Scholar of the Week

October 25, 2026 - October 31, 2026

School

Henry High School (6055325364)

GPA

4.16

Activities

Ada Rider’s activities and accomplishments include: - 4.160 cumulative GPA while completing a rigorous academic course load. - President of Student Council, demonstrating strong leadership, organization, and involvement within her school. - President of FFA, leading and collaborating with fellow students through activities and events. - All-State Choir participant, representing her school through her musical accomplishments. - Previous participant in the South Dakota Legislative Page Program. - 60 hours of flight time while working toward earning her private pilot’s license. - Five completed solo flights, including flights to Marshall, MN; Morris, MN; Aberdeen, SD; Huron, SD; and the Watertown, SD area. - Demonstrates exceptional responsibility, work ethic, perseverance, leadership, and community involvement. - Successfully balances demanding academics with numerous extracurricular and leadership commitments.

Ada Rider is from Henry, SD, located within Codington-Clark Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

October 18, 2026 - October 24, 2026

School

Deuel (605-874-2161)

GPA

4.02

Activities

Activities — Leadership: • Deuel Cross Country — Captain • Deuel Basketball • Deuel Track & Field • Deuel Chorus • National FFA Organization (FFA) — Sentinel / Vice President / President / Reporter / District I Sentinel • National Honor Society (NHS) — Vice President • Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) • Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) • Student Council — Leadership Team • Northern Lakes Student Council — President • Key Club — President • Oral Interpretation • Yearbook — Student Advisor • Educators Rising • Catholic Youth Club — Committee Member Accomplishments: • Deuel High School Student of the Month • Deuel High School 4.0 Honor Roll • American Legion Citizenship Award • Most Improved / Hardest Worker / 2-year Most Valuable — Cross Country • 2-year Outstanding Choir Member • 2-year Outstanding Student Council • Best Duet — Oral Interpretation • 4-year All-State Choir Member

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

October 11, 2026 - October 17, 2026

School

Castlewood High School (6057932351)

GPA

4.05

Activities

Throughout her high school career, Dayton has consistently demonstrated strong character, dedication, leadership, and a commitment to being an active and positive member of her school and community. Academically, she has maintained an impressive record and has been a member of the Honor Roll of Excellence from 2023–2026. Her academic success reflects not only her ability, but also her work ethic, responsibility, and commitment to doing her best. She has demonstrated that she understands the importance of setting goals and working consistently to achieve them. Dayton has also made a significant contribution to her school through her involvement in numerous activities. She has participated in band and volleyball, served as a basketball manager, been an active member of National Honor Society and Student Council, and served in her church youth group. Her involvement in athletics has been especially noteworthy. She earned a varsity letter in volleyball in 2021 and was a member of three state volleyball tournament teams from 2022–2024. These experiences have helped her develop perseverance, teamwork, discipline, and the ability to work toward a common goal. Her leadership abilities are evident in her role as Senior Class Vice President as well as through her involvement in National Honor Society. She is someone who is willing to take responsibility, contribute ideas, and help make her school a better place. She understands that leadership is not simply about holding a position, but about setting a positive example and being willing to serve others. One of the qualities I most appreciate about Dayton is her ability to balance academics, athletics, leadership, extracurricular activities, and her personal commitments. She has shown that she can manage responsibilities while remaining dependable and involved. She would make an excellent candidate for the Scholar of the Week.

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

October 4, 2026 - October 10, 2026

School

McCook Central ((605) 421-2264)

GPA

3.95

Activities

Wrestling Captain, Football Captain, Football All Conference- 1st team- 2 years in a row, Wrestling All Conference, NHS Member, Student Council President- 2 years in a row, Tri-M President, State Wrestling Qualifier - 3 times, Augustana University Honor Band, Big East Honor Band, National All Star Marching Band in Florida, Academic Honor Roll. I want to nominate Parker for this honor is because of his great attitude, being a strong leader, and because he is puts his heart into everything he does. I will miss having him in class next year, because he always helps out.

Parker Randall is from Salem, SD, located within Southeastern Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

September 27, 2026 - October 3, 2026

School

Lennox High School (6056472203)

GPA

4

Activities

(You will see two nominations for Peyten - this is the correct one. Sorry) Activities Volleyball, Softball, FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), Student Council, FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), NHS (National Honor Society), Club Volleyball and 4-H. Accomplishments Freshman Year (9th Grade): 2023-2024 Clover Kids 4-H Member Outstanding Freshman Scholar – Lennox Sundstrom FFA Greenhand FFA Degree – Lennox Sundstrom FFA Volleyball Team Captain (C-Team) Academic Letter Social Studies Student of the Month – Lennox High School Sophomore Year (10th Grade): 2024-2025 Clover Kids 4-H Treasurer Chapter FFA Degree – Lennox Sundstrom FFA Outstanding Sophomore Scholar – Lennox Sundstrom FFA Friend of 4-H Award – Turner County The American Legion Post #174 Bronze Medal Scholarship Award National Honor Society Member Certification Volleyball Team Captain (JV) Academic Letter HOSA 1st Place Health Education Project Math Student of the Month – Lennox High School Club Volleyball Team Captain Junior Year (11th Grade): 2025-2026 FCCLA Treasurer Clover Kids 4-H Member Club Volleyball Team Captain National Honor Society Vice President HOSA Social Media Coordinator Student Council Class Representative Academic Letter Private Volleyball Lessons (3rd – 8th Grade Girls) Seventh Place State Title – Lennox Softball Senior Year (12th Grade): 2026-2027 Student Council Treasurer Clover Kids 4-H President HOSA Treasurer National Honor Society Co-President HOSA Social Media Coordinator Mentoring Kids with Disabilities – Leadership Class

Peyten Wright is from Centerville, SD, located within Southeastern Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

September 20, 2026 - September 26, 2026

School

Hills-Beaver Creek ((507) 962-3240)

GPA

3.75

Activities

Student Council President, Football, Basketball, Golf, Knowledge Bowl, Math League

Riggins Rheault is from Beaver Creek, MN, located within Sioux Valley Energy, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

May 3, 2026 - May 9, 2026

School

Milbank High School (605-432-5579)

GPA

4.13

Activities

High School Involvement 9th Grade: Volleyball, Basketball, Track (Varsity), Swimming, FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) 10th Grade: Volleyball (Varsity), Track (Varsity), Swimming, FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) 11th Grade: Volleyball (Varsity), Track (Varsity), FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) 12th Grade: Volleyball (Varsity - Captain), Track (Varsity), FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) Honors and Awards National Honor Society 2025-2026 Perfection Honor Roll 2022-2026 Math Contest 2024-2025 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) student of the month, February 2025 Current Pole Vault School Record holder 2024 5-year qualifier in pole vault at the SD State Class A Track Meet - placing 3rd, 5th, & 6th the last 3 years. Bulldog of the week - Volleyball 2024 & 2025 Bulldog of the week - Track 2022, 2023, 2024, & 2025 Defensive player of the season - Volleyball 2022 Digs Leader & Captain of the season - Volleyball 2025 Community Service and Community Involvement Milbank HS Office Helper 2022-2025 VBS Helper 2022-2025 Swim Meet Timer 2022 & 2025 Organized HS Foods Kitchen 2022 Counted Laps at Swim Team Lap-a-thon 2022 Cleaned Teachers' Classroom 2022 Helped with Volleyball Camps 2023-2025 Helped with Middle School Volleyball Tournament 2022-2025 Pole Vault Camp Helper 2023 Baking for a Cancer Fundraiser 2024 Employment History CarQuest Auto Parts 2022-present Baseball Concessions Summer 2024 Peaceful Pines Senior Living 2025-present Milbank Volleyball Academy Coach 2026-present Leadership Roles Homecoming Skit Coordinator 2022 Homecoming Float builder/organizer 2022-2025 Elite Alliance Volleyball Club Captain 2022 Pole Vault Mento 2025 Volleyball JV Captain 2024 Volleyball Varsity Captain 2025 Student Council 2025-2026 She will have 27 college credits when she graduates from high school!

Jacy Dexter is from Milbank, SD, located within Whetstone Valley Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

April 26, 2026 - May 2, 2026

School

Castlewood High School (6057932351)

GPA

3.76

Activities

Academically, Kayla has shown outstanding commitment to her education, maintaining a place on the Honor Roll of Excellence and actively participating in the National Honor Society. Her academic achievements reflect her self-discipline, perseverance, and passion for learning. Beyond academics, Kayla is an exceptional leader and team player. She is involved in basketball, track, fastpitch softball, and slow-pitch softball, where she consistently displays dedication, sportsmanship, and determination. Whether on the court, the track, or the field, she leads by example, encouraging her teammates and working hard to achieve shared goals. Her involvement extends into the community as well. Through 4-H and her church youth group, Kayla has contributed her time and talents to service projects and leadership opportunities that positively impact those around her. She brings the same integrity, energy, and positive attitude to these activities that she does to her academics and athletics.

Kayla Goens is from Lake Norden, SD, located within H-D Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

April 19, 2026 - April 25, 2026

School

Iroquois School (605-546-2210)

GPA

4

Activities

FFA, DVC Leadership, IPAT football, track, basketball

Rexton Blue is from Iroquois, SD, located within Dakota Energy Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.