School of the Ozarks student named “Athlete of the Week” at Missouri Boys State

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — School of the Ozarks student Oliver Mutrux was awarded the title of “Athlete of the Week” at Missouri Boys State out of 850 boys in attendance. Mutrux is beginning his senior year at S of O this fall.

The American Legion Boys State of Missouri Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching high school students about democracy and government. This eight-day, hands-on experience allows attendees to create and run a mock government, develop skills in public speaking, understand the importance of civic engagement, and learn more about election and legislation processes while playing an active role.

Each day focuses primarily on a different aspect of the government; however, the program also allows attendees to participate in various athletics events including tennis, track and field, soccer, and basketball. At the close of the program, accomplishments are formally recognized and awarded to deserving participants. During the 2025 Missouri Boys State Awards Ceremony held in Hyland Arena at Lindenwood University, Mutrux was awarded the title of “Athlete of the Week.”

Dr. Brad Dolloff, dean of School of the Ozarks, stated the following regarding Oliver’s achievements: “Oliver Mutrux represents the type of well-rounded student we hope to develop at School of the Ozarks! His parents have instilled in him a good work ethic, he is a young man of Christlike character, has an excellent academic record, and a is a hard-working athlete as well. We are very proud of all of his accomplishments!”

Missouri Boys State strives to instill American ideals of democracy, patriotism, liberty, and justice into the next generation of men. This program shapes dynamic leaders who are driven by integrity and a deep respect for their country and those around them.

“Missouri Boys State has equipped me with confidence and excitement for the future,” Mutrux said. “The sheer number of leaders and upstanding citizens found among the participants at Boys State is extraordinary. Also, in attending the law enforcement school led by real officers and agents, I have a much deeper understanding and respect for our laws and justice system.”

For additional information, contact Public Relations Director Valorie Coleman at (417) 690-2212.

About College of the Ozarks

College of the Ozarks is a private, Christian, liberal arts college, located in Point Lookout, Missouri, on a 1,000-acre campus. Christian values, hard work, and fiscal responsibility comprise the fundamental building blocks of the “Hard Work U.” experience. The College earns numerous accolades yearly, including No. 2 Best Performers on Social Mobility-Regional Colleges in the Midwest and No. 4 Best Regional College in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for 2024-2025 and No. 3 Best Bang for the Buck by Washington Monthly, 2024. To achieve its vision, the College pursues academic, vocational, Christian, patriotic, and cultural goals. These goals are mirrored in School of the Ozarks, a laboratory school that completes the K-college model.

The Keeter Center — the College’s award-winning lodge, restaurant, and conference facility — earns awards consistently, including the TripAdvisor Best of the Best Award 2024 and the Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 from ConventionSouth magazine. The Keeter Center features historic lodging, fine dining, and meeting rooms. With more than 350 student workers, it is the largest workstation on campus.