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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.

Missouri 4-H recently sent a delegation of youth and adult leaders to Washington, D.C. to participate in the national Ignite by 4-H conference, a fourday immersive youth leadership experience bringing together teens from across the country. Hosted annually by National 4-H Council, Ignite is designed to help youth explore career pathways, build leadership skills and connect with peers and professionals from across the nation.

Competitive success, strong participation numbers and academic recognition across Richmond programs were highlighted during a winter activities recap at a recent Richmond School Board meeting. Athletic Director Josh McCray told board members 33 students earned academic all-conference honors during the winter season, an accomplishment he said reflects students balancing multiple commitments while maintaining strong grades.

Editor’s note: This is the first of a twopart series about a recent Ray County Drug Court graduation. Part One covers the program and Alicia McCullough’s journey, while Part Two explores Travis Sutton’s story and the program’s broader impact.