As December kicks off, area schools have been bustling with activity, from holiday preparations to exciting athletic competitions. Brunswick R-II recently celebrated strong showings in the 70th Annual Northwestern Basketball Tournament, with the Wildcats and Lady Cats earning top honors and several All-Tournament recognitions. Keytesville R-III students have been engaging in leadership and community activities, including the ROARing Tigers program and NHS blood drives, while Salisbury R-IV shared updates on basketball games, school concerts, and seasonal offerings from the Baking and Pastry class. Across these districts, students, staff, and families are keeping busy with a mix of academics, athletics, and festive events.
Brunswick R-II School District
Brunswick R-II has had an exciting December with outstanding performances in basketball and notable student milestones. The Wildcats and Lady Cats competed fiercely in the Northwestern Tournament, bringing home top honors.
Basketball Achievements
Congratulations to Drew Jackson on earning Northwestern All-Tournament Team honors and Balston Brown for being named Tournament MVP! The Wildcats claimed 1st place in the Northwestern Tournament, while the Lady Cats earned 2nd place. Key players such as Emery Reichert and Joslyn Brown were also selected to the All-Tournament Team.
Joslynn Brown achieved a significant milestone, scoring her 1,000th career point against Higbee. Fans are encouraged to celebrate her accomplishment and support the teams at upcoming games.
Upcoming and Live Events
Brunswick R-II students in grades 7-12 have Homecoming Dance on Friday, December 12, following coronation until 11:00 p.m. The 12 Courts of Christmas tournament will be held at Hy-Vee Arena on Saturday, December 13, with games for the Lady Cats vs. Chesterton Academy at 12:45 p.m. and Wildcats vs. Grandview at 2:00 p.m. Fans can watch the tournament live via PlayascopeTV or follow online through MidVid.
Student and Community Highlights
The Brunswick FBLA Chapter earned the second milestone in the Chapter of the Year program, Shaping Success, for collaborative projects benefiting the school community. The Grand River Medical Clinic provided free sports physicals to students, supporting athletics programs.
School Menus
Brunswick R-II’s breakfast and lunch menus for the week of December 8-12 include Scrambled Eggs with Toast, Chicken Alfredo, Vegetable & Fruit options, and Breakfast Pizza among other offerings.
Keytesville R-III School District
Keytesville students have shown remarkable engagement in academics and extracurricular activities. The ROARing Tigers program recognized students for Respect, Optimism, Accountability, and Responsibility. November participants enjoyed certificates, treats, and special activities including board games and pizza.
Basketball and Athletics
Keytesville/Northwestern Varsity Girls played a challenging game in the Northwestern Tournament. Special congratulations go to Kiera and Merci for their scoring efforts. Fans are encouraged to cheer on the teams at upcoming matches and tournaments.
Student Leadership
Senior Hannah Keiser serves as HOSA Vice President, representing the school at the Carrollton Area Career Center. Her leadership and involvement exemplify dedication and school spirit.
Holiday Events
Keytesville will celebrate Christmas Spirit Week from December 15-18, featuring fun activities like Long Winter’s Nap, Candy Cane Day, and Grinch Day.
Important Notices
School was closed on December 2 due to poor road conditions, utilizing AMI Day #1. Elementary and JH/HS students completed assignments remotely through homeroom communications and Google Classrooms.
Northwestern R-I School District
The 70th Annual Northwestern Basketball Tournament in Mendon, MO, featured alumni recognition and honorary captains from the 1955-1960 graduating classes. The event highlighted the importance of remembering and celebrating the school’s history.
Tournament Highlights
Championship Saturday on December 6, 2025, saw:
- Girls Champion: Higbee Lady Tigers
- Boys Champion: Brunswick Wildcats
- Girls 2nd Place: Brunswick Lady Wildcats
- Boys 2nd Place: Meadville Eagles
- Additional All-Tournament Team honors for Brunswick and other regional players.
Northwestern also hosted Consolation and 3rd Place Games, ensuring strong competition and school spirit. Community members were encouraged to support senior class events such as the Pulled Pork Dinner during tournament games.
Student Recognition
This week’s RLS.E.ing Eagle is Raegyn for leadership, classroom performance, and assistance to younger students. Elementary students also showcased their art at the Winter Concert through the Art from the Heart project, supporting local charities with donations.
Weather and Scheduling Updates
Due to hazardous road conditions, several games were postponed to ensure student safety. Northwestern schools observed traditional snow days, with clear communication about rescheduled games and AMI plans.
Salisbury R-IV School District
Salisbury R-IV shared updates on high school and junior high basketball scores and schedule adjustments. Weather-related closures impacted December 2 and several games were canceled to prioritize student safety.
Special Programs
The Baking and Pastry class is offering a Christmas Candy Box as a seasonal fundraiser, and senior composite picture re-takes are scheduled for December 17.
Transportation Updates
Bus 7 was reported running 15-20 minutes late on certain days, highlighting the school’s commitment to keeping parents and students informed of transportation schedules.
These updates showcase the vibrant student life, athletic excellence, and community involvement across Mid-Missouri school districts this December. Stay connected for more news and highlights from Brunswick R-II, Keytesville R-III, Northwestern R-I, and Salisbury R-IV.
Jason Sears
Jason Sears is the founder, editor and lead reporter of The Chariton Beacon, a news site created to provide much-needed local coverage for Chariton County, Missouri. Recognizing the lack of accessible, reliable news in the area, Jason launched the site with the goal of keeping his community informed about the events and issues that matter most. With a deep understanding of small-town life, he is dedicated to ensuring that Chariton County has a trustworthy and comprehensive source for local news, strengthening connections within the community.
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Upcoming Activities
- Dec 12Dec 12 @ 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Shakey Ground at the Outback Saloon
- Dec 12Dec 12 @ 8:00 pm - Dec 13 @ 12:00 am
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party with DJ Todd Fellows
- Dec 13Dec 13 @ 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Christmas in the Park
- Dec 13Dec 13 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Boujee Wine Night
- Dec 13Dec 13 @ 9:00 pm - Dec 14 @ 12:00 am
Christmas Trivia and DJ