Winners

December 4, 2022 - December 10, 2022

School

Central High School (6057258101)

GPA

4.34

Activities

Awards/Recognition: Speech and Debate Awards/Recognitions: 19th in the Nation in Public Forum in National Speech and Debate Tournament 2021-2022 SDHS AA State Debate Individual Events Championship Runner-Up in International Extemp National Speech and Debate Qualifier (Public Forum) 2020-2021 National Speech and Debate Qualifier (Public Forum) 2021-2022 National Speech and Debate Attendee (Public Forum) 2020-2021 National Speech and Debate Attendee (Public Forum) 2021-2022 National Forensic League Degree of Premier Distinction Speech Letter Winner 2019-2020 Speech Letter Winner 2020-2021 Speech Letter Winner 2021-2021 Debate Letter Winner 2020-2021 Debate Letter Winner 2021-2021 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)Awards/Recognitions: 11th in the Nation in Introduction to Business Presentation in FBLA Nationals 2020-2021 FBLA National Qualifier 2019-2020 FBLA National Qualifier 2020-2021 FBLA National Qualifier 2021-2022 FBLA National Attendee 2020-2021 State Champion in Business Management in SD State FBLA 2022 State Champion in Hospitality & Event Management in SD State FBLA 2022 State Champion in Entrepreneurship in SD State FBLA 2021 State Champion in International Business in SD State FBLA 2021 State Champion in Introduction to Business Presentation in SD State FBLA 2021 State Champion in International Business in SD State FBLA 2020 State Runner-Up in Spelling Relay in SD State FBLA 2022 State Runner-Up in Entrepreneurship in SD State FBLA 2022 State Runner-Up in Partnership with Business Project in SD State FBLA 2022 Third place in International Business in SD State FBLA 2022 Fifth place in Human Resource Management in SD State FBLA 2022 Fifth place in Introduction to Business Procedures in SD State FBLA 2021 Fifth place in Introduction to FBLA in SD State FBLA 2021 FBLA Letter Winner 2021-2022 Others: South Dakota Girls State Representative Outstanding Appellate Attorney ALA SD Girls State 2022 ALA Girls State licensed Attorney and Counselor 2020-2021 Rotary Award for International Understanding Participated in the 39th Annual Northern South Dakota Science and Mathematics Fair SADD Letter Winner 2019-2020 SADD Letter Winner 2020-2021 SADD Letter Winner 2021-2022 Keystone Award in Leadership September Student of the Month 2019 AP Scholar Positions/Titles Held FBLA secretary 2021-2022 SADD President 2021-2022 (Brought membership from 6 people to over 50 people) SADD President 2022-2023 NHS Vice President 2022-2023 Eagle Squad Leader 2021-2022 Eagle Squad Leader 2022-2023 Community Service Volunteered at Done Waiting for 120 hours Co-organized and Led the SADD Community Service Project 2020-2021(Care packages for domestic abuse victims) Co-organized and led the SADD Community Service Project 2021-2022 (Care packages for kids, teens and elderly in hospitals within Aberdeen) Organized and Led the Halloween Safety Program (Reached all public schools in Aberdeen and conducted a presentation on Halloween Safety for elementary school students) Organized multiple skataway nights sponsored by SADD Fundraised for veterans through the American Auxiliary Legion Helped fundraise for FBLA Community Service Project 2020-2021 Volunteered at events hosted by Salvation Army all throughout high school Volunteered at YMCA fun nights all throughout high school Volunteered at Haunted Forest Crew (5 hours) Volunteered at the Freshman Orientation 2021-2022 Volunteered at the Freshman Orientation 2022-2023

Abiah George is from Aberdeen, SD, located within Northern Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

November 27, 2022 - December 3, 2022

School

Langford Area High School (6054936454)

GPA

3.6

Activities

Avery West is an exceptionally bright, caring young woman. I have had the pleasure of teaching Avery for four years, but have known her for her entire life. Avery is one of the top students in her class. I had her as a student in 8th Math, Algebra I, Geometry, & Algebra II. She is a very responsible student, always having her work done on time with high accuracey. Avery is always willing to help her classmates with anything, often she was helping them understand the material that was being taught. Avery is also very active within the community, helping teach Sunday School at our local church. Avery is also active at school outside of the classroom in volleyball, chorus, band, student council, and the school play just to name a few. Avery is a great role model for our younger students to model themselves after. This year she is doing an intership down in the Elementary School, helping teachers and students. Avery plans on majoring in Elementary Education at Northern State University this fall. Avery West is one of the most caring, big hearted students that I have seen in my 23 years as an educator. She is also very mature & goal driven for a student of her age. Avery is also a great leader. She often "straightens" out her fellow classmates when they start to get off course. Avery can always be found wearing a big smile to accommodate her caring personality. Avery will be missed by all of the staff at Langford Area School when she graduates. For all of these reasons I highly recommend Avery West for this scholarship.

Avery West is from Langford, SD, located within Lake Region Electric Association, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

November 20, 2022 - November 26, 2022

School

Bridgewater Emery (605-449-4271)

GPA

4.02

Activities

Sam is involved in football, basketball, track, student council, journalism, National Honor Society, and church youth group. Sam is also a mentor in our school's mentor-mentee program and he was most recently selected as a Character on Track student. Sam is a 4.0 student who has challenged himself academically by taking a rigorous course schedule including 15 college credits through one semester of his senior year. Sam had a tough start to his senior year as he was our starting quarterback and the 2nd game of the season he broke his tibia and fibula in a game ending his senior football season. Sam was being recruited to play collegiate football so this was a tough injury physically and mentally. However, Sam accepted it like a very strong man and is progressing in his recovery and will be on the basketball floor this winter. Sam's character during this trying time was inspiring for all - no excuses, no feeling sorry for himself and he served as an encouraging peer coach on the sidelines.

Sam Hofer is from Bridgewater, SD, located within Southeastern Electric Coop, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

November 13, 2022 - November 19, 2022

School

Elkton High School (6055422541)

GPA

3.68

Activities

Activities: 4-H, FFA, FCCLA, Volleyball Stats, Youth Group Accomplishments: • 2021-2022 FFA Chapter Secretary • 2022-2023 FFA Chapter President • FCCLA Chapter officer • 4-H club secretary • Certified Nursing Assistant • 3rd place Prepared Public Speaking at District 2 LDE for FFA • Girls State - States Attorney • 2022 FFA Leadership Retreat • Student Leadership Academy • Livestock Demonstration at Minnesota State Fair Community Service • FFA Road Ditch Cleanup • Central State Fair Grounds Cleanup • Tie blankets for local food shelf • FFA Ag Adventure Center Volunteer • St. Francis House Volunteer • The banquet Volunteer • Judge's Assistant • 4-H Road Ditch Cleanup • Project day Volunteer • Canteen Volunteer • FCCLA Santa Days • Volunteer to teach the youth about Livestock

Sydney Boersma is from Aurora, SD, located within Sioux Valley Energy, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

November 6, 2022 - November 12, 2022

School

Woonsocket School District (605-796-4431)

GPA

4

Activities

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES--Volleyball, Basketball, Student Council, National Honor Society, Choir, & Drama. COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES- Blood Donations, Served various meals for banquets, church, concerts, etc., Youth Group Member, Volunteers (Reffing Games, Keeping Score, etc.), Volunteers to help Elementary Staff in school on her free time. She has been a great student for the younger classes to look up to. She has been an outstanding overall person to represent our school. Thank you for your consideration.

Tristan Jensen is from Woonsocket, SD, located within Central Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

October 30, 2022 - November 5, 2022

School

Miller High School (605-853-2455)

GPA

4

Activities

Band, Jazz, Band, Pep Band, Region Band Contest Superior Rating, Golden Stand, Chorus, Oral Interpretation, One-Act Play, One-Act Play State Superior Rating, Robotics Team, Church Sacrament Administrator and Organizer, Church Organist, Stake Youth Leadership Committee, Dual Credit & AP Coursework, Track & Field

Eric Ames is from MILLER, SD, located within Dakota Energy Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

October 23, 2022 - October 29, 2022

School

Lake Preston High School (605-847-4455)

GPA

4

Activities

Football, basketball, band, marching band, choir, show choir, and student council.

Riley Casper is from Lake Preston, SD, located within Kingsbury Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

October 16, 2022 - October 22, 2022

School

Chester Area School (6054892411)

GPA

4

Activities

Rachel is involved in band, choir, FFA, musicals, fall theatrical production, 1-act plays, oral interp, yearbook, and track. Rachel has earned superiors in South Dakota State Oral Interp and South Dakota State 1-act competition for 3 years. Region individual honors in 1-act play. Rachel was also chosen to be in South Dakota All State Choir.

Rachel Lindholm is from Wentworth, SD, located within Sioux Valley Energy, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

October 9, 2022 - October 15, 2022

School

Britton-Hecla (605-448-2234)

GPA

4

Activities

Alyssa James is a true leader in every sense of the word. She was our HOBY (Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership) representative her sophomore year and has been a student council representative for the entirety of her high school career. She is rarely seen without a smile on her face and a pep in her step. Alyssa is also always the first to volunteer when needed. Alyssa James is a true scholar. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA or better throughout her high school career. She is always an attentive student in class. She takes organized notes, asks questions, and shares ideas in class discussions. Alyssa is also well known for being the student to ask when other students are in need of help. Alyssa is and has been involved in extra curricular activities throughout her entire high school career. She is involved in volleyball, girls basketball, golf, all school play, chorus, and was in track and field. Although she has faced many injuries throughout her sports seasons, she has never let it get her down. She was always cheering on the bench, giving a fellow teammate a pat on the back or helpful tip, and/or helping the coach with team manager duties. Outside of the school, Alyssa is a kind, caring young lady with a heart of gold. She is an avid volunteer at her church as well as with the community’s youth. She has many special bonds with kids all around the community from babysitting children to mentoring young athletes. Alyssa would do just about anything for anyone whether she’s baking cookies for someone in need of a little extra love or she’s listening to a little one tell a story, she is always engaged and giving of her time and attention.

Alyssa James is from Britton, SD, located within Lake Region Electric Association, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

October 2, 2022 - October 8, 2022

School

Waverly-South Shore (6058869174)

GPA

3.6

Activities

Student Council, National Honor Society, Math Contest winner, National History Day, Science Fair winner, Dual Credit enrollments, and Senior Class Student Council Rep.

Jedi Buting is from Watertown, SD, located within Codington-Clark Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.