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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

Ashlyn Koupal
Wagner High School

Ashlyn will be featured on Dakota News Now during the 6:00PM news on Monday, December 15 and again on the Dakota News Now morning news on Tuesday, December 16 between 6:00AM and 7:00AM.

View Ashlyn's Bio View / Search All Winners

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Jami Swenson

April 23, 2006 - April 29, 2006

School
Chamberlain High School
GPA
4
Activities
Band, Chorus, National Honor Society, Volleyball, Fine Arts Plays & Musicals, Student Council

Jami Swenson is from Chamberlain, SD.

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Matt Hubbell

April 16, 2006 - April 22, 2006

School
Brandon Valley High School
GPA
4
Activities
Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Concert Choir, All-State Chorus, Student Council, National Honor Society, Tennis, Theater, Peer Helpers, Tutor

Matt Hubbell is from Brandon, SD.

Kindal%2Dkimball

Kindal Konechne

April 9, 2006 - April 15, 2006

School
Kimball
GPA
4.072
Activities
FBLA-Mountain Plains National Vice President, Track, Basketball, National Honor Society, Student Council, marching band, K Club,

Kindal Konechne is from Kimball, SD.

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Jennifer Bjorklund

April 2, 2006 - April 8, 2006

School
Estelline High School
GPA
3.884
Activities
Drama (all school play and the 1-Act, Volleyball, National Honor Society, and has been part of the music programs and track in the past.

Jennifer Bjorklund is from Estelline, SD.

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Katie Klipfel

March 26, 2006 - April 1, 2006

School
Leola High School
GPA
3.849
Activities
Katie is actively involved with many school and community related activities. She has received many high honors in both band and chorus. She has recently participated in All State Orchestra. She is also involved with her local church youth group, Future Business Leaders of America and the Character Counts Team. The Character Counts team meets bimonthly with K-6 age students and promotes the importance of 6 character traits: trustworthiness, respect, responsiblity, fairness, caring and citizenship. Katie is exceptional at teaching elementary age students the importance of good character. She has also received many high honors at the state level for FBLA. She has had the opportunity to compete at the national level of FBLA as well. Katie works well with all ages within the Leola community. She spends much of her time volunteering for projects associated with bettering the community and other's lives.

Katie Klipfel is from Leola, SD.

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Allison LaFave

March 19, 2006 - March 25, 2006

School
DeSmet High School
GPA
4
Activities
Natural Helpers,Senate Page for Tom Daschle,SD Senate Page 2006,Drama,Girls Stater, DAR Candidate, Accepted to Harvard,NHS

Allison LaFave is from DeSmet, SD.

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Chelsey Luecke

March 12, 2006 - March 18, 2006

School
Groton Area School
GPA
4.1
Activities
piano show choir band girls volleyball track

Chelsey Luecke is from Groton, SD.

Taylorolson%2Darlington

Taylor Olson

March 5, 2006 - March 11, 2006

School
Arlington High School
GPA
3.48
Activities
Taylor is involved in the following organizations and activities: National Honor Society, Boys State, FFA, football, basketball, baseball, one act play, band, marching band and pep band.

Taylor Olson is from Bruce, SD.

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Joni Strom

February 26, 2006 - March 4, 2006

School
Beresford High School
GPA
3.993
Activities
Band, Chorus, All-State Choir, Cross Country, Track, FFA

Joni Strom is from Beresford, SD.

Adrian

David McCarthy

February 19, 2006 - February 25, 2006

School
Adrian High School
GPA
4.086
Activities
Concert Choir, All School Play, Speech, KB, National Honor Society, Math League, Concert Band, Marching Band, One Act Play, Jazz Band

David McCarthy is from Adrian, MN.