CANTON, Mo. — 91ֱ�� invites families to its annual community Easter egg hunt, Hop on the Hill, set for Saturday, March 28. The event will take place at Ellison Poulton Stadium on the C-SC campus, with check-in beginning at 1:30 p.m. and the egg hunt kicking off at 2 p.m. Children ages 10 and under are welcome to participate, with designated age groups as follows:

• 3 and under
• Ages 4–6
• Ages 7–10

Hundreds of eggs will be scattered across the field, and Wildcat Willie will be on-site for photos.

This event is sponsored by 91ֱ��, the Culver-Stockton Teacher’s Organization (CSTO), and Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) Culver-Stockton Chapter. Student leaders will facilitate the activities for the day.

As a rural-located, rural-serving institution, 91ֱ�� has built a strong portfolio of programs and partnerships addressing rural challenges and opportunities. By leading in rural higher education, Culver-Stockton prepares students with skills and perspectives relevant in any community, region, or professional environment. The Center for Rural Opportunity formalizes that work by serving as an umbrella structure for key rural-focused initiatives, including Tri-State Development, while preserving academic ownership within the College’s divisions and classrooms.

“The Center for Rural Opportunity reflects who we are and how we lead,” said Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, President of 91ֱ��. “It brings focus and visibility to important programs like Tri-State Development while positioning the College to expand its impact through coordinated strategy and national engagement.”

Programs, curriculum, and academic leadership will remain within the academic divisions. The Center for Rural Opportunity functions as the institutional platform that defines and communicates 91ֱ��’s expertise in rural higher education, providing a clear identity for external partners, funders, and collaborators.

Through the Center for Rural Opportunity, 91ֱ�� will:

• Serve as an umbrella for signature rural-focused programs, including Tri-State Development
• Align rural initiatives across academic, co-curricular, and applied learning environments
• Expand high-impact student experiences focused on leadership and rural challenges
• Strengthen regional and national partnerships
• Increase competitiveness for state, federal, and private funding opportunities

Tri-State Development, a multi-county regional economic and community development initiative administered by 91ֱ��, exemplifies the type of work the Center is designed to support and elevate.

Learn more about Tri-State Development at /tsd/.

Families are invited to enjoy a variety of holiday-themed activities, including cookie decorating, photos with Santa, games facilitated by C-SC students, crafts, and ornament making.

Those planning to attend are asked to register in advance at to help organizers plan for the number of participating children.

Holiday on the Hill is sponsored by 91ֱ�� and the Culver-Stockton Teachers Organization and facilitated by C-SC student leaders.

CANTON, Mo. — 91ֱ�� is proud to announce the results of the annual Homecoming Parade Marching Band Competition, held Saturday, Oct. 25 as part of C-SC’s 2025 Homecoming festivities. Bands from across the region showcased their talent and school spirit as they performed along Canton’s Main Street before a lively crowd of alumni, students, and community members.

CLASS AA – High School Division

1. Knox County High School – 119
2. Canton High School – 109
3. Illini-West High School – 100
4. Payson-Seymour High School – 91

CLASS A – High School Division

1. Green City High School
2. Western High School – 124
3. Adair County R-2 (Brashear) High School – 97
4. Adair County R-1 (Novinger) High School – 93
5. Marion County High School – 75

Junior High Division

1. Canton Junior High – 101
2. Payson-Seymour Junior High – 92

Caption Awards

• Best Color guard – Class A: Green City High School
• Best Color guard – Class AA: Illini-West High School
• Best Percussion – Junior High: Canton Junior High
• Best Percussion – High School: Western High School

“Each year, the Homecoming Parade showcases the talent and dedication of our regional marching bands,” Hollinger said. “We are honored to host these students and directors as part of our Homecoming celebration and to celebrate their musical excellence,” said Dr. Trent Hollinger, director of bands and chair, 91ֱ�� music department.

For more information about the 91ֱ�� Music Department visit /majors/music/.

The free event is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 26 from 3–5:30 p.m. in the Nichols Baseball Field parking lot on the Culver-Stockton campus.

Community members are invited to bring their children in costume for an afternoon of safe and festive fun. This is a Teal Pumpkin-friendly event; non-candy alternatives will be available.

For more information, contact Dr. Lacy Harrison, assistant professor of education, at lharrison@culver.edu.

Participants will spend the day in interactive sessions with the Culver-Stockton marching band, cheerleading squad, and dance team. The experience is designed to give students a behind-the-scenes look at how college-level groups prepare for and execute game day performances. The event will culminate with students performing alongside the college groups during the Wildcats’ home football game.

“This event is for any student who loves the thrill of preparing for game day but wants to see it on the next level,” said Dr. Alexander Kirby, associate director of bands and director of athletic bands at Culver-Stockton. “We are excited to offer a hands-on experience where students can build and participate in an on-field performance and truly feel what it’s like to be part of the Wildcat spirit.”

The event is open to all high school students with an interest in marching band, cheer, or dance. Information is being sent to prospective students as well as area high school directors and coaches.

Check-in will begin at the campus field house, where students will receive a welcome before breaking into their respective groups for specialized workshops. All registered participants will receive free admission to the football game and a meal voucher for the concession stand. The event will conclude at the end of the football game.

Registration is required to attend. To register for the event and for more details, please visit .

Hundreds of eggs will be scattered across the field, and Wildcat Willie will be on-site for photos. Advance registration is preferred and can be completed online at . This event is sponsored by 91ֱ��, the Culver-Stockton Teacher’s Organization (CSTO), and Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) Culver-Stockton Chapter. Student leaders will facilitate the activities for the day. For more information about this event, contact Public Relations at pr@culver.edu.

About 91ֱ��
91ֱ��, situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop The Hill overlooking the Mississippi River, was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, five graduate programs, 21 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events.

“Guests are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item for the Wildcat Campus Cupboard,” stated Marketing Director Carolyn Carpenter.  “We would appreciate it if all who are planning to attend would register in advance at  bit.ly/HolidayOnTheHill2024. By pre-registering we will have a better idea of how many children for which to plan.” This event is sponsored by 91ֱ�� and the Culver-Stockton Teachers Organization and facilitated by C-SC student leaders. For more information about this event, please contact public relations at pr@culver.edu.

About 91ֱ��
91ֱ��, situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop The Hill overlooking the Mississippi River, was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, four graduate programs, 19 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events.

“This year, the C-SC teachers organization and ATO fraternity have joined together to make this event happen. I’m thankful our Culver-Stockton groups have servant-leader hearts and are so eager to help with this highly anticipated and much-enjoyed community-focused event,” stated Lacy Harrison, 91ֱ�� lecturer in Education. “I know parents and children will enjoy getting to participate in this year’s event.”

In inclement weather, the event will be held in the Mabee Center. Please monitor the College’s Facebook page for weather announcements.  For questions regarding Hop on the Hill, please contact Harrison via email at lharrison@culver.edu.

“The annual visit to the Canton Christian Church serves as a significant reminder of the College’s deep-rooted ties to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ),” stated Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, president. “This tradition reaffirms the College’s unwavering commitment to its heritage and longstanding partnership with the Christian Church.”

This year’s service held special significance as 91ֱ�� welcomed esteemed alumnus Jim Cullumber ‘80, the newly appointed director of development/advancement for Higher Education & Leadership Ministries, who delivered the message during the worship. Additionally, the installation service of Campus Chaplain Rev. Dr. Mandy Tarpening ’99 was a memorable occasion for all in attendance.

Featured Image: L-R: Canton Christian Church Pastor Amanda Gosik, Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, and Campus Chaplain Mandy Tarpening during the covenant ceremony on Sunday, February 18, 2024.

Rev. Dr. Mandy Tarpening gave the children’s message.

L-R: Rev. Ron Routledge, Mid-America regional minister, along with Dr. Lauren Schellenberger
and Rev. Dr. Many Tarpening, during the installation of Tarpening as C-SC Campus Chaplain.

C-SC Alumnus Jim Cullumber ’80, brought the Heritage Day message.