What does it take to be a Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week? It's not just about grades or athletic ability. It takes a well-rounded individual that excels in the classroom and the community.
Touchstone Energy Cooperatives and Dakota News Now have joined together to recognize the achievements of high school seniors throughout the region. "Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week" has been celebrating the achievements of high school seniors since 2002. Recipients are highly motivated high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community. This program was founded on the four pillars of Touchstone Energy: Integrity, Accountability, Innovation and a Commitment to Community. For more information on the program please call your local Touchstone Energy cooperative.
If there are outstanding seniors in your school that you would like to recognize, please nominate them here.
This Week's Scholar
Cooper Pommer
Willow Lake School
Cooper will be featured on Dakota News Now during the 6:00PM news on Monday, December 1 and again on the Dakota News Now morning news on Tuesday, December 2 between 6:00AM and 7:00AM.
Abby Dethlefsen
September 16, 2018 - September 22, 2018
- School
- Corsica-Stickney High School (6057702979)
- GPA
- 4
- Activities
- Volleyball-participant four years, basketball-one year participant, track and field-participant four years, student council- four year participant positions include secretary, president, treasurer, FCCLA-3 year participant, National Honor Society-2 year participant secretary, 4-H- 9 year participant and current president for Stickney chapter, Farmer's Union-junior advisor council, and server for St. Mary's Catholic church in Stickney for nine years.
Abby Dethlefsen is from Stickney, SD, located within Central Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
FAITH TYLER
September 9, 2018 - September 15, 2018
- School
- Wagner (605-384-5426)
- GPA
- 4
- Activities
- Volleyball- LMVC all tournament 2016 & 2017, SESD All-tournament 2016& 2017, Class A All- State 2nd Team 2017, Team MVP 2017, Basketball, Track (State Qualifier 2016 &2018), Student Council, FCA
FAITH TYLER is from Wagner, SD, located within Charles Mix Electric Association, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Kim Weber
September 2, 2018 - September 8, 2018
- School
- Parkston High School (6059283368)
- GPA
- 4
- Activities
- Band, Choir, National Honor Society, Volleyball, Outstanding Freshman Science Student, Outstanding First Year Choir Member, Perfect Attendance, All State Chorus, Outstanding Sophomore Science Student Girls State, FCA
Kim Weber is from Parkston, SD, located within Southeastern Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Gracelyn Fast
May 6, 2018 - May 12, 2018
- School
- James Valley Christian School
- GPA
- 4
- Activities
- Student Body President Student Council Cheerleading Captain Band-letter winner Yearbook team member Cross Country Team Manager Plays piano for church praise team JVC Student Ministries Active in church youth group tutoring elementary students
Gracelyn Fast is from Iroquois, SD, located within Dakota Energy Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Lincoln Turman
April 29, 2018 - May 5, 2018
- School
- T.F. Riggs High School
- GPA
- 3.9
- Activities
- NHS, Cross Country, Wrestling, Student Senate, NHS, Student Body Vice President
Lincoln Turman is from Pierre, SD, located within Oahe Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Sadie Vander Wal
April 22, 2018 - April 28, 2018
- School
- Northwestern High School
- GPA
- 4.067
- Activities
- Cheerleading, FFA, Oral Interp, Drama Club, FBLA
Sadie Vander Wal is from Brentford, SD, located within Northern Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Jett Skrien
April 15, 2018 - April 21, 2018
- School
- Marshall High School
- GPA
- 4.21
- Activities
- Jett has participated in marching band, BPA (business professionals of America) and Link Crew (9th grade and new student mentor program). Jeff also has his own successful business performing magic
Jett Skrien is from Marshall, MN, located within Lyon-Lincoln Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Elsie Aslesen
April 8, 2018 - April 14, 2018
- School
- Elk Point-Jefferson
- GPA
- 3.94
- Activities
- I have been involved in basketball through both my school and AAU team, track and field, National Honors Society, Student Council, Natural Helpers, and Freshman Mentors. I have also been involved in band, vocal, and volleyball throughout the course of my high school career. I have also taken many dual credit classes and will finish my high school career with twenty-three college credits. I have taken US History, Film Appreciation, and Speech 101, and I am currently taking AP Biology and Composition 1. Next semester, I plan on continuing AP Biology and taking dual credit Literature.
Elsie Aslesen is from Elk Point, SD, located within Union County Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Alexander Palecek
April 1, 2018 - April 7, 2018
- School
- Yankton High School
- GPA
- 4.1
- Activities
- Science Olympiad, Math Team, National Honor Society, Student Council, Youth Group, Conference Council on Youth Ministries: Dakotas, Boy Scouts, Recycling Club, Choir, Debate
Alexander Palecek is from Yankton, SD, located within Clay-Union Electric Corporation, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Kalista Vanden Berge
March 25, 2018 - March 31, 2018
- School
- Platte-Geddes School District
- GPA
- 3.97
- Activities
- Kali has been active in many school activities while maintaining a 3.97 GPA. She has been involved in basketball for 1 year, track, competitive cheer and dance, cheerleading, oral interpretation, choir, band, drama, and academic olympics for four years. In her limited spare time she has managed to attend a Governor's Luncheon, Girls State, and hold down a job working anywhere from 10-30 hours a week. She has also managed to take a dual credit course this year.
Kalista Vanden Berge is from Platte, SD, located within Charles Mix Electric Association, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.