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417 Magazine
April 2009

Cover Story

Best High Schools

We gathered the data and compared 98 public & private high schools. See which schools excel at getting our kids ready for college, and what makes them stand out in the crowd.

By Savannah Waszczuk; Photos by Edward Biamonte; Illustrations by Cassie Darst

Features
Down, Down, Down

Down, Down, Down

How a Springfieldian found herself in the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Plus, read tips for planning your own hike down our country’s biggest and most beautiful hole.

Photos and story by Laura Ward
Creating Light in the Dark

Creating Light in the Dark

A nationally known speaker, writer and musician calls Springfield home. She inspires women as an example of overcoming struggles—she’s been blind since age 15—and she’ll be speaking in...

By Jeff Houghton

Departments
Meet Mille's Archive »

Watch and learn as Mille’s Turn of the Century Café’s head chef Marc Giacin prepares sweet potato bisque, Asian steak and watercress salad, tenderloin beef medallions and chocolate...

By Melody Adams; Photos by Edward Biamonte
Reinvent Your Life, Starting Now Archive »

Marlene Chism’s book, Success is a Given, shows readers how to take the next step to get where they want in life. Read an excerpt here, then sign up to join Chism this month for a free webinar.

By Katie Pollock
5 Best Natural Wonders Archive »

It’s never too early to start enjoying the outdoors. Spend the day trekking through some of Southwest Missouri’s finest natural wonders, and take in a little history, too.

By Melody Adams
Bringin' The Heat Archive »

Rock‘n Ribs is a non-negotiable event for locals who are on the barbecue trail.

By Whitney Wilkins
Under My Umbrella Archive »

April showers may force you to sacrifice a little time in the sun, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your style. These umbrellas will keep you dry and add a splash of color to your...

Photos by Kevin O'Riley; Produced by Ashley Johnson
Fast Horses, Hot Springs Archive »

People have been flocking to Hot Springs for nearly two centuries to bathe in the naturally hot flowing mineral water for which the town is named. And hot is no understatement.

By Jabet Wade
417 Winners Dinner at the Bass Pro Shops parking lot Archive »

417 Winners Dinner. Saturday, April 18. Bass Pro Shops parking lot.

Global Affair Archive »

This year’s World-Fest at Silver Dollar City promises to be the biggest yet, with acts from Beijing, Trinidad, Ireland, Ghana and more. Here’s to traveling the world without leaving the...

By Melody Adams
Wearable Art Archive »

He’s just a kid, but Ryan Smith is one of Springfield’s newest fashion designers.

By Whitney Wilkins
Beyond Buzzed Archive »

Our editor visited (and tried) 11 local coffee shops in a single day. So, how did it make her feel?

By Katie Pollock
What's Your Favorite? Archive »

City Councilman and Vice-President of Marketing, Watts Radiant

By Jeff Houghton