School News

A guard greets Dorothy, the Tinman, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow, as they attempt to visit the Wizard.

Drama Club’s production series opens with “The Wizard of Oz”

11/13/2024

The Poplar Bluff High School Drama Club is kicking off its play series tomorrow with a “behemoth” of a production, according to directors, featuring a cast and crew of 57 from multiple grade spans.

Students fill out sample ballots on Tuesday, Oct. 29, in the auxiliary gym.

PBHS holds mock general election in tandem with voter registration drive

10/31/2024

Poplar Bluff High School has continued its long-standing tradition of providing students a realistic voting experience, despite some school systems reportedly getting away from hosting mock elections due to the polarization of politics.

Austin Robertson, Kevin Merizalde and Tammy Thomas.

Students take a journey to the Caribbean during lunchtime

10/31/2024

Students of Junior and Senior High recently had the chance to sample Caribbean cuisine as part of the Global Eats program hosted by Chartwells School Dining Services.

Tammy Thomas, Austin Robertson and Kevin Merizalde.

Dunkin’ sponsors breakfast at PBHS through High School Nation

10/17/2024

A total of 1,500 gift cards to Dunkin’ valued at $5 apiece have been distributed to the student body in addition to numerous employee groups at Poplar Bluff High School.

Adam Moeller, Jack Funke, Paden Thornton and Dr. Valerie Ivy.

PBHS student scores in top 1 percent of nation on PSAT

10/17/2024

Poplar Bluff High School has produced a National Merit Scholarship candidate for the first time in several years.

First student in PBHS history to be named to National FFA Band

09/19/2024

A student has been chosen to be a member of the National FFA Band for the first time since the Poplar Bluff High School chapter was chartered in 2002, confirmed advisers of past and present.

Nikki Davis, Isabella Teeter, Kendall Fitzwater, Andrew Mahurin, Mackinley Cox, Kaylee Brown, Dr. Aaron Cornman and Marci Priest.

Designing Women Foundation awards over $2K to students

05/22/2024

The Designing Women Foundation honored a scholarship recipient along with the nonprofit organization’s Charlie Classics readers on Monday, May 13, at the Bloodworth House.

Parker Hicks earns prestigious 2024 Missouri Citizenship Award

05/14/2024

Poplar Bluff High School senior Parker Hicks was selected among 15 students across the state to receive the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Citizenship, the first time a student has earned the honor locally in seven years, according to recent memory.

PBHS unified student leaders, teachers and administration pose with the National Banner.

PBHS named National Banner School by Special Olympics

05/14/2024

Poplar Bluff High School is one of five schools in Missouri to receive a national award for cultivating a climate where students with and without intellectual disabilities feel welcomed, both in practice and spirit.

PBHS awarded $50K to create three new career paths under PLTW

04/16/2024

Poplar Bluff High School has been awarded $50,000 to help establish three new pathways in lucrative career fields under Project Lead the Way, bridging ancillary programming already in place across the R-I district.

Poplar Bluff High School StuCo representatives.

PBHS named State President School by MASC for first time

03/26/2024

Poplar Bluff High School will host the Missouri Association of Student Councils State Convention next year, a three-day workshop projected to bring to the community 1,000 students and 100 advisers.

Abby Crites fields questions from prospective students during the health fair.

Heartland Forward grant program launches with health fair at PBHS

02/06/2024

Poplar Bluff High School hosted its inaugural health fair on Friday, Jan. 26, as the first step of a grant-funded initiative designed to expose students to lucrative careers in the health care industry, and help combat the nursing shortage in Butler County.

Tony Seabaugh, Crystal Huddleston and Cheryl Farrow.

PBHS teacher/alumna named 2023 McDonald’s Outstanding Educator

12/19/2023

At least one R-I teacher has been named a McDonald’s Outstanding Educator annually since the advent of the regional recognition program four years ago.

PBHS Esports Club students, under adviser Cody Cassinger, enjoy the newly acquired gaming computers.

Foundation approves $3K in grants at High School, O’Neal

12/12/2023

The Poplar Bluff School Foundation unanimously approved $3,000 outside of classroom budgets, the majority of teacher grants submitted, in its annual Innovative Educational Project program during a quarterly meeting held last month.

Claire Funke portrays Mary Malissa Brown Christian.

PBHS Drama Club helps breathe life into cemetery tour

12/05/2023

Several Poplar Bluff High School students portrayed local historical figures during a cemetery tour that was designed as part of the community’s Walk-Tober events concluding last month.

Ceramic hands spelling out the ASL alphabet.

St. Louis artist donates alphabetic sculptures to sign language class

11/14/2023

The budding American sign language class at Poplar Bluff High School is the new home to 26 full-sized sculptures stemming from a connection made years ago with an artist who honed his craft under a Missouri luminary, and seized the opportunity to showcase his life’s work.

(Standing from left) Julia Sloan, Jaylum Hood-Daniels, Lizeth Esquivel-Rivera and Dr. Valerie Ivy; and (seated, left to right) Mindy Garrett, Miranda Huddleston, Emily Faith and Karson Busse.

Mid-Continent donates stove to PBHS Independent Living class

10/24/2023

Mid-Continent Steel and Wire donated a stove on Thursday, Oct. 19, to the Independent Living class at Poplar Bluff High School.

PBHS Esports Club strives to enter statewide competition

10/10/2023

Poplar Bluff High School recently launched an esports club with a renewed determination to join the fast-growing statewide competition circuit this year.

PBHS Beta advisers earn national recognition for club growth

10/03/2023

Outgoing teacher advisers at Poplar Bluff High School have received national recognition for their work growing the Beta Club as their swan song, having passed the baton to a new set of capable leaders this school year.

Veterans are escorted out of the PBHS gymnasium.

Veterans Honor Tour returns to PBHS for send-off

09/12/2023

The Poplar Bluff School District helped to provide area combat veterans a hero’s send-off as a local group was escorted with guardians to Washington, D.C. free of charge to take a three-day tour of the nation’s capital, and visit various memorials.

Bridget Epps, Jennie Randolph, Staci Barker and Marc Roderick.

DAR honors its first teacher as Difference Maker of the Year

08/29/2023

Jennie Randolph of Poplar Bluff High School recently became the first educator to be named Difference Maker of the Year by the Daily American Republic newspaper.

PBHS Class of 2023 earns $4.2M+ in scholarships

05/31/2023

A total of 358 students graduated from the Poplar Bluff High School Class of 2023 on Thursday, May 25, at the Black River Coliseum, collectively earning $4.2 million and counting in scholarships, including through Missouri’s A+ Program, school officials announced.

Emma King, Abby Murphy, Paige Morey and Lee Thompson.

PBHS earn $3K in scholarships from American Red Cross

05/23/2023

Poplar Bluff High School earned $3,000 in scholarships from the American Red Cross, dispersed among four students, for reaching the goal of units collected during blood drives.

PBHS sophomore selected for Missouri Fine Arts Academy

05/23/2023

Outgoing sophomore Virginiagrace Vandewarker has been selected to participate in the Missouri Fine Arts Academy this summer, the first qualifying student from Poplar Bluff High School in several years, according to recent memory.

Stephen Winters, Damaireus Winters and Wanda Dicken.

Damaireus Winters awarded annual Kyle Dicken Scholarship

05/02/2023

Poplar Bluff High School senior Damaireus Winters, who plans to attend Three Rivers College, has been awarded the annual Kyle Curtis Dicken Memorial Scholarship, estimated at a value of $500, designated for a music student.

PBHS students win statewide award, scholarship at FBLA Conference

05/02/2023

Two Poplar Bluff High School students placed first in the business management category during the Future Business Leaders of America State Leadership Conference held Sunday through Tuesday, April 16-18, in Springfield.

A representation of PBHS Student Council displays both individual and team awards including the prestigious School of Character plaque.

PBHS wins statewide award through Special Olympics Missouri again

04/25/2023

For the second consecutive year, Poplar Bluff High School has won the School of Character Award of Merit reserved for a single educational institution displaying an outstanding commitment to individuals with disabilities.

FACS instructor Missy Cox demonstrates how to use a vacuum sealer for blanching vegetables.

Food preservation education resurges with grant

04/04/2023

Missy Cox, last year’s district-level Teacher of the Year, has been on a food preservation education kick of late.

Tom Orosz, Rebecca Stevens, Addison Shell and Grace Neighbors.

Collect the Caps: PBHS Beta Club wins $6K for second consecutive year

04/04/2023

The Poplar Bluff High School Beta Club has been awarded $6,000 for placing first in the Collect the Caps promotion over a five-state region for the second year in a row.

Bryden Fuemmeler, Amy Roderick, Jasmin Martinez-Peinado and Jennie Randolph.

PBHS students win $500 in statewide traffic safety initiative

03/28/2023

A pair of Poplar Bluff High School students were awarded $500 for creating a radio commercial that focuses on the prevention of school bus stop-arm violations as part of a statewide effort.

First Missouri Beta Club president in PBHS history

03/28/2023

Almost 150 Poplar Bluff students participated in the recent Missouri Junior and Senior Beta conventions, earning a traveling trophy and golden ticket to nationals, plus placing in 27 categories, seven of which were first place victories.

(Back row, from left) Kaitlyn Booker, David McKuin, Noah Shirrell, Maelynn Beis, Elizabeth Blancett, Addison Corzine and Shivers the Polar Bear; and (front row) Miranda Huddleston and Maison Dennis.

PBHS group takes Polar Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics

03/08/2023

Poplar Bluff High School Student Council teamed up with the Unified Champions club to take the Polar Plunge in 55 degrees water during the organization’s 17th annual fundraiser held Saturday, Feb. 25, at Cape County Park North, raising $1,852 for Special Olympics Missouri.

(Back row, left to right) Glenn Eubanks, Greg Hansbrough, Todd Tinsley, Ross Whelan and Tyler Hansbrough; (front row from left) Bill Caputo, JD Pattillo, Billy Pyland, Jim Brown, Bill Burfield and Sheldon Tyler.

Tyler Hansbrough’s Sports Hall of Fame journey begins in Poplar Bluff

02/06/2023

Tyler Hansbrough has joined a master class of sports figures from the Show Me State, becoming the Poplar Bluff school system’s fourth inductee into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Jay Dowd, Tiffany Voyles, Dr. Valerie Ivy and Marci Priest.

Ross Fuel Center launches Operation Lunch Box fundraiser

12/22/2022

Ross Fuel Center recently hosted a fundraiser, matching the total collected from its customer base, in an effort to help reduce outstanding lunch balances at area schools.

Several hundred attend MASC meet at Poplar Bluff High School

11/15/2022

Poplar Bluff High School hosted a meet for the Missouri Association of Student Councils on Friday, Oct. 28, featuring 29 schools in the Southeast Missouri District, including over 600 students and about 50 advisers.

College Fair features broad range of postsecondary options

11/01/2022

Poplar Bluff High School hosted its annual College Fair for upperclassmen on Tuesday, Oct. 25, in the auxiliary gym. The event featured 50 representatives, including several first-timers and a dozen postsecondary paths besides college such as military, and career and technical education institutions.

Todd and Sierra Henson, and Elizabeth Rose and Amanda Ayers.

Pottery equipment donated to Poplar Bluff art program

10/11/2022

A lifetime collection of pottery-making equipment has been generously donated to the art programs at Poplar Bluff Junior and Senior High.

PBHS robotics class receives second $5K donation from Montgomery

10/04/2022

The Poplar Bluff High School robotics program continues to progress with financial support from a Georgia-based philanthropy group that has a vested interest in the future of engineering.

Linda Surber, Mark Cook, Missy Cox and Hilary Taylor.

MRTF awards $1,000 in grants to Poplar Bluff educators

09/13/2022

Poplar Bluff Schools is bringing back food canning and board games, with assistance from the Missouri Retired Teachers Foundation.

Dr. Ivy advances to serve as principal of her alma mater

08/22/2022

Poplar Bluff native Dr. Valerie Ivy has been selected as the first female principal in the history of Senior High to lead the school building, according to district records.

A new concession stand, designed by Dille and Pollard Architecture.

New concession stand, scoreboard added at Mules Stadium

08/22/2022

Visitor concessions are being added to Mules Stadium with new restrooms and storage, expanded seating of the south grandstand, plus a scoreboard replacement, all in an effort to improve the fan experience during sporting events at Poplar Bluff High School.

Maj. Gregory Crites helps perform the passing of the colors from cadet Ltc. Dustin Ramsey to Aaliyah Shephard.

JROTC promotes incoming battalion commander

06/01/2022

Dozens of outstanding cadets and the companies they represent were honored during the annual awards and Change of Command ceremony of the JROTC on Thursday, May 19, at Poplar Bluff High School.

Dual valedictorians lead largest graduating class in decades

06/01/2022

A total of 371 students graduated from Poplar Bluff High School on Thursday, May 26, at the Black River Coliseum – the biggest cohort since 1980, and the sixth largest class in history.

$Charlee Deaton, Macey Odom, Christian Redding and Emmelien Pendley.$

Students place during Math Field Day return

05/17/2022

A total of eight Poplar Bluff High School Math Club students competed with half of the members earning top placement during the 43rd annual Math Field Day held last month at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.

Multiple students land jobs during hiring event

05/17/2022

Dexter Bar-B-Que settled in at the second ‘hiring event’ at Poplar Bluff High School with plans of spending the morning recruiting. The restaurant wound up filling its opening within the first 10 minutes, then was able to pack up and call it a day.

Jerrica Fox, Salah McCormack, Olivia Kirkman and Emily Lovette.

American Red Cross awards PBHS $3,000 in scholarships

05/04/2022

The American Red Cross has awarded a total of $3,000 to three Poplar Bluff High School students for volunteering to collect 340 units of blood this school year, potentially helping to save over 1,000 lives.

(Back row, from left) Physical education teacher Joan Lack, Dominique Baucom, Karson Busse, Hayden Downs, Hunter Lawson, Christopher Chapman, Trevor Collins, Emily Faith, Charles Harris and coach Kayla Keith; (front row, left to right) Jason Bell, Skylar Elledge, Nicole Weatherford, Reba Mace, Haley James, D’Angelo Keel and Maison Dennis.

Student-led effort to hold letter banquet for Special Olympics athletes

05/03/2022

For the first time, Poplar Bluff High School hosted an athletic letter banquet for the families of students who participated in the recent Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) spring games.

StuCo members display their statewide award.

StuCo earns School of Character award via Special Olympics

04/05/2022

Poplar Bluff High School Student Council was the only recipient in the state to earn the Award of Merit in the Special Olympics Missouri School of Character program for working to create an environment of inclusion.

Student-led group volunteers to remove invasive trees from campus

04/05/2022

A voluntary group of students and district personnel has begun to remove hundreds of non-native, invasive pear trees from the Poplar Bluff High School campus.

Iron Mules vie in Bi-State Championship

03/29/2022

The Poplar Bluff High School Iron Mules vied in the FIRST Tech Challenge State Championship for Missouri and Kansas robotics teams earlier this month at the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla.

PBHS Beta Club rallies together to win $6K

03/08/2022

The Poplar Bluff High School Beta Club has earned $6,000 for collecting the most bottle caps during the annual Dr. Pepper Pigskin Points contest.

Students in Audrey Harris’ American sign language class at PBHS reinforce their skills during a vocabulary exercise.

New sign language course makes impact beyond classroom

02/15/2022

A student-led American sign language club generated enough interest at Poplar Bluff High School to establish a new foreign language class this school year. Now a movement is happening in the community.

Renovations underway at Kay Porter Theater

02/01/2022

Work is underway for the Kay Porter Theater to receive a complete overhaul of its control booth with use of original funds bequeathed by the campus building’s namesake.

The Mules Competitive Cheerleading Team pose with coach Kimberly Smith (back left) and assistant Brianna Jones.

PBHS Cheerleaders honored by board for state championship

01/26/2022

The Mules Competitive Cheerleading Team was recognized during the Board of Education meeting on Thursday, Jan. 20, in the Administrative Building for bringing home the state championship.

R-I earns top placement at Junior, Senior Beta Convention

01/11/2022

The Poplar Bluff School District qualified nationally in a total of 16 competitions at the recent state Beta conventions in which 113 R-I students participated in.

Bralin Duckett, Emma Harris, Emma Tinsley and Christian Redding.

PBHS students to sing with All-State Choir, compete in Sight-Singing Bee

12/07/2021

Four Poplar Bluff High School choral students have been selected for the All-State Choir, one of whom has further qualified to compete statewide in the Sight-Singing Bee.

College Fair returns to campus after going virtual

10/27/2021

Fifty universities, technical trade schools and branches of the military were represented during the return of the College Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 19, at Poplar Bluff High School.

Kathy Miller’s robotics class break off into groups and unbox robotics kits.

Robotics class receives financial backing from out-of-state group

09/21/2021

A Georgia-based philanthropy group has donated more than $5,000 to a popular elective class at Poplar Bluff High School to purchase several robotics kits so more students can practice engineering.

Dr. Scott Dill, Mackinley Cox, Linda Surber, Hannah Tuttle, Nikki Davis and Ammalein Pendley.

Designing Women Foundation awards $11.5K to Poplar Bluff

09/14/2021

The Designing Women Foundation honored its scholarship recipients and Charlie Classics Reading Contest winners during a reception held last month at the Bloodworth House, awarding $11,500 to students of Poplar Bluff Schools over the course of two years.

Resilient Class of 2021 graduates PBHS

05/27/2021

A total of 299 students graduated from the Poplar Bluff High School Class of 2021 on Thursday, May 20, at the Black River Coliseum, earning a total of $2.6 million and counting in individual scholarships, A+ funding and other grants.

Dustin Ramsey promoted to JROTC battalion commander

05/18/2021

The Pvt. Billie Gene Kanell JROTC Battalion held its annual Change of Command Ceremony on Thursday, May 13, at Poplar Bluff High School, marking the completion of “another productive year,” according to Command Sgt. Maj. Marc Roderick, Army instructor.

Wanda Dicken, Layton Sanders and Stephen Winters.

Layton Sanders earns Dicken Memorial Scholarship

05/05/2021

Poplar Bluff High School senior Layton Sanders has been selected to receive the $500 Kyle Curtis Dicken Memorial Scholarship.

Jennie Randolph, Isabella Sifford, Jordyn Shearrer, Lauren Dickerson and Maria Polasek.

$3,000 awarded in Red Cross scholarships

04/27/2021

The American Red Cross has awarded four $750 scholarships to Poplar Bluff High School students who completed successful applications reflecting on their efforts in helping to host blood drives.

PBHS Class of 1992 donates in memory of classmate

04/13/2021

The Poplar Bluff High School library added over 75 books to its collection with a $1,200 donation from the Class of 1992 in memory of alumna Misty Ziegler.

PBHS sophomore accepted into Agribusiness Academy

04/13/2021

A Poplar Bluff sophomore has been chosen alongside only 30 high school students across the state to participate in the 2021 Missouri Agribusiness Academy this summer.

Two Poplar Bluff sophomores named Missouri Scholars

04/13/2021

Poplar Bluff High School had both of its allotted student nominees accepted into the 2021 Missouri Scholars Academy—a rarity—according to counselor Dr. Regina Williams.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Lesli Brown and the Robotics Club.

PBHS Iron Mules win Connect Award for outreach

03/09/2021

The Iron Mules earned the Connect Award during the FIRST Southeast Missouri Regional Competition on Saturday, March 6, held virtually at Poplar Bluff High School.

Student leads Black History Month celebration

02/09/2021

A Poplar Bluff High School sophomore has taken the initiative to produce a series of short videos celebrating Black History Month that are being shown during advisory class throughout February.

Students in Pam Davis’ business management elective make hot chocolate bombs during second hour every day.

PBHS students raise $1,000 for Project Christmas Promise

12/15/2020

A class at Poplar Bluff High School has raised a projected $1,000 for Project Christmas Promise through a student-led enterprise that has quickly gained popularity across campus.

Students play a video game navigating SARAH through a simulated disaster on Tuesday, Nov. 24, in the JROTC wing.

U.S. Army STEM trailer visits PBHS

12/08/2020

Poplar Bluff High School students recently learned about STEM opportunities available through the U.S. Army during a special visit from the Mobile Exhibit Company.

Pink-Out Day celebrates 10th anniversary, $200K raised

10/13/2020

Pink-Out Day, which started at Poplar Bluff Schools and soon expanded city-wide, has reportedly raised over $200,000 for the United Cancer Assistance Network over the past decade.

Cerda, Spence awarded $10K rootEd scholarships

10/06/2020

A pair of Poplar Bluff High School graduates of the Class of 2020 were recently awarded the rootEd Undergraduate Scholarships, valued at $10,000 per year, renewable up to 10 semesters toward a bachelor’s degree.

Mike Owen, Chris Wheat, and Anne and John Moyer.

MRTF awards Poplar Bluff teachers $1,000 in grants

09/15/2020

The Missouri Retired Teachers Foundation recently financed two grants valued at $500 apiece for Poplar Bluff educators.

Poplar Bluff JROTC named Honor Unit with Distinction

02/11/2020

The Poplar Bluff High School JROTC has been accredited as an Honor Unit with Distinction for scoring a near flawless 98.5 percent on a recent program evaluation.

Gov. Mike Parson visits Poplar Bluff FFA booth.

Mrs. Clark named Outstanding Woman in Ag

02/04/2020

Poplar Bluff High School agriculture teacher Kathryn Clark received the Outstanding Woman in Ag award on Friday, Jan. 31, during the third annual farmer appreciation luncheon, sponsored by the University of Missouri Extension and the Chamber of Commerce, prior to the Ag Expo at the Black River Coliseum.

JROTC student earns first-round Army scholarship

01/14/2020

A cadet from the JROTC program at Poplar Bluff High School has been selected in the very first round to receive a four-year U.S. Army scholarship.

The PBHS Concert Choir sing Christmas carols for the Lion’s Club.

Lion’s Club donates $500 to All-State Choir students

01/03/2020

The Lion’s Club decided to sponsor Poplar Bluff High School’s upcoming All-State Choir performance, after being impressed during a Christmas caroling at the organization’s weekly luncheon.

Gateway 2 Jobs program representatives are pictured with the 2019 graduates.

Grad Center students earn G2J certificates

10/29/2019

A total of 13 students from the Graduation Center earned certificates to include on their resumes through Gateway 2 Jobs on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce.

AmeriCorps hosts 16th annual Career Fair

10/17/2019

A total of 381 Poplar Bluff High School sophomores participated in the 16th annual Career Fair on Thursday, Oct. 10, at Three Rivers College.

(Left to right) Dr. Scott Dill, Anne Moyer, Pam Davis, John Moyer, James Barnhill and Jan Duffy.

MRTF awards $500 grant to PBHS teacher

08/27/2019

Poplar Bluff High School business education teacher Pamela Davis was awarded a $500 grant from the Missouri Retired Teachers Foundation on Wednesday, Aug. 14, so students can create interactive folders detailing concepts learned in personal finance class.

Mark Murphy, Kaylee Merrick, Eugene Barnes and Tyrus Merrick

Green Bay Packers feature PBHS student’s artwork

08/27/2019

The artwork of a Poplar Bluff High School senior is being displayed for a year at the Green Bay Packers stadium, and the Art Department has been awarded $5,000 as the result of a recent national contest.

RISE Transition Center set to open with dedicated at-risk staff

08/12/2019

The new RISE Transition Center will open during the 2019/20 school year as a pilot program for the planned alternative school to help address behavioral issues that students, grades 7-12, are struggling with in the regular education setting.

Jeff Baldwin, co-owner of Baldwin Automotive Group, hands two sets of Ford Escape keys to PBHS educators (front row, from left) Mitch Davis, Charley Harper and Mike Sowatzke.

Baldwin supports PBHS Driver’s Ed program

06/10/2019

Baldwin Automotive Group has loaned a pair of 2018 Ford Escapes for students to use in the Driver’s Education program available at Poplar Bluff High School.

Surrounded by family and colleagues, Gretchen Pendley receives a prestigious award.

PBHS teacher earns statewide biology award

06/07/2019

Poplar Bluff educator Gretchen Pendley has won the 2019 outstanding biology teacher award for the state of Missouri through the National Association of Biology Teachers.

Drew Metz reunites with his military sister, Alyson.

Commencement held for PBHS Class of 2019

05/29/2019

A total of 321 students graduated from the Poplar Bluff High School Class of 2019 on Thursday, May 23, at the Black River Coliseum, earning nearly $2.1 million in scholarships and grants, staff reported.