August 27, 2026
Santa Fe Times News
Blackburn council handles business
The May 11 regular meeting of the Blackburn Board of Aldermen was called to order at 7 p.m. at Blackburn City Hall.
Santa Fe students receive President’s Education Award
Founded in 1983, the President’s Education Awards Program honors students for their achievement and hard work. The program has provided individual recognition from the President and the U.S. Secretary of Education to those students whose outstanding efforts have enabled them to meet challenging standards of excellence. Each year, thousands of elementary, middle, and high schools participate by recognizing deserving students who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher for the entire academic year. Congratulations to the following 41 Santa Fe High school students who were honored at the annual End of the Year Awards Assembly on Thursday, May 14, 2026: Daniel Alvarado-Perez, Keyla Alvarado-Perez, Jaelah Arnold, Wyatt Aversman, Daniel Ballance, Michael Barrett, Addison Beumer, Isabel Boehmer, Adalynn Boland, Caleb Brooks, Koewen Dierker, Quadyn Dierker, Mackenzie Dooley, Kadie Drunert, Audrey Finkeldei, Tatum Fitzwater, Abbie Gieselman, Jonathan Hyde, Samuel Hyde, Jamie Johnson, Kenzi Kallenberger, Khloe Kallenberger, Tynlee Koch, Brayden Livingston, Olivia Long, Malcolm Lundy, Sophia Lundy, Destiny Medina, Harrison Meyer, Elise Michael, Madilyn Montgomery, Victoria Morton, Ava Plattner, Wyatt Rardon, Raven Richardson, Hallie Schuster, Gracie Smith, Makenna Stephens, Adryen Tice, Sueanna Vandiver, Carleigh Winter.
SF Comprehensive School Improvement Plan receives strong approval during state review
The Santa Fe Board of Education met in regular session Wednesday, May 13. After approving the consent agenda, Mr. Lark shared that Mrs. Stacey Smith had received ‘Administrator of the Year’ from the Central Missouri School Counselors Association. “Stacey continues her outstanding work at Santa Fe Elementary, and she continues to be recognized for that work… we are so very lucky to have her talents and effort here at Santa Fe,” stated Mr. Lark. Next, Mr. Lark shared that their regional DESE Supervisor had been in district to review findings from the assessment of Santa Fe’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP). “I’m happy to report that as a result of the hard work of our students, staff and community, Santa Fe’s school improvement plan scored a perfect 42/42 points during this review. I am grateful to those who helped in developing our CSIP and to those who help carry that vision out day in and day out; maintaining high expectations should always be the standard.”
Alma 4-H club members attended 4-H Day at the Capitol
Attended 4-H Day at the Capitol
Columbia College announces Dean’s List
On May 13, Columbia College announced its Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester (January-May 2026). To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must have completed 12 undergraduate credit hours in a 16-week period and achieved a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0-point scale.
Shepherd’s Food Pantry April update
In the month of April, Shepherd’s Food Pantry in Waverly served 312 families, a total of 1,027 precious people who needed a helping hand!
Dale & Deanna Aversman Scholarship awarded
Dale and Deana Aversman Scholarship Awarded McKenzie Hinson, a 2025 graduate of the Santa Fe R-10 School District, has been awarded the Dale & Deana Aversman Scholarship. Established by Dale and Deana Aversman, the scholarship is designed to assist a Santa Fe graduate during their second year of higher education and to encourage continued academic success.
Waverly Masonic Lodge awards scholarships
The Waverly Masonic Lodge #61 established a scholarship in 201718 to assist graduating seniors in the Santa Fe R-X School District. Eligible applicants must enroll in a post-secondary institution for the fall period immediately following graduation, which includes any university or college, community college, trade school, or other certification program. Selection of the scholarship is based on scholastic performance, aptitude, and financial need.
Alma Council holds May meeting
The Board of Aldermen of the City of Alma met in regular session at Alma City Hall on May 12, 2026 beginning at 6 p.m.
Santa Fe FFA receives Shaping Rural Missouri Grant
Eighty-six Missouri 4-H clubs and FFA chapters received $500 Shaping Rural Missouri Grants from FCS Financial for community improvement projects this summer. These youth-led projects include landscaping fairgrounds, building community gardens, improving accessibility at local parks, and renovating fair facilities.