View the current list of winners for this year’s Scholar of the Week program. The Scholar of the Week program is a partnership between Dakota News Now and your local Touchstone Energy Cooperatives that honors the region’s accomplished high school students. Each weekly winner receives a cash award from their local Touchstone Energy Cooperative and is featured on Dakota News Now. All winners are also eligible to receive one of the three scholarships that are given away at the annual Scholar of the Year banquet. Nominations for the weekly awards are submitted by area school principals and faculty, whose selections were based on excellence in the classroom and service in the community.
Sofia Losure
May 5, 2024 - May 11, 2024
- School
- Frederick Area High School (6053292145)
- GPA
- 4.05
- Activities
- Sofia is a top student, very dedicated in each subject she studies. In addition to her work in the classroom, she is very active on campus. Some of her activities include band, science club (science fair), Above the Influence club (focused on making positive choices and student wellness), basketball, volleyball, track, and cross country. Sofia has received accolades in many of these activities, including 4 Superior ratings at the Region IV Music Contest, 2 honorable mentions at the NSU Science Fair, being selected as a captain of the volleyball team for three years running, and going to state for cross country and track. Most notably, Sofia was selected from girls across the state to represent South Dakota at Girls Nation in Washington DC last summer.
Sofia Losure is from Frederick, SD, located within Northern Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Kadence Bowne
April 28, 2024 - May 4, 2024
- School
- Deubrook Area High School (605-629-1101)
- GPA
- 3.88
- Activities
- Work Experience: Employee at Hy-Vee 2022-current Farm Aide on Family Farms 2016-current Activities: Volleyball 2023 Positively Dolphin Member 2023-current Ambassador/Leader 2023-current National Honors Society Member 2022-current Secretary 2023-current Yearbook 2022-current FCA Member 2021-current Leader 2023-current Student Council 2021-current Cross Country 2020-2022 Basketball 2017-current Track 2017-current Volunteer/Community Service: Prom Dress Resale (fundraiser) 2021-current Veterans Program 2021-current Numerous School Activities 2020-current Backpack Project 2020-2021 Share the Warmth 2020-2021 Harvest Table 2019-2022 Special Olympics 2017-2022 Church Activities/Taught CCD 2016-current Ball girl for SDSU basketball games 2016-current Leadership Opportunities: Girls State 2023 Leadership Academy 2023 Awards: Homecoming Queen 2023 Nominated for positive attributes-school (28 times) 2020-current Athletic Awards/Medals (over 80) 2019-current Bobcat Best Award (only 6 of 300 students chosen) 2018
Kadence Bowne is from White, SD, located within Sioux Valley Energy, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Trey Maaland
April 21, 2024 - April 27, 2024
- School
- Deuel High School (605-874-2161)
- GPA
- 4
- Activities
- Trey is involved in Key Club, National Honor Society, Varsity Basketball, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Varsity Football and Varsity Golf. Trey's honors and accomplishments include Key Club Vice President, 2-year Varsity Football Captain, 2-year Varsity Basketball Captain, 4.0 Honor Roll, Junior Class Vice President, DeSmet-Deubrook Area Math Contest Medal Winner, NEC All Conference Team (Football), ECC Most Valuable Offensive Player (Football), LCC All Conference (Basketball) and NEC All Conference (Basketball)
Trey Maaland is from Clear Lake, SD, located within H-D Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Stella Wendland
April 14, 2024 - April 20, 2024
- School
- Milbank High School ((605)432 - 5579)
- GPA
- 4.19
- Activities
- I am writing this letter to highly recommend Stella Wendland to be chosen for the Touchstone Energy Student of the Week. As one of Stella's high school math teachers, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her exceptional academic abilities, her outstanding character, and her unwavering dedication to her studies. I have known Stella since she was in my advanced geometry class her freshman year of high school. Over the past four years, I have had the opportunity to observe her growth and development both academically and personally. Stella consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for learning. Her commitment to excellence in all aspects of her academic pursuits is truly commendable. Stella’s hard work has paid off, earning a number one class rank, a GPA of 4.1915, and an ACT score of 33. In the classroom, Stella consistently impressed me with her ability to think critically. It was always her goal to have a deep understanding of the content. She actively participated in class discussions, always offering insightful and thought-provoking contributions that enriched the learning experience for her peers. Stella continues to push herself academically with an impressive list of dual – credit courses she has taken throughout high school. Her ability to manage and be successful in all her classes and extracurriculars is truly remarkable. Beyond her academic achievements, Stella is an exemplary role model for her peers and the youth of our community. She is kind, compassionate, and always willing to step up when needed. Her positive attitude and strong moral compass have earned her the respect and admiration of both students and faculty alike. Stella consistently demonstrates responsibility and maturity in all her endeavors, making her a true asset to any community she becomes a part of. Furthermore, Stella has actively engaged in various extracurricular activities, further showcasing her leadership skills and dedication to personal growth. She is a member of National Honor Society, HOSA chapter president, and student council body president. Her ability to effectively communicate with her peers and teachers is truly remarkable and has benefited her in being chosen for these leadership roles. Stella also participates in cheerleading, cross country, choir, and dance. She has received many awards in all her activities such as being selected for the South Dakota All State Choir and South Dakota Honor Choir. She has also placed high and won many South Dakota State HOSA competitions. Stella’s list of achievements, awards, extracurriculars, and volunteer experiences is extremely impressive. However, impressive as her accolades are, it does not compare to how inspirational she is as a student, classmate, and person. Stella’s character is unrivaled by her peers. Her kind, calm, and respectful demeanor are just a few of a long list of endearing traits. Her compassion for others and selfless personality are admirable. I have witnessed her amazing character every day for four years. She is the first and loudest to cheer on her teammates at cross country meets, even after she is tired after just running her own race. She is the first to congratulate her classmates on their accomplishments as she genuinely wants to see everyone succeed. Her caring heart and willingness to serve those in her community make her an amazing role model. She is consistently volunteering at our local hospital and her church. As a mother to two young girls, I would be ecstatic if my daughters grew up to be like Stella. I wholeheartedly recommend Stella Wendland for this award. She is an exceptional student who possesses not only remarkable academic abilities but also exemplary character traits. Stella is a positive role model, kind-hearted, responsible, and consistently goes above and beyond to achieve her goals. I have no doubt that she will continue to thrive and make significant contributions in the future. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information or further insights into Stella’s qualifications. Thank you for considering her as a future Touchstone Energy Student of the Week. As her teacher, she has my highest regard.
Stella Wendland is from Milbank, SD, located within Whetstone Valley Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Braylen Schmidt
April 7, 2024 - April 13, 2024
- School
- Wheaton Area High School (3205638282)
- GPA
- 4.06
- Activities
- Braylen is involved in many activities at both her school and in her community. She has been in Cross Country since 6th grade, Basketball since elementary school, Track since 8th grade, Future Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) since 10th grade, National Honor Society since 11th grade, and Student Council since 8th grade. In her community, she coordinates and runs the computer and other technology at her church. Not only is Braylen, continuously involved, she is also one of the most caring people you will meet. She is always willing to lend a helping hand and has the utmost respect for others. She has patience and doesn't judge others based on things that are different but looks for a way to find similarities. She is curious and puts forth her greatest effort in her academics.
Braylen Schmidt is from Norcross, MN, located within Traverse Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Taylor Watson
March 31, 2024 - April 6, 2024
- School
- Henry School (605-532-5364)
- GPA
- 4.18
- Activities
- Volleyball, Basketball, Track, Student Council, National Honor Society, FCA She has been named all-conference in basketball and volleyball and has been a participant in the state track meet. She is also the senior class president.
Taylor Watson is from Henry, SD, located within Codington-Clark Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Caleb Weyh
March 24, 2024 - March 30, 2024
- School
- Waubay High School (6059474529)
- GPA
- 4
- Activities
- NHS, dual-credit student, Student council President 2022-Present, Track, lector at church, member of day county 4-H, Webster/Waubay FFA Chapter member, National Junior board vice president for American Junior Aberdeen Association.
Caleb Weyh is from Summit, SD, located within Lake Region Electric Association, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Katelyn Ryan
March 17, 2024 - March 23, 2024
- School
- Aberdeen Central High School ((605) 725-8100)
- GPA
- 4.29
- Activities
- Katelyn is a multi-talented student, enthusiastically participating in a wide array of extracurricular activities. She has been a integral part of our schools music program, participating in Band, Marching Band, and Symphonic Band throughout her high school career. In the realm of leadership and service, Katelyn is a prominent member of several clubs, including the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), the National Honor Society (NHS), and the Friends of Rachel Club. Her dedication to these organizations has resulted in meaningful contributions to her school community. Katelyn’s academic talent is equally noteworthy, as she has been recognized as the Student of the Month every year during her high school tenure and has maintained a consistent presence on the honor roll every term, as she maintains a near perfect GPA and ranks in the top 5 of her class. Katelyn’s achievements extend beyond the school walls. She garnered national acclaim by winning the Safe Driving Public Service Announcement (PSA) competition, showcasing her commitment to promoting safety on the roads. In the world of debate, her excellence earned her a spot in the 2023 national tournament, where she secured a place in the top 32 in the nation for the BQ Debate, demonstrating her intellectual prowess. Katelyn also finds time to give back to her community. She not only spends time volunteering through NHS, FBLA, and FOR Club, by helping with community fundraisers, commodity boxes, and being the chairman of the local Blood Drive, she has also been volunteering for many years at the SPURS therapeutic riding center. Her time spent here reflects her altruistic nature and her dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Katelyn Ryan is from Aberdeen, SD, located within Northern Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Chet Peterson
March 10, 2024 - March 16, 2024
- School
- Ipswich Public School (6054266571)
- GPA
- 3.75
- Activities
- Football, basketball, golf, FBLA, National Honor Society, band and others.
Chet Peterson is from Ipswich, SD, located within FEM Electric Association, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Joanlei Baker
March 3, 2024 - March 9, 2024
- School
- Miller High School (605-853-2455)
- GPA
- 4
- Activities
- Track & Field, Volleyball, JO Volleyball, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Piano Lessons, National Honor Society, CCD, Yearbook, Central Plains Arts Council, Snow Queen, Scholastic Art Competition, Student Council, Hand County Library Summer Reading Program Volunteer, State Fair Art Exhibitor, Dual Credit coursework
Joanlei Baker is from ST. LAWRENCE, SD, located within Dakota Energy Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.