News

An effort at Richmond High School is placing new emphasis on students’ futures, highlighting the decisions seniors make as they prepare for life after graduation. Richmond High School introduced Decision Day last year to recognize seniors for their post-secondary plans, giving students pursuing college or entering the workforce a chance to be celebrated in a setting similar to a traditional athletic signing.

KENNETH SULLIVAN (right) connects with Ray County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Col.

Ray County will close out Child Abuse Awareness Month with a public courthouse event inviting residents to wear blue, share lunch and stand together for children. The gathering follows a Ray County Commissioners’ proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Awareness Month, encouraging residents to support efforts that protect children and strengthen families.

Editor’s note: This is the final of a two-part story about a recent Ray County Drug Court graduation. Alicia Mc-Cullough’s journey through the program was highlighted in the first of the series, while Part Two explores Travis Sutton’s story and the broader impact of recovery through Drug Court.

A new support program at Richmond Middle School is helping struggling students rebuild their grades, attendance and confidence after educators created a nontraditional path for at-risk learners. The Richmond R-XVI Board of Education heard an update on the Shield program during a recent meeting, where middle school staff described early success in helping students facing academic, behavioral and socialemotional challenges through individualized support plans and flexible learning options.