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Scholar of the Week

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.

View Emmerson's Bio View / Search All Winners

Tanner%20Suess

Tanner Suess

October 11, 2009 - October 17, 2009

School
Scotland School District
GPA
3.85
Activities
football, wrestling, vocal, show choir, band, 4-H, Rodeo, church youth group, student council

Tanner Suess is from Tripp, SD.

Rachel%20Schwartz

Rachel Schwartz

October 4, 2009 - October 10, 2009

School
Sioux Valley Schools
GPA
4
Activities
Volleyball, basketball, National Honors Society, Natural Helpers, and Student Council

Rachel Schwartz is from Volga, SD.

Stephanie%20Vedvei

Stephanie Vedvei

September 27, 2009 - October 3, 2009

School
Groton Area High School
GPA
4.11
Activities
Band, Show Choir, Jazz Band, Yearbook, Basketball, Volleyball player and captain, Soccer goalie and captain, Jr. Class Officer, Star/Torch, Natural Helpers, Luther League Treasurer, Softball, Youth Soccer Coach

Stephanie Vedvei is from Groton, SD.

Ashley%20Hesby

Ashley Hesby

September 20, 2009 - September 26, 2009

School
Lake Preston
GPA
4
Activities
Mixed Choir, Swing Choir, Instrumental Music, Jazz Band, FFA, FCCLA, Comp Cheer, Sideline Cheer, All School Play, One Act Play.

Ashley Hesby is from Lake Preston, SD.

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Rosie Ahmed

September 13, 2009 - September 19, 2009

School
Vermillion High School
GPA
4
Activities
Band, acting, art club, Natural Helper, Teacher aid, National Honor Society, and received outstanding volunteer award.

Rosie Ahmed is from Vermillion, SD.

Maggiepence

Maggie Pence

September 6, 2009 - September 12, 2009

School
Aberdeen Central High School
GPA
3.917
Activities
National Honor Society, Debate, Environmental Club (Co-chair)

Maggie Pence is from Westport, SD.

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Randall Waldner

May 3, 2009 - May 9, 2009

School
Redfield High School
GPA
4.107
Activities
Student Council ? Class Vice President (Jr), Student Body President (Sr.) Football ?4 years, Captain 2 years, All Conference (Jr, So), Rookie of Year (9) FBLA ? 4 years, Chapter President (Sr) Band ? 4 years Wrestling ?4 years, Captain 3 years, State Champion, HWT (Jr), 6th Place 215 (So) Baseball ? 4 years Track ? 4 years, Captain 3years CCD ? 4 years Co-Ed Softball ? 3 years Prom Decorator ?A? Honor Roll ? All Quarters of High School Student of the Month ? freshman, Junior Boys State ? Junior HOBY Delegate ? sophomore

Randall Waldner is from Redfied, SD, SD.

Jessicaw

Jessica Wolles

April 26, 2009 - May 2, 2009

School
St. Mary High School, Dell Rapids
GPA
3.94
Activities
Volleyball, Football Cheerleading, Basketball, Boys Basketball Cheerleading, National Honor Society President, Track, Student Mentor for Elementary Students

Jessica Wolles is from Dell Rapids, SD.

Sarah%2Dpederson

Sarah Pederson

April 19, 2009 - April 25, 2009

School
Great Plains Lutheran High School
GPA
3.5
Activities
Volleyball 9-12 Basketball 9-12 Track 9-12 Choir 10-12 Honor Choir 10-12 Band 10-12 Student Council 12

Sarah Pederson is from Watertown, SD.

Lanes

Lane Stockland

April 12, 2009 - April 18, 2009

School
Irene-Wakonda High School
GPA
3.75
Activities
Activities 4 years football, four years varsity letter winner, 1st team all TVC 4 years basketball, three years varsity letter winner, honorable mention TVC 4 years band, three year letter winner 2 years student council 2 years all-school play Awards 4 year academic letter winner National Honors Society member- 11th and 12th Voice of Democracy regional winner ?11th Homecoming Royalty- 12th A-honor roll every quarter since 9th grade Community Service/Work Experience Charlie?s Bus Service & Auto Repair ? summer of 2006 ? Present Assistant manager Volunteered at Veterans? Day banquet Always help with basketball tournaments Construction of church wheel chair ramp for my church and help paint the church as well

Lane Stockland is from Irene, SD.