Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives in eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota honored some of the area’s most impressive high school seniors Saturday, April 27, during the 17th annual Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Year banquet and recognition on the campus of South Dakota State University.
The event honored the 34 high school students who were chosen each week throughout the school year as the Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week. It’s a program which recognizes students for academic achievement, co-curricular involvement and community service. The students are featured in weekly segments which air on KSFY Television and each student receives a $100 scholarship for being chosen as the Scholar of the Week.
Danielle Houghtaling, a senior at Doland High School within Northern Electric’s service territory, was selected during the banquet as the Touchstone Energy Scholar of the year. Houghtaling, who plans to attend South Dakota State University in the fall, received a $1,000 award. Jarret Haven, a senior at Northwestern Area High School also within Northern’s territory and Allison Young, a senior at Sioux Falls Christian High School within Southeastern Electric’s territory, were both chosen to receive $500 awards.
Jim Woster, famed South Dakota agriculture writer, broadcaster and public speaker was the banquet’s keynote speaker and KSFY News anchor Brian Allen served as the master of ceremonies.
Touchstone Energy Cooperatives in eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota provide safe and reliable electricity to more than 113,000 homes and businesses. The cooperatives have sponsored the Scholar of the Week program since 2002. In that time Touchstone Energy Cooperatives have awarded over $85,000 in scholarships as part of the Scholar of the Week program.
