Speech and Debate State Competition Results
Duet Acting: Christian Renfrow and Tatum Burgess: 15th out of 32 in the state
All fines and fees are due and payable prior to walking at graduation, 8th grade promotion and attending field trips.
Track Wins 28 Medals at Cassville Meet
The Southwest High School track and field team earned 28 medals Tuesday and won four individual events at the Cassville Relays. Leading the way were Senior Dylan Frost and Sophomore Sidney Roe. Dylan won the high jump and long jump, while Sid captured the mile and two-mile. Other highlights:
Junior Lucas Ingram PR'd in the 200 and finished 2nd
Senior Tobi Smith was second in the 2-mile
Sophomore Lucia Villacieros was 2nd in the mile and two-mile
Sophomore Ashlyn Taylor was third in the javelin.
Freshman Race Pippin was second in the high jump and PR'd in the long jump.
Southwest has a week off before participating in the final SWCL Conference Track Meet on May 4 at Blue Eye.
Track and Field Earn Medals
The track and field team had three athletes earn medals Thursday at the East Newton Relays. Sophomore Sidney Roe finished third in both the mile and two mile. Also Senior Dylan Frost won the high jump and Freshman Race Pippin was second with a PR jump of 5-10. Other highlights:
Junior Lucas Ingram PRd in the 200 at 25.88.
The boys 4x8 relay team PRd by 17 seconds.
The boys 4x1 boys relay team placed 5th of 9 school after being scheduled to place 9th.
Southwest travels to Cassville Tuesday for its final meet before conference.
HS End-of-Year Testing Information
As we approach the end of the semester, we want to inform you about the upcoming End-of-Course (EOC) testing, ACT testing, and the preparation required to ensure our students perform to the best of their abilities. EOC exams assess students' understanding of key subject areas and are an essential component of their academic progress. Additionally, juniors will be taking the ACT test. To help students succeed, it is important they dedicate time to review material, seek assistance if needed, and maintain a balanced routine. We encourage you to support your child by ensuring they have a quiet space for study, proper rest, and healthy meals. If possible, please try to ensure your student is present during testing time. We are confident that with focused preparation and parental support, our students will do their best on these important assessments.
Upcoming Important Dates:
Tuesday, April 21:
ACT - 11th Grade (morning)
Biology (afternoon)
Wednesday, April 22:
Comm Arts II EOC (Session 1, morning)
Thursday, April 23:
Algebra I EOC (Session 1, morning)
Algebra 1 EOC (Session 2, afternoon)
Tuesday, April 28:
Comm Arts II EOC (Session 2, morning)
Government EOC (afternoon)
Once state testing is complete, our teachers will be preparing students for their end-of-year final exams in each class.
Sincerely,
Jordi Miller
Southwest HS Counselor
FFA Soil's Team Places 5th at State Contest
The first day of state FFA contest are complete and the soil’s team has placed 5th in the state. This qualifies them for Nationals. They will be walking stage at 11:30am on Friday.
Addy Payne- 3rd individual
Jimena Ambriz - 10th individual
Addy Ketcher
Lyndon Vanzandt
Please congratulate these young women on their hard work. There are 353 FFA chapters in Missouri The national contest is May 5-7.
Trojan Track Team Wins 5 Events at Pierce City
Southwest won gold in a season high five events Tuesday at the Hillbilly Relays at Pierce City. Both the 4x800 and 4x400 relay teams, Sophomore Sidney Roe and Senior Tobias Smith in the two-mile, and Senior Dylan Frost in the high jump led the Trojans with first-place finishes. Other highlights:
Junior Lucia Villacieros was 3rd in the two-mile and 4th in the mile (8-second PR).
Junior Jazmyn Rivas was 6th in the 100.
Sidney had a 20-second PR in the two-mile and was second in the mile.
the boys 4x100 relay team missed a medal by .11 and finished fourth narrowly losing a photo finish to Cabool.
the boys 4x200 relay team finished 5th.
Dyland was fifth ih the long jump.
Southwest returns to action Thursday at East Newton.
Location: Southwest High School Gym, 529 E Pineville Rd, Washburn.
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Action: To schedule an appointment, call 417-227-5006 or visit www.cbco.org/donate-blood.
Dear Parents and Families,
We are excited to share some wonderful news with you. Our district has been named a 2025– 2026 Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase District.
Out of more than 450 districts served across the country, who are implementing the CKH Process systemically, our district was selected for this honor. This recognition reflects the dedication of our teachers, staff, and students to creating a place where relationships, trust, and respect are at the center of everything we do.
Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) focuses on building strong connections between students and educators because we know that when students feel safe, known, and valued, they are more engaged in learning and more likely to succeed.
This award is not based on one moment or one event. It represents the consistent work happening in classrooms every day. Districts earning this recognition demonstrate:
Strong staff participation and commitment to the CKH Process
Positive school culture and climate reported by teachers and students
Evidence of meaningful impact on students and staff
A recommendation from a CKH Strategist based on observed implementation and results
Being named a National Showcase District means that relationships are not just something we talk about on our campuses, they are something we intentionally practice every day.
We are incredibly proud of our staff and students for the work they do to make our district a place where everyone feels they belong. Thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping us build a strong, relationship-driven community for our children.
Together, we are creating a district where students truly want to be and where they can thrive both academically and personally.
With appreciation,
Tosha Tilford
Superintendent
Southwest R-V School District
Ashlyn Taylor Sets New School Record in Javelin
Southwest Sophomore Ashlyn Taylor set a new school record in the javelin with a throw of 25 meters Thursday at the highly competitive Mountaineer Track & Field Relays in Mount Vernon. Ashlyn bests a record established in 2024 by Juliauna Sierra at 23.8 meters. Twenty-five meters converts to just over 82 feet. Ashlyn actually broke the record in an earlier throw at the meet but then beat it again on her final toss. She was 12th of 33 throwers. It marked the fourth school record to fall in the last six meets. Other highlights:
Senior Dylan Frost was 2nd in the high jump (1.90 meters) and 7th in the long jump (6.11).
Senior Tobias Smith finished 5th and PR'd in the mile at 5:07.05.
Freshman Race Pippin PR'd in the long jump at 5.56.
Southwest travels to Pierce City and East Newton for meets next week.
Frost, Roe, and Villacieros Lead Southwest Track
Senior Dylan Frost won the long jump (6-foot-3 or 1.91 meters) and Sophomores Sidney Roe (5:53) and Lucia Willacieros (6:20) were second and third in the mile at the Monett Invitational Track Meet Tuesday night.
Other highlights:
Freshman Race Pippin was 7th in the high jump
Junior Lucas Ingram PR's in the 100 at 12.61 seconds.
Southwest travels to Mount Vernon for the 22-school Mountaineer Relays on Thursday.
2 More Track & Field Records Fall at Seneca
Junior Lane Hendrix and Senior Dylan Frost both broke school records Monday at the Seneca Bordertown Relays. Lane set a new mark in the javelin at 36.69, eclipsing the mark Braydan Rose established two years ago. He was seventh overall. Dylan broke his own record the he set a week ago at Republic, jumping 1.93 or 6-foot-4 in the high jump. He won the event and is ranked in the top 10 in the state in Class 2. Other highlights:
Sophomore Sidney Roe won the mile in a PR of 5:44.
Sophomore Lucia Villacieros PR'd and medaled in the mile at 6:18 and scored in the 800 finishing 7th.
Freshman James Marsani PR'd in the javelin at 33.28.
Freshman Race Pippin scored in the high jump, jumping 1.68.
Senior Bree Paulsen PR'd in the shot in 16.56.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY ADDS 10 NEW MEMBERS
The Southwest Chapter of the National Honor Society added 10 new members on Wednesday at its annual Induction ceremony in the high school gymnasium. The group inducted Senior Brianna Hoover and Sophomores Dakota Cotton,Taytum Cotton, Aubrey Holt, Holly Johnson, Molly Hendrix, Holley Montondo, Payton Petronella, Abi Hnem, and Sidney Roe. The new officer team was also sworn in, including: Olivia Hnem (President), Addyson Payne (Vice President), Gracie Swanepoel (Secretary), and Taytum Burgess (Treasurer). The outgoing officers were Addison Pendergraft, Cheyenne Holt, Andrew Russell, and Jack Cornell. Other NHS members are: Missy Freeman, Cecilia Goines, Emma Outhouse, Jaretsi Quintanilla, Tobias Smith, Victor Tellez, Katie-Ann Tenorio, Lyndon Vanzandt, Aiden Barnett, Olivia Clanton, Kylee Rhodes, and Lane Hendrix. Freshmen Milly Brinkman and Paula Callison served as ushers for the ceremony. Mr. Voyak is the advisor.
FROST, VILLACIEROS BOTH EARN GOLD AT DIAMOND
Senior Dylan Frost won the high jump and Sophomore Lucia Villacieros captured the two-mile on Tuesday at the Diamond Invitational Track Meet.
Other highlights:
the girls 4x100 relay finished 4th and narrowly missed a medal.
Freshman Race Pippin was 5th in the high jump and PR'd in the long jump.
Senior Bree Paulsen PR'd in the discus and Emily Brooks did the same in the shot.
Southwest travels to Carthage on Thursday and to Seneca on Monday.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
In recent weeks, our district has become aware of several negative comments and posts on Facebook and other social media platforms regarding our schools. We understand that families care deeply about their children and their educational experience, and we respect the right of community members to share concerns. However, the tone and nature of some of these discussions have begun to strain the important relationship between our schools and the families we serve.
Our district firmly believes that the best outcomes for students occur when families and schools work together in partnership. When concerns are shared primarily through social media rather than through direct communication, it can lead to misunderstandings, incomplete information, and a breakdown of trust. We also recognize that at times students and parents may feel unheard when concerns are raised, and we understand how frustrating that can be.
We respectfully ask that, before turning to social media, concerns be addressed through the appropriate chain of command. This allows district and building-level administrators the opportunity to fully investigate and respond. Please know that all concerns brought forward will be taken seriously and addressed appropriately. While we may not always be able to meet every expectation, particularly when doing so would require overlooking inappropriate actions, we are committed to handling all situations in a fair, consistent, and professional manner.
We would also like to address a common concern that arises in online discussions. At times, posts reference staff members or disciplinary matters and suggest that the district is not taking action. It is important to understand that personnel matters are governed by strict legal and Human Resources confidentiality requirements. Because of these protections, the district is often unable to publicly share details regarding investigations or disciplinary actions, even when they are actively being addressed. These safeguards are in place to protect the rights and privacy of all employees and to ensure due process.
Our teachers, staff, and administrators work hard each day to serve the students of this community, and they deserve an environment of respect and support. Likewise, our families deserve open communication and responsiveness. In some cases, prior negative interactions have made staff hesitant to reach out, which can further impact communication. By working together respectfully, we can strengthen these connections.
If you have questions, concerns, or information you would like to share, we strongly encourage you to contact your child’s teacher, building principal, or the district office directly. Open and respectful communication ensures that concerns are heard and addressed by those best positioned to help.
At the heart of everything we do is a shared goal: the success, safety, and well-being of every student in our district. Maintaining a strong, positive partnership between home and school is essential to achieving that goal.
Thank you for your continued support of our students and our schools.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tosha Tilford
Superintendent of Southwest Schools
DYLAN FROST BREAKS 19-YEAR HIGH JUMP RECORD
Senior Dylan Frost broke school record and won the high jump Monday at the Republic Invitational in high school track. Dylan jumped 1.90 meters or 6-foot-3 (2.75 actually), breaking the 2007 mark of 6-foot-2 set by Randy Burns. Also, Senior Tobias Smith won the 2-mile in a PR of 11.19.67. Other highlights:
Dylan was 7th in the long jump (5.65 meters).
Sophomore Kylee Ruiz and Freshman James Marsani both PR'd in the javelin,
Southwest travels to Diamond Tuesday for the Wildcats Invitational.
As the April 7 election approaches, I want to take a moment to provide clear and straightforward information regarding Senate Bill 3 and its potential impact on Southwest R-V and public education as a whole.
This ballot issue proposes placing limits on how much property taxes can increase on a homeowner’s primary residence. While this may sound appealing—after all, everyone appreciates lower taxes—there are additional factors to consider.
Barry County is currently designated as a 0% growth county. If SB 3 passes, property tax revenues for local taxing entities would be permanently capped at FY24 levels. This means the total amount of property tax collected each year would remain the same, regardless of increases in property values, new construction, or inflation. Over time, this could create financial challenges for schools, emergency services, and other local government operations, potentially leading to tighter budgets, reduced services, or increased reliance on other funding sources.
Why this matters for Barry County schools:
Property taxes are a vital source of funding for our district. At Southwest R-V, they make up approximately 32% of our total revenue and directly support staff salaries and benefits, classroom resources, student programs, and daily operations. When this source of revenue is limited, it directly affects our ability to maintain these essential services.
This comes at a time when school districts across Missouri are already facing financial pressures, including a projected $138 million state budget shortfall, possible reductions in per-student funding, and an already underfunded state formula by approximately $190 million. In addition, transportation funding is expected to decline while other funding sources remain flat—even as operational costs continue to rise. At the same time, schools are being asked to meet new requirements, enhance safety measures, and expand academic expectations without additional funding.
What this means for us:
Taken together, these factors could result in tighter budgets, difficult decisions regarding staffing and programs, and increased pressure to do more with fewer resources. Local funding decisions, particularly those related to property taxes, play a significant role in our ability to continue providing high-quality educational opportunities for our students.
A “yes” vote would approve limits on how much property taxes can increase on a homeowner’s primary residence. While this may offer taxpayers greater predictability and protection from rising tax bills, it would also slow the growth of funding available to school districts like Southwest R-V. Over time, this could impact how districts plan for staffing, programs, and facility needs as costs continue to rise.
A “no” vote would maintain the current system, allowing property tax revenues to adjust based on existing laws and property values. This would preserve the district’s current funding structure and its ability to grow revenue over time. However, homeowners could continue to see increases in property taxes as property values rise.
Our focus moving forward:
Regardless of the outcome, we will remain committed to prioritizing our students and staff, managing our resources responsibly, and communicating openly about any challenges or decisions we face.
I encourage you to stay informed, review the ballot language, and consider how these issues connect to the work we do each day. Please also take time to share this information with family and friends in Barry County (see attached).
Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and our community. If you have any questions about Senate Bill 3, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Tosha Tilford
Superintendent, Southwest R-V School District
