designed to prepare students for college, career and life.

It’s a privilege to shine a spotlight on our EMT instructor, Lacey Williams, for being named our February TRCC Teacher of the Month. A parent said it best about the impact Mrs. Williams has on her students, “I have never seen a teacher go so far above and beyond for her students. Not only did my daughter get her EMT license, but she learned to believe in herself.” Mrs. Williams believes the most fulfilling part of being an educator is seeing students succeed in an industry committed to helping people in need.

We are also proud to name Keith McDannold as our TRCC Employee of the Month. Mr. McDannold is an assistant teacher in the Construction program and serves as our SkillsUSA advisor. Under his leadership of SkillsUSA the TRCC chapter is one of the most decorated chapters in Missouri. A student gave him the following praise, “He has the ability to make learning fun and enjoyable while preparing us for life after high school.” Mr. McDannold appreciates the confidence students receive when they are challenged on the jobsite.

Focus on RS Works Intern: Jake Murray

Jake Murray, a senior at Crane High School has been leader in the construction program. Through his internship with Innovative Trim Wrx in Billings, Missouri, Jake is gaining valuable hands-on experience as a trim carpenter and building on industry specific workforce skills. His goal is to absorb as much knowledge as possible, with the potential goal of starting his own business and being able to use the skills he is learning for the rest of his life.

SkillsUSA Members Compete at Districts

The following students recently represented TRCC at the 2025 SkillsUSA Southwest Missouri District Competition:

Automotive Service Technology

Austin Anderson---Reeds Spring High School

Baking and Pastry Arts

Odessa Leininger---Blue Eye High School

Lillian Thomas---Reeds Spring High School

Basic Health Care Skills

Lewis Louviere---Spokane High School (1st Place—Qualified for State)

Makayla Hansen---Blue Eye High School

Saige Watkins---Spokane High School

Culinary Arts

Lucia Esqueda---Spokane High School (2nd Place—Qualified for State)

Aubry Melton---Branson High School (3rd Place)

Information Technology Services

Vincent Estes---Forsyth High School (1st Place—Qualified for State)

Alex Bodi---Forsyth High School

Nurse Assisting

Camirin Lee---Reeds Spring High School (1st Place—Qualified for State)

Avery Sadler---Reeds Spring High School (2nd Place—Qualified for State)

Gracee Parrish---Reeds Spring High School (3rd Place)

Welding

Jordan Greeno---Branson High School

Elijah Camerer---Forsyth High School

Zackary Politte---Blue Eye High School

Austin Matthew---Galena High School

Welding Fabrication Team (3rd Place)

Joey Thompson---Crane High School

Liam Plachta---Branson High School

Brandyn Schmolzi---Crane High School

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

Winter Newsletter