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.

Shelby VanDriel
September 15, 2013 - September 21, 2013
- School
- Scotland High School
- GPA
- 3.993
- Activities
- Band, Choir, Basketball, Track, Improv Group, S Club, Drama Club, Student Council
Shelby VanDriel is from Scotland, SD, located within Bon Homme-Yankton Electric Assn., a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

Tyson Mitzel
September 8, 2013 - September 14, 2013
- School
- Roncalli High School
- GPA
- 4.1
- Activities
- Football, Wrestling, track, band, Musical play, Campus minister music
Tyson Mitzel is from Westport, SD, located within Northern Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

Craig Reiter
September 1, 2013 - September 7, 2013
- School
- Florence School
- GPA
- 3.94
- Activities
- Football Basketball Golf FFA Band Chorus Boys State
Craig Reiter is from Florence, SD, located within Codington-Clark Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

Kaitlin Fleet
May 5, 2013 - May 11, 2013
- School
- Elkton High School
- GPA
- 4
- Activities
- FCCLA (officer), oral interp, school plays, band, volunteer at Lake Benton Opera House
Kaitlin Fleet is from Lake Benton, MN, located within Lyon-Lincoln Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

Trevor Reinesch
April 28, 2013 - May 4, 2013
- School
- Kimball High School
- GPA
- 4.028
- Activities
- Football, Basketball, Track, FBLA, FFA, National Honor Society, Squires
Trevor Reinesch is from Kimball, SD, located within Central Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

Danielle Voss
April 21, 2013 - April 27, 2013
- School
- Viborg-Hurley Public School
- GPA
- 4.119
- Activities
- Basketball, volleyball, All Conference 1st Team Volleyball, softball, National Honor Society, Oral Interp, school play, track, Homecoming Royal Court
Danielle Voss is from Hurley, SD, located within Southeastern Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

Morgan Larson
April 14, 2013 - April 20, 2013
- School
- Woonsocket High School
- GPA
- 3.98
- Activities
- Volleyball, Basketball, Football Statistician, Senior Class President, National Honor Society President, Student Council President, Chorus (All-State), Journalism, St. Wilfrid's Youth Group, Drama, HOBY Volunteer, Oral Interp, Yearbook Editor, School Paper Editor.
Morgan Larson is from Forestburg, SD, located within Central Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

Stefanie Ruml
April 7, 2013 - April 13, 2013
- School
- Freeman HS
- GPA
- 3.925
- Activities
- Volley Ball: 9,10,11,12 Quiz Bowl: 10,11,12 FCA: 9,10,11,12 Yearbook: 9,10,11,12 Book Club: 11,12 Band: 9,10,11,12 Girls Chorus: 9,10,11,12 Mixed Chorus: 9,10,11,12
Stefanie Ruml is from Freeman, SD, located within Southeastern Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

Kayla Sylvester
March 31, 2013 - April 6, 2013
- School
- Yankton High School
- GPA
- 3.92
- Activities
- Student Council, Debate, Oral Interp, School Newspaper, Young Democrats, Drama Club, National Honor Society, National History Day, Homecoming Club, Dance, Magazine Contributer
Kayla Sylvester is from Yankton, SD, located within Bon Homme-Yankton Electric Assn., a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

Kaylynn Noethlich
March 24, 2013 - March 30, 2013
- School
- Doland
- GPA
- 4.076
- Activities
- competition cheer, football & basketball cheer, student council president, play, region student council president, FCCLA president, and 4-H
Kaylynn Noethlich is from Doland, SD, located within Northern Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.