Winners

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

February 25, 2024 - March 2, 2024

School

Armour High School (605-724-2153)

GPA

4

Activities

(Grade participated in parentheses) *South Dakota Legislative Page (11) - Served 2-week term in SD House of Representatives *South Dakota Girls State (12) - Elected Mayor, State Senator, & State Delegate *4-H photography entries at county and state level (6,7, 8,9,10,11,12) - Photos chosen for 4-H Calendar each year *Intern at "Signature Studios" Photography (8, 9, 10) - Seniors, weddings, proms, graduation *Owner of "Photography by Nicolette" (10, 11, 12) - Started my own photography business: families, seniors, weddings, infants * National 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador (12) - Attended National Conference in Nevada *South Dakota State 4-H Ambassador (9, 11) *Teen Leadership Conference Executive Planning Committee (9, 11) - Reporter *4-H Community Engagement Project (9) - Planned safety/self defense class for area youth *4-H Teen Leadership Conference (8, 9, 10, 11) - Overall Leader Award (8) *4-H State Communication Education Committee (11,12) *4-H Youth in Action: Public Presentation (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) - Top in age division at county *4-H Youth in Action: Fashion Review (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) - Top in age division at county each; 3rd in Seniors at SD State Fair (10th grade) *4-H Static Exhibits at county and State Fair (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) *4-H Shooting Sports - competitor (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12) Recurve Bow (4, 5) Compound Bow (3, 4) Air Pistol (3, 4, 5, 9) - 1 State Record .22 Pistol (11,12) BB Gun (2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12) - 1 State Record .22 rifle (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12) -13 State Records, Qualified for National Team Shotgun (9, 10, 11,12) *4-H Shooting Sports National Team Member in .22 Rifle (12) National Results: Individual: 3P - 1st, CMP - 4th, Aggregate - 6th; Team: CMP & 3P - 1st, Silhouettes & Aggregate - 2nd *4-H Shooting Sports - coach for younger shooters (10, 11,12) *Dakota Sharpshooters Precision Rifle Team (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) Qualifier for USA Shooting National Junior Olympics every year Air Rifle - Standing (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12) USA Shooting Junior Olympics: Silver in J3 Shooting National Championships: Gold in J3 Winter Airgun Championships: Bronze in J2 Robert Mitchell Championships: Gold in J2 Air Rifle - 3 Position (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12) American Legion 3P Air Rifle Nationals: Bronze-aggregate, Bronze-standing NRA 3P Air Rifle sectionals: Gold in Sub-Junior; Bronze in Sub-Junior CMP Distinguished Shooter Badge Smallbore j(6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12) USA Shooting Junior Olympics: Bronze in J3 USA Shooting National Championships: Silver in J3 *Tripp-Delmont-Armour High School Clay Target Shotgun League (9,10,11,12) *Outdoor Expo (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10) Top Shot Team Champions *Mitchell Friends of NRA Banquet Volunteer (5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11,12) Banquet Speaker and Presenter (10, 11,12) - Spoke on youth shooting sports *American Legion State Meeting (11) - Spoke on youth shooting sports *VFW Essay Competitions - Presented each year at Veteran's Day program Patriot's Pen Essay (8) - 1st place locally Voice Of Democracy (9, 10 , 11,12) - 2nd and 1st place locally; 3rd in District, presented at District VFW Meetings *Mitchell Area Community Theater (9) Musical production of "Elf" *Armour High School Spring Play (11,12) Lead female role *Oral Interpretation (11) Duet - qualified for regions; Reader's Theater *Piano & Organ (K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) Lessons, contests, church, preludes, accompaniment *High School Choir (11) *Thrive Youth Group at Rivertree Church in Mitchell (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) Attended summer & fall Bible Camps (6, 7, 8, 9, 10) Junior Counselor for Kids Camp (8, 9) *FLY Youth Group at St Peter Lutheran Church in Armour (9, 10, 11,12) Attended National Youth Conference (10, 11,12) *National Honor Society (11,12) - Student Council Representative *High School Class Vice President (11, 12) - Fundraising, Prom Planning *Skills USA (11,12) - Secretary *FOR (Friends of Rachel) Club (11) - Community service projects *High School Yearbook Staff (11,12) *Mitchell Homeschool Coop (5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

Nicolette Hoffman is from Armour, SD, located within Douglas Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

February 18, 2024 - February 24, 2024

School

Bridgewater-Emery (6054494271)

GPA

3.96

Activities

Quinton Berg is a very active student at Bridgewater Emery. Quinton Berg is dedicated to 4-H, FFA, Band, NHS, One-Act Play, academic excellence, community leadership opportunities, and community involvement as the volunteer school YouTube broadcaster in announcing football and basketball games for Bridgewater-Emery High School. Quinton’s dedication to the school and community speaks volumes in his accomplishments and the different leadership roles he is involved in. From representing Bridgewater-Emery as an SD Boy's State representative to his dedication to the fine arts by being a lead percussionist and an active member of the One-Act Play. Leadership continues to resonate with Quinton in all the different activities and leadership skills Quinton illustrates in and outside of school. The following are some of his highlights while a student at Bridgewater Emery: National Accomplishments: 10/2023 - 4-H Kansas City American Royal Livestock Judging, 13th High Overall and 3rd place Overall Team 09/2023 - 4-H Aksarben Livestock Judging Contest, 13th High Overall, 2nd Place High Swine 11/2022 - National 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl Team Captain, Louisville Kentucky 10/2022 - FFA Livestock Evaluation, 3rd Overall in Sheep and Goat Division and Silver Emblem 11/2021 - National 4-H Livestock Skillathon, 4th Overall Quality Assurance Division, Louisville Kentucky State Accomplishments: 09/2023 - SD 4-H State Livestock Judging Contest, 9th place overall 09/2023 - SD 4-H State Livestock Skill-a-thon, 3rd high overall 09/2023 - SD 4-H State Daily Skill-a-thon, 5th place overall 09/2022 - Grand Champion Senior SD SDSU Livestock Evaluation Judging Series. 09/2022 - SD Livestock Judging Series, Senior Division, Champion Overall 04/2022 - FFA Livestock Evaluation Team Champion, 10th Overall Individual Award 01/2022 - 4-H Black Hills Stock Show, Grand Champion Livestock Skill-a-thon Leadership Accomplishments: 2023-2024 - Klever Klovers 4-H Club President 2014-Current Klever Klovers 4-H Club Member 2018-Current - Bridgewater-Emery FFA member 2022-2023 - FFA Reporter Officer 04/2023 - FFA Washington Leadership Conference Scholarship Recipient & attendee Volunteer Involvement: 2019-Current - Voice of the Huskies and Seahawks YouTube Sports Broadcaster 2015-Current - St Martins Catholic Church lector and altar server 08/2023 - 4-H volunteer in educating youth on the use of AEDs at local 4-H Club meeting 08/2023 - Installing new AEDs at Hanson County 4-H Fairgrounds 07/2023 - Organize, Serve, and Educate on 4-H Livestock Evaluation Clinic 03/2023 - FFA volunteer helper for Bridgewater/Emery CDE 10/2022 - 4-H volunteer event: Handing candy out for Halloween in Alexandria 10/2022 - FFA volunteer to make and deliver harvest meals for the FFA local chapter 11/2020 - 4-H volunteer event: Sewing cloth masks for COVID-19 relief 10/2022 - FFA volunteer event with the National Day of Service 08/2022 - FFA volunteer at petting zoo help younger youth 02/2022 - FFA volunteer for CDE fundraiser soup supper

Quinton Berg is from Emery, SD, located within Central Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.