Winners

February 19, 2023 - February 25, 2023

School

Redfield High School (605-472-4520)

GPA

4.19

Activities

Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, Basketball Manager, 4.0 Honor Roll, Presidential Academic Award, and Platinum on the NCRC

Trae Turck is from Redfield, SD, located within Northern Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

February 12, 2023 - February 18, 2023

School

Brandon Valley High School (1-605-582-3211)

GPA

3.98

Activities

I have been Amber’s counselor for the past four years; additionally, I have also known Amber’s family and have worked with her older siblings for many years prior. I can’t think of a better, more generous, compassionate group of individuals as the ones raised around her in her home. Amber is one of the most genuine people I know. She will not be the student that strives to get your attention or wants her name in lights, but she will be one of your hardest workers and most dedicated team players. Amber is mature, dependable, intelligent, and gracious. She has used her high school years wisely and is fully prepared for the next step in her future. Amber’s academic record is pleasing. She has carried a 3.98 GPA while taking a rigorous course load. Additionally, Amber will have earned at minimum 20 college credits through Northern State University by the time she graduates. She also took 4 honors classes throughout her years here including 3 honors English classes and an honors Chemistry class. These are all the honors classes we offer. She excels academically while remaining grounded. It is difficult to find this combination in a teenager, but Amber has perfected the art of remaining balanced. Within this balance she has also been involved in Creative Minds Art club, Concert Choir, SALSA, Best Buddies, Tri-M Honor Society, National Honor Society, Quiz bowl, Environmental club, Math NHS, Spanish club and SADD/TATU while in high school. Her leadership has spread among all areas in our building, but her organization and leadership within our SADD/TATU group is where she shined the most. She brought life to this group when it was dwindling in numbers. She has remained consistent in her efforts to keep this organization thriving. Just as important as school involvement, Amber has also volunteered and worked within our community. She has helped with her church functions averaging over 40 hours a year. She has also worked for the Boys and Girls club in Sioux Falls caring for children and for Jay Egge Automotive doing secretarial and janitorial duties. Please consider Amber as one of your most deserving applicants. She is strong in mind and spirit. I believe she has used high school as a stepping stone for bigger and better things in her future.

Amber House is from Sioux Falls, SD, located within Sioux Valley Energy, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

February 5, 2023 - February 11, 2023

School

Deuel High School (6058742161)

GPA

3.22

Activities

Activities: Chorus Oral Interp School Play Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) South Dakota Army National Guard Achievements: Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Student Advisor Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) School Representative School Play Assistant Director Completed Basic Training.

Jackson Baer is from Clear Lake, SD, located within H-D Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

January 29, 2023 - February 4, 2023

School

Gayville-Volin High School (605-267-4476)

GPA

3.89

Activities

Extracurricular Activities o Volleyball o Basketball o Track and Field o SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) o Oral Interpretation o Destination Imagination o Mentoring Program o FCA (Fellowship for Christian Athletes) o Student Council o Band Work Experience CNA, Sacred Heart Monastery (May 2022-Present) o Assist with personal care needs o Feed residents o Clean rooms and equipment o Laundry care for residents Care Giver, Life Scape (April 2021-Present) o Provide companion care o Assist with personal care needs o Drive clients to desired areas/places Babysitter (May 2017-present) o Supervised two children from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. o Prepared meals and fed children o Entertained children Volunteer Experience Volunteer, Special Olympics (July 2019-Present) o Assist in the sporting events o Set up events o Help with fundraisers Honors & Awards Attended Girl State 2022, Attended the Humanity Launch Service Leadership Academy, Volleyball Team Captain, Track & Field Throwing Team Captain, Co-President for Student Council, Honor Roll every year of high school, and Most Improved Player Award for 2019-2020 basketball season.

Keanna Lee is from Gayville, SD, located within Clay-Union Electric Corporation, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

January 22, 2023 - January 28, 2023

School

Armour High School (6057242153)

GPA

3.96

Activities

National Honors Society Freshman Student Council Representative Sophomore Student Council Representatvie Junoir Student Council Representative Student Council Secretary/Treasurer One-Act Play (freshman-senior) 3-Act Play (sophomore) Band (8th-senior) Basketball (freshman-senior) Track (8th-senior) Cross Country (7th-sophomore) Fellowship of Christian Atheletes (freshman-senior) Lorain Theatre Volunteer (7th-senior) Armour Community Pool Lifeguard (freshman-junior) FOR Club (freshman-senior) Blood Drive Volunteer (freshman-senior) Blood Donater (senior) Armour Youth Group (6th-senior) Food Pantry Donations (6th-senior) Skills USA (freshman-senior)

Preston Koster is from Armour, SD, located within Douglas Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

January 15, 2023 - January 21, 2023

School

Avon Public School (605-286-3291)

GPA

3.68

Activities

Madi is a very responsible young lady. She works hard in the classroom, asks questions, and always puts her best foot forward. Outside the classroom, she has helped with JH volleyball (line judge/ref), announces at high school volleyball games, helps run the track timing system, and is a cheerleader in multiple sports. Madi is a dependable student and is willing to help whenever asked. In addition to her classes, Madi has been actively involved in chorus and band throughout high school. Madi is a great role model for younger students and displays the work ethic and behavior our younger students can follow.

Madilyn Mudder is from Avon, SD, located within Bon Homme-Yankton Electric Assn., a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

December 18, 2022 - December 24, 2022

School

Leola High School (6054393142)

GPA

3.85

Activities

Hans is a senior at Leola High School that involves himself in all areas. He challenges himself in the classroom by taking courses to best prepare him for his college plans. He is involved in many extra-curricular activities including 4-H for 10 years, FFA President, FBLA, STEAM Club, football, basketball, track, jazz band, show choir, sings National Anthem at events, and participates in the Science Bowl. Hans can also be found in the community volunteering as a religious education teacher for the past three years, church mass server, refereeing middle school football games, helping at the local Thrift Store, mowing lawns for neighbors with health needs, and assisting with the local ArtC Club with their events. Hans strives to be the best in all the activities he participates in and has received recognition including A honor roll, Lake Region All Conference Team, Football MVP, Most Improved Basketball, Boys’ State Representative, Football Hardest Worker Award, Football Special Teams Award, SD 4-H Trap Shoot 5th place, Best of Show at the McPherson County 4-H show in horticulture, wood science, foods & nutrition, hobbies & collections and was voted by his peers as the Homecoming King this year.

Hans Lapka is from Leola, SD, located within FEM Electric Association, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

December 11, 2022 - December 17, 2022

School

Clark High School (605-532-3605)

GPA

3.97

Activities

Football-4 year Letterwinner. 4 Year Starter 3 Year Captain. All-Conference Player with many team awards. Basketball-5 year Letterwinner. 4 year Starter 3 Year Captain All-Conference with many team awards. As an 8th grader was a member of the 2019 State Championship Team. Track-4 Year Letterwinner Baseball National Honor Society SADD Senior Class President Member of the Student Council 4 years Special Olympic Unified Bowling Partner FFA

Trey Huber is from Conde, SD, located within Codington-Clark Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

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.