Area Sports and Education

Nine Licking High School band and choir students performed at the MSHSAA State Solo and Small Ensemble Music Festival, which was held on Saturday, May 2, in Columbia. Winning gold medals were Gwendolyn Campbell, with a vocal solo, and the Ladies Sextet, composed of Gwendolyn Campbell, Josephine Gifford, Lillian Godi, Reece Lozoya, Kylee Rinne and…

The Music Department for the Licking R-8 School District presented their Spring Music Concert at the Sherman Hill Field House on Sunday afternoon, April 26. Performing were the Licking Elementary School fifth and sixth grade singers, Beginner Band, the High School band and concert choir, the Cat’s Meow, and three ensembles who advanced to the…

Baseball Senior Night was held on Tuesday, April 21, after the varsity-only contest between the Licking Wildcats and the Laquey Hornets. The game ended early, with an 18-3 victory for the home team Wildcats. Senior Isaac Rinne, son of Jarad and Delaney Rinne, and Karson Walker, son of Willie and Carla Walker, were recognized for…

Art students at Licking High School and middle school art students exhibited their work in the hallways of the Sherman Hill Field House last week, with an Open House on Thursday, April 23, and with the exhibit continuing through Sunday afternoon’s Spring Concert. Artwork utilizing many different mediums was included in the Art Show, including…

The Licking R-8 Board of Education held their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Office of the Superintendent. The consent agenda was approved by the board, including a review of financials. Financials included expenses for mold inspections at the daycare building, some of which will be reimbursed by insurance, and…

Two Licking High School students who attend Rolla Technical Institute & Center for part of their school day, have been voted in as State Officers for SkillsUSA. Alivia Peterson and Ethan Stout will represent nine districts and over 11,000 students across the state of Missouri. Peterson and Stout submitted detailed candidate packages, participated in formal…

Licking High School Tennis seniors were celebrated Monday afternoon by their families and Coach Faith Sullins prior to their match with Willow Springs. Four seniors are on this year’s Tennis team, and their coach expressed how much she has appreciated watching them grow into leaders on and off the court. Caleb Owen was escorted by…

The Licking Wildcat Track and Field team traveled to Cuba on Thursday, April 16, and returned home with a multitude of medals. Medals were offered for the top four finishers in each event. The girls team finished the evening in fourth place and the boys team was in seventh place. Earning medals or setting personal…

The Licking R-VIII School District announced the 2025-26 Teachers of the Year for the Elementary and Secondary campuses on Friday, April 3. Miss Ashley Creek and Mrs. Judy Beckett received the honors this year. Miss Creek is a Third Grade Teacher at Licking Elementary School and was named Elementary Teacher of the Year. Elementary Principal…