Winners

October 20, 2024 - October 26, 2024

School

Chester Area High School (605-489-2411)

GPA

4

Activities

I am writing this letter to recommend Arien Stalford to be chosen for the Touchstone Energy Student of the week. As a member of the community where Arien lives, works and volunteers it has been my pleasure to see his outstanding character and dedication to his school and community. During the past 5 years Arien has volunteered and worked with the Senior Citizen in our community at the local nutrition site. There he is always friendly and willing to help elderly as well as youth members of the community with tasks and engages in general conversations, which is always enjoyable. He is usually the first person to volunteer to help deliver to shut ins or nearby communities. His positive attitude toward volunteering along with his academic involvement is quite impressive. Arien has been a member of the Football team throughout high school as their manager focusing on the video and technical aspects in the program. Arien is also a band member, where he has auditioned for State Band as well as holds office in the Band at local high school level, member of choir where he auditioned and was selected for the BEC choir as well as All State Choir. Arien is a member of the theatre department participating in Fall and Spring performances. He enjoys being selected to be in the Chester Honor Society, Chester Area wresting team, attended South Dakota Boys State through the American Legion, Chester Area Golf team, as well as participating in the Governor’s Cyber Academy. Along with all the academic events Arien finds time to be active in Church as well as volunteer in most all community activities. With all the extra curriculars Arien maintains a 4.0 GPA in high school as well as in the college classes he takes through Dakota State University. Where he plans to enroll in the Fall majoring in Cyber Operations. Arien’s list of activities and involvement are impressive, however the most impressive trait would be his kindness and genuine care for those around him. He is the first to encourage his peers and I have even witnessed how his kind heart can positively impact his community. He is consistently someone peers and community can count on, which is hard to find in adults let alone youth in the current day and age. I am honored to recommend Arien Stalford for this award. He is an exceptional youth who not only exhibits academic goals but is a person with character in the community he lives in. I have complete faith that he will make a positive impact in his future academic and career areas. Appreciation for your time and consideration of Arien for Touchstone Energy Student of the week, and it has been my pleasure to nominate him.

Arien Stalford is from Wentworth, SD, located within Sioux Valley Energy, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

October 13, 2024 - October 19, 2024

School

Florence (605 758 2412)

GPA

3.82

Activities

FFA, Basketball, FBLA

Jaxon Orthaus is from Florence, SD, located within Codington-Clark Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

October 6, 2024 - October 12, 2024

School

Hendricks Public School (507-203-3425)

GPA

3.9

Activities

Ayla is active in volleyball, basketball, golf, student council, band, and FFA. She is the current president for the HPS Student Council, and a great role model for our younger students. Ayla has attended HPS throughout her entire academic career and is looking forward to the next steps post-graduation.

Ayla Texley is from Hendricks, MN, located within H-D Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

September 29, 2024 - October 5, 2024

School

Wilmot High School (6059384647)

GPA

4.08

Activities

Academics • Freshman class president • Junior class secretary • Senior class president • National Honor Society secretary • National Honor Society vice president • Freshman scholarship award Envirothon • 3rd place State Team Basketball • Heart of the Wolf • Defensive MVP (sophomore and junior year) Volleyball • Hustle Award Track • School record holder 4x400 relay FFA • Chapter Secretary • Chapter Vice President • District I Student Advisor • Chapter President • Greenhand Degree • Chapter Degree • FFA CDE Gold Award, Livestock Judging • FFA CDE Gold Award, Veterinary Science • FFA CDE Bronze Award, Veterinary Science 4-H Shooting Sports • National Shooting Sports Ambassador State placings • 1st place Junior Muzzleloader, Critters • 3rd place Junior Muzzleloader, Bullseyes • 5th place Junior Muzzleloader, Bottles • 3rd place Junior Muzzleloader, Overall • 2nd place Junior Air Rifle • 3rd place Junior CMP, Telescopic Class • 1st place Senior Muzzleloader, Critters • 3rd place Senior Muzzleloader, Bullseyes • 4th place Senior Muzzleloader, Bottles • 2nd place Senior Muzzleloader, Overall • 1st place Senior Muzzleloader, Critters • 3rd place Senior Muzzleloader, Overall • 3rd place Senior Air Rifle, Silhouettes • 1st place Junior CMP Team • 1st place Junior Muzzleloader Team • 2nd place Junior Air Rifle Team • 2nd place Senior CMP Team • 2nd place Senior Muzzleloader Team • 4th place Senior Air Rifle Team • 3rd place Senior Trap Team • 5th place Senior CMP Team • 3rd place Senior Air Rifle Team • 2nd place Senior Muzzleloader Team State Records • Junior CMP Standing, Rapid Fire • Junior Muzzleloader, Critters • Senior Muzzleloader, Critters • Junior CMP Team • Junior Muzzleloader Team National Team Qualifications • State Hunting Skills Team • State Muzzleloader Team • State Smallbore Rifle Team National Placings • 5th place Hunting Skills Team, Day 1 • 5th place Hunting Skills Team, Day 2 • 5th place Hunting Skills Team, Overall • 9th place Muzzleloading Silhouettes individual

Mya Heinje is from Wilmot, SD, located within Whetstone Valley Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

September 22, 2024 - September 28, 2024

School

TF Riggs (6057737354)

GPA

4

Activities

Kailey is one of our outstanding seniors at Riggs HS. I met Kailey in 6th grade when we met for her Diabetes (Type 1) meeting at the MS. I was her school counselor there. I have had the joy of watching her through her years in school and now she is my senior at Riggs as I have moved to the HS. She has always been a natural leader and has developed strong communication skills. She has great self-advocating skills that her parents have allowed her to develop her own plan for her diabetes at school and share with her teachers. She enjoys working with children and her peers. She would like to pursue higher education to become a teacher, which warms my heart. She has a 4.0 GPA, She has taken 3 Dual Credit Classes and is enrolled this year with AP Calculus, even though she only needs college algebra. She is a member of the National Honor Society, National Art Society, book club, Riggs Competitive Dance Team, and volunteers for many community programs. She was nominated and attended the National Junior Youth Leadership Conference in 2021. There the students brainstormed solutions to prevalent issues our country faces! Kailey is most deserving of your Scholar of the Week. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me. Kim Rogers

Kailey Wallman is from Pierre, SD, located within Oahe Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

September 15, 2024 - September 21, 2024

School

Miller High School (605-853-2455)

GPA

4

Activities

•Volleyball, Captain for three seasons •Basketball videographer • JO Club volleyball • Fellowship of Christian Athletes/ FCA • National Honor Society/ NHS • Catholic Youth Organization/ CYO • Confraternity of Christian Doctrine/ CCD • Miller Swim Club • Band two years • Chorus three years • Regent Scholar

Olivia Resel is from WESSINGTON, SD, located within Dakota Energy Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

May 12, 2024 - May 18, 2024

School

Langford Area School District (605-493-6454)

GPA

4

Activities

I recommend Megan Gustafson for the Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week. Over the past five years, I've had the privilege of being Megan's teacher in a range of challenging courses including 8th Math, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. In every one of these subjects, Megan has consistently earned A grades. It's clear to me that she stands out as the most intellectually gifted student in her class. Megan's excellence doesn't end with her academic achievements. She embodies qualities that set her apart - a tireless work ethic, genuine care for others, and a remarkable sense of responsibility. Megan approaches challenges with a fearless determination, demonstrating an eagerness to tackle even the most demanding tasks. Impressively, she's the sole student in her class to have taken all of the advanced Math and Science courses available. Beyond the classroom, Megan remains actively engaged in a variety of extracurricular pursuits. She contributes her talents to volleyball, basketball, chorus, band, oral interpretation, and the school play. Additionally, Megan generously dedicates her time to teaching Sunday School at her local church. Her multifaceted involvement underscores her commitment to making a positive impact on Langford Area. In summary, Megan Gustafson is an exceptionally gifted student whose contributions extend far beyond her academic accomplishments. She is a true asset to our school community and a shining example of dedication and excellence. She unquestionably deserves to be recognized as the Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week.

Megan Gustafson is from Claremont, SD, located within Lake Region Electric Association, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

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.

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.

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.