Winners

January 18, 2026 - January 24, 2026

School

Brookings High School (605-696-4100)

GPA

4.05

Activities

Taya Haselhorst is an exceptionally dedicated student and a determined individual whose tenacity, compassion, and leadership have defined her high school career. She sets ambitious goals for herself and consistently achieves them through hard work, initiative, and service to others. FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) – Grades 9–12 Taya has been deeply involved in FCCLA throughout high school, taking on numerous leadership roles and completing impactful community projects that have reached far beyond her local community. Community Service Projects Each of Taya’s projects were independently developed and presented at the South Dakota State FCCLA competition. “Get Loud for Reading Out Loud” This project focused on advocating for childhood literacy and raising awareness of the one million word gap—the difference in vocabulary exposure between children who are read to regularly and those who are not. Taya organized a book drive that collected 133 books, which were donated to new elementary teachers, Head Start classrooms, and the local hospital. She and her peers also read aloud in preschool classrooms and created literacy brochures for families of newborns to emphasize the importance of reading from birth. “Accommodations Are NOT Negotiations” During her sophomore year, Taya co-led a project advocating for students with 504 plans and IEPs. After partnering with the school’s special education department to survey affected students, she discovered that only 30% consistently had their accommodations met. Taya and her team presented these findings to faculty and district administrators, providing resources including an Accommodation Management Plan to improve compliance and understanding. Over 500 informational brochures were distributed to educators across the community. “Kits for Kids” As a junior, Taya designed a project to support children hospitalized at Sanford Children’s Hospital. She contacted over 20 local businesses for raffle donations, raising more than $550. Half of the funds were donated directly to the hospital’s Child-Life program, while the other half was used to assemble themed sensory kits for young patients. Taya personally delivered the kits and met with a Child-Life specialist to learn more about supporting children’s emotional well-being during hospitalization. FCCLA Leadership 1st Vice President (Sophomore–Junior Year) As Vice President Taya managed the chapter point system and attendance records, recognized member involvement and achievements, co-chaired fundraisers and chapter events and supported the chapter president in carrying out responsibilities. President (Senior Year) As Chapter President Taya oversaw all chapter activities, fundraisers, and events; led officer and member meetings, she collaborated with advisers to develop the chapter’s annual program of work, managed chapter communications and resolved conflicts, and created monthly agendas and ensured smooth chapter operations. State Leadership Team Candidate As a freshman, Taya ran for the South Dakota FCCLA National Outreach State Leadership Team, a selective group that promotes awareness of national issues through service and advocacy. Although she was not selected, she completed the full candidacy process, including submitting an application, resume, and knowledge assessment, and delivering a presentation on a social issue during a formal interview. HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) – Grades 11–12 Taya’s passion for healthcare was further demonstrated through her involvement in HOSA. Respiratory Therapy State Competition (Junior Year) Taya researched the respiratory therapy profession by interviewing practitioners, shadowing professionals, and studying related medical conditions. She created and presented a professional presentation to a panel of certified respiratory therapists and competed in clinical skill assessments, including newborn evaluations, airway management, and vital signs. She placed Top 5 in the state and qualified for the International Leadership Conference. Chapter Treasurer (Senior Year) In her role as treasurer Taya managed chapter funds and budgets, organized fundraising events, and collaborated with team members to oversee chapter operations. National Honor Society – Grades 11–12 Nominated by her teachers for academic excellence and character, Taya joined the National Honor Society her junior year. To qualify, she maintained a GPA of 3.5 or higher, submitted volunteer records and recommendations, and passed a character evaluation. As a member, she continues to participate in community service and leadership projects throughout the school year. She was also a National Merit Candidate! Taya's Volunteer Experience Shows her Servant's Heart. Taya was a Mentor for Hard-of-Hearing Students (Grades 10–12) where she provided academic and social mentorship twice weekly for two elementary students who are hard of hearing. She also volunteered at Camp UBU (Lake Poinsett) where she served as a Camp Counselor her Sophomore year. At Camp UBU Taya supervised the elementary girls’ cabin, ensured camper safety, organized activities, and interpreted between American Sign Language and English for hard-of-hearing campers. She also had a hand in the District-wide initiative of the Adaptive PE Night. where Taya helped lead adaptive sports activities for students with disabilities. She is currently completing an internship as an Inpatient Hospital Volunteer at healthcare facilities in Brookings and at the Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls, volunteering at least 10 hours per week. Taya has worked as a Childcare Facility Assistant, where she supported early childhood development through structured play, social learning, and maintaining a safe, clean environment. She has also worked as a Private Tutor, helping students in Advanced Algebra II and Physics. And finally as a Childcare Provider (Grades 6–12) where Taya provided dependable childcare services as a nanny and babysitter for multiple families. Taya provided me with a personal statement to explain her passion for the Health Care Industry: “Because of my own experiences with hearing loss, I’ve spent much of my life in hospitals and with medical specialists. While many healthcare professionals were kind and supportive, a few were not as sensitive to the emotional experiences of children in care. Those moments inspired me to become a healthcare provider who prioritizes not only children’s physical health, but also their emotional comfort. I want to help make hospitals a place where kids feel safe, understood, and cared for.”

Taya Haselhorst is from Brookings, SD, located within Sioux Valley Energy, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

January 11, 2026 - January 17, 2026

School

Armour High School (605-724-2153)

GPA

4

Activities

Alex Werkmeister Armour High School 1308 Main Ave Armour, SD 57313 (605) 469-5684 alexjwerk@gmail.com EDUCATION Armour High School, Armour, SD - High SchoolDegree AUGUST 2022 - PRESENT Straight A Honor Roll All Year (Freshman and Junior) Straight A Honor Roll 3 Quarter (Sophomore), A Honor Roll 1 Quarter (Sophomore) Class Rank #1 (4.0 GPA) SKILLS Punctual Problem Solving Communication Leadership Teamwork Adaptability EXPERIENCE Werk Weld, Armour, SD - Employee JUNE 2024 - AUGUST 2024 (Summer) Started in Paint Prep Ran the Plasma Cutter as well Mike Carmody, Armour, SD - Hired Hand JUNE 2022 - PRESENT Completed maintenance duties for house and landscaping AWARDS/HONORS Lettered in Track (2 Years) Lettered in One-Act (3 Years) Craftsmanship Award for Shop (1 year) Academic Excellence Award for English (1 year) Sultan of Shapes Award for Math (1 year) Award for History (1 year) National Honor Society (2 years) Effort Awards (3 Years) SCHOOL ACTIVITIES High School Basketball (3 Years, Starter 1 Year) High School Football (2 Years) High School Track (3 Years) One-Act Play (3 Years) Spring Play (1 Year) Concert & Marching Band (3 Years) Choir (2 Years) SkillsUSA (3 Years, Secretary 1 Year) Freshman Class Treasurer Sophomore Class President Junior Class Treasurer Senior Class Treasurer Involved in Freshman Impact Skit COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES VFW Baseball League for Corsica (2 Years) Catholic CCD Student (3 Years) Volunteered in Snack Pack Program (2 Years) Altar Server at Church & Funerals (3 Years) Volunteered at Church Fall Supper (3 Years) REFERENCES Available upon request

Alex Werkmeister is from Armour, SD, located within Douglas Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

January 4, 2026 - January 10, 2026

School

Irene-Wakonda Jr/Sr High School (605-263-3311)

GPA

3.67

Activities

6-year Student Council Member, Student Council President 2x years, 6-year FCCLA Member, 5-year FCCLA Leadership Team, 2-year Regional FCCLA Leadership Team, 2-year State FCCLA Leadership Board, 4-year One Act, 4-year Choir, 4-year Band, 2-year All State Choir Delegate, plus more

Lydian Mews is from Wakonda, SD, located within Clay-Union Electric Corporation, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

December 14, 2025 - December 20, 2025

School

Wagner High School (6053843677)

GPA

4

Activities

Basketball - Varsity since 7th grade, captain, team leader, going to Nebraska on Basketball scholarship, SDHSAA State competitor and All-State teams Volleyball Track - 5 time State Champion in high jump, looking to make it 6 Fellowship of Christian Athletes School Mentoring Program with younger students Travel basketball during summer - All Iowa Attack Youth Group Mitchell Republic Basketball Player of Year in 2023 and 2025 South Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year

Ashlyn Koupal is from Wagner, SD, located within Charles Mix Electric Association, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

December 7, 2025 - December 13, 2025

School

Montrose High School (6053635025)

GPA

4.14

Activities

4 years in the following: FFA, volleyball, basketball, track, choir, band, student council, one act play, performing arts, Accomplishments: Sanford Promise Scholar, All State Choir, Honor Choir, Homecoming Royalty, Summer Food Bag Program Director, FFA President, National Honor Society President, Vice President Student Council, Dual Credit Student, Girls on the Run Coach, Vacation Bible School Volunteer, Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor Addison is a well-rounded individual who puts her heart and soul into everything she does. She is an outstanding role-model for younger students. Her passion for learning is admirable.

Addison Gordon is from Montrose, SD, located within Southeastern Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

November 30, 2025 - December 6, 2025

School

Willow Lake School (6056255945)

GPA

3.75

Activities

Cross Country: 7th grade (State Qualifier, Letter winner), 8th grade (State Qualifier, Letter winner), 9th grade (State Qualifier, Letter winner, Best in Race Award), 10th grade (State Qualifier, Letter winner, Most Valuable Runner Award) Wrestling: 7th grade (Letter winner), 8th grade (State Qualifier, Letter winner), 9th grade (State Placer (4th), Letter winner, Most Valuable Wrestler Award), 10th grade (State Placer (5th), Letter winner, Class B Dual Team Qualifier), 11th grade (State Placer (4th), Letter winner, Class B Dual Team Qualifier) Track: 8th grade (Letter winner), 9th grade (Letter winner) Football: 10th grade (Letter winner), 11th grade (Letter winner) Baseball: Legion Baseball 10th grade (State Qualifier), Legion Baseball 11th grade (State Qualifier), Amateur Baseball 11th grade (State Qualifier) Band/Choir: 9th grade (Letter winner) FFA: 9th grade, 10th grade (3rd Place Individual Milk Quality, 2nd Place Team Milk Quality), 11th grade Yearbook: 9th grade Class Officer: 11th grade (Vice President) WBC (Wrestling Booster Club): 7th -12th grade CABS (Clark Area Baseball/Softball): 7th -12th grade Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteered with the youth wrestling program (7th-12th grade), helped with improvements to the Whirledge Softball Complex (11th grade), volunteered time at the local football complex with current renovations (11th-12 grade), helped with updates at the Willow Lake wrestling room (10th grade).

Cooper Pommer is from Willow Lake, SD, located within Codington-Clark Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

November 23, 2025 - November 29, 2025

School

Wheaton Area High School (320-563-8282)

GPA

3.71

Activities

(For Grade 9-12) * American Red Cross Blood Drive Volunteer *Halloween Carnival Volunteer *Baseball Statistician *Volleyball (Captain) *EXCEL Award *"A" Honor Roll *FCCLA State Advancer *FCCLA Chapter Spark Award *FCCLA Secretary *FCCLA Treasurer *Student Council President *National Honor Society Member *Band and Choir *JO Volleyball *Summer Volleyball Camp Helper *Church Youth Group Leader *I Love to Read Month Volunteer *Employment at Rustic Edge Floral Shop and Wheaton Golf Course

Ellie Whaley is from Wheaton, MN, located within Traverse Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

November 16, 2025 - November 22, 2025

School

Hendricks Public School (507-275-3115)

GPA

4

Activities

30 dual-enrollment credits Graduating a full academic year early 24-25 FFA Vice-President 25-26 FFA President 24-25 Southwest Minnesota Regional Student Council Secretary 23-26 Student Council Secretary Drum Major 2x Honor Band Nominee State Qualifying Cross Country Team State Qualifying Milk Quality and Products CDE

Rylan Skorczewski is from Hendricks, MN, located within Lyon-Lincoln Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

November 9, 2025 - November 15, 2025

School

Castlewood High School (6057932351)

GPA

4.03

Activities

Natalie is an active and well-rounded student, deeply involved in a variety of school and community programs. She has participated in band for eight years, where she has earned numerous superior ratings and contributed to several marching band competition victories. In addition, she spent two years as part of the One-Act Play crew, helping the team win an Outstanding Set award. Leadership and service are central to Natalie’s character. She has been a proud member of the National Honor Society for three years and has served on student council for two years, consistently representing her peers with integrity and responsibility. She also has been a devoted member of the FPC youth group for four years. Athletically, Natalie is remarkably accomplished. She competes year-round in multiple sports, playing on three summer softball teams and on the Watertown Arrows fall fastpitch league, where she has been a varsity player for three years. At school, she has been a varsity starter on the softball team for three years, helping secure a 2023 state championship, 2024 state runner-up title, and a sixth-place finish in 2025. In basketball, she has been a varsity player for four years and was part of the 2023 consolation championship team. Additionally, she has contributed to the volleyball program as a dedicated student manager for three years.

Natalie Akin is from Castlewood, SD, located within H-D Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.