What does it take to be a Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week? It's not just about grades or athletic ability. It takes a well-rounded individual that excels in the classroom and the community.
Touchstone Energy Cooperatives and Dakota News Now have joined together to recognize the achievements of high school seniors throughout the region. "Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week" has been celebrating the achievements of high school seniors since 2002. Recipients are highly motivated high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community. This program was founded on the four pillars of Touchstone Energy: Integrity, Accountability, Innovation and a Commitment to Community. For more information on the program please call your local Touchstone Energy cooperative.
If there are outstanding seniors in your school that you would like to recognize, please nominate them here.
This Week's Scholar
Emmerson Larson
Willow Lake School
Emmerson will be featured on Dakota News Now during the 6:00PM news on Monday, October 13 and again on the Dakota News Now morning news on Tuesday, October 14 between 6:00AM and 7:00AM.
Katherine Giorgio
January 25, 2015 - January 31, 2015
- School
- Elk Point-Jefferson High School
- GPA
- 4
- Activities
- Band ? 4 years, Jazz Band ? 4 years, Vocal ? 4 years, Show Choir ? 4 years, Musical ? 2 years, All-State Chorus ? 2 years, Various Honor Bands, Accompanying multiple instrumental or vocal performances, 15 superior ratings at Band and Vocal Region I Solo/Ensemble contests over the past 3 years, Natural Helpers ? 4 years, Student Council ? 4 years, National Honor Society ? 2 years, Volleyball ? 3 years, USD Math Competition ? 1 year, Talent Show ? 1 year, Junior Class Homecoming Attendant, Summer Acceleration Program ? 3 years, USD orchestra ? 2 semesters, CCD ? 8 years , Bible Study ? 1 year, Girl Scouts ? 12 years Bronze Award 2009 ? community Girl Scout dinner, Silver Award 2011? compiled and sold cookbooks to raise over $3,000 for the Elk Point Food Pantry, Take Action Project 2012 ? 4 week leadership-building series for girls K-5, Gold Award estimated to be completed by June 1st, 2015 ? Record songs for CDs to use in the nursing home and assisted living in Elk Point, Piano, Lessons for 14 years, Multiple Superior ratings in regional contests, 1st or 2nd place at Sonatina Festival for 3 years, 2nd place in Truran Piano Competition in 2013, 2nd place at Grant Piano Competition in 2013, I will perform a full-length senior recital in May, SDSM&T summer camps ? 3 years, USD summer music camp ? 3 years, Multiple summer volleyball camps, Music at Church ? 6 years, Serving at Church ? 8 years, Community Easter Cantata ? 2 years, Elk Point Haunted House ? 1 year, Summer Library Program ? 1 year, Counselor In Training at Camp Glenmary ? 1 year, Serving at Friend?s Feast, Playing music at the nursing home, Began teaching piano lessons in 2011 and currently have 12 students, Summer babysitting
Katherine Giorgio is from Elk Point, SD, located within Union County Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Jacob Milbrandt
January 18, 2015 - January 24, 2015
- School
- Groton Area School District
- GPA
- 4.11
- Activities
- Soccer, football, hockey, robotics, senior class treasurer, honor roll, Student of the Month, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Church Youth Group.
Jacob Milbrandt is from Groton, SD, located within Northern Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Lindsey Vogl
January 11, 2015 - January 17, 2015
- School
- Webster Area
- GPA
- 4.092
- Activities
- Basketball (several awards including the state all tournament team), Volleyball, FCCLA (2013-14 state officer), Student Council, NHS, SADD, Key Club, Stats
Lindsey Vogl is from Webster, SD, located within Lake Region Electric Association, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Francine Hoffman
January 4, 2015 - January 10, 2015
- School
- Leola High School
- GPA
- 4
- Activities
- Band Jazz Band Choir Yearbook Staff Peer Helpers Student Council Pianist McPherson County Shooting Sports, 7 years McPherson County 4-H, 10 years
Francine Hoffman is from Leola, SD, located within FEM Electric Association, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Jessica Triebwasser
December 28, 2014 - January 3, 2015
- School
- Colman-Egan High School
- GPA
- 3.57
- Activities
- FFA: President, FBLA: treasure, NHS, Band, Jazz band, drum major, Girls State, Reformed Church Youth Foundation, Class treasure
Jessica Triebwasser is from Dell Rapids, SD, located within Sioux Valley Energy, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Devin Tolsma
December 14, 2014 - December 20, 2014
- School
- Avon High School
- GPA
- 3.975
- Activities
- Football, Basketball, Student Body President, Science Fair, Church Youth Group, A-Club
Devin Tolsma is from Avon, SD, located within Bon Homme-Yankton Electric Assn., a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Nathan Herrold
December 7, 2014 - December 13, 2014
- School
- Andes Central School District
- GPA
- 3.8
- Activities
- Band, Chorus, All-State Chorus, Student Government, National Honor Society
Nathan Herrold is from Lake Andes, SD, located within Charles Mix Electric Association, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Caleb Preszler
November 30, 2014 - December 6, 2014
- School
- Menno High School
- GPA
- 4
- Activities
- Activities: Football, Basketball, Track, FFA, One Act Play, Student Council, FCA, National Honor Society, Chorus for three years Honors: Always have been on the Roll of Excellence, Selected for Governors Luncheon in 2013 Community Involvement: Numerous mission projects around town.
Caleb Preszler is from Menno, SD, located within Southeastern Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Chesney Arend
November 23, 2014 - November 29, 2014
- School
- Bridgewater-Emery High School
- GPA
- 3.82
- Activities
- Volleyball Track Cheerleading Football Statistician Student Council President Oral Interp Drama Journalism National Honor Society FCCLA - Officer Band Choir Journalism
Chesney Arend is from Emery, SD, located within Central Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Sharon Folk
November 16, 2014 - November 22, 2014
- School
- Milbank High School
- GPA
- 4
- Activities
- Volunteering at the Orphan Grain Train. Volunteer work at St John's Lutheran Church. Teach Sunday School. School Activities--Band, Choir, Oral Interp, debate, theater, FFA, Art Club. Member of the Milbank National Honor Society.
Sharon Folk is from Milbank, SD, located within Whetstone Valley Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.