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
Alex Werkmeister
Armour High School
Alex will be featured on Dakota News Now during the 6:00PM news on Monday, January 12 and again on the Dakota News Now morning news on Tuesday, January 13 between 6:00AM and 7:00AM.
Jill Donnelly
November 5, 2017 - November 11, 2017
- School
- Elk Point-Jefferson High School
- GPA
- 4
- Activities
- Activities oral Interpretation, science fair, CCD, National Honors Society, student council, basketball, newspaper, high school rodeo, 4H rodeo, Youth Discipleship, Friends? Feast, Special Needs Rodeo
Jill Donnelly is from Elk Point, SD, located within Union County Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Samantha Schindler
October 29, 2017 - November 4, 2017
- School
- Elkton High School
- GPA
- 3.94
- Activities
- Volleyball, Basketball, Track
Samantha Schindler is from Lake Benton, MN, located within Lyon-Lincoln Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Marco Walker
October 22, 2017 - October 28, 2017
- School
- Estelline School District
- GPA
- 3.913
- Activities
- Student Council Treasurer, Honor Roll, National Honor Society, Oral Interpretation, Broadcast Technology
Marco Walker is from Estelline, SD, located within H-D Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Nathan Hulscher
October 15, 2017 - October 21, 2017
- School
- Florence High School
- GPA
- 4
- Activities
- Football Basketball Track
Nathan Hulscher is from Florence, SD, located within Codington-Clark Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Minda Warns-Bartelt
October 8, 2017 - October 14, 2017
- School
- Waubay High School
- GPA
- 4
- Activities
- National Honor Society, Oral Interpretation, One-Act Play, cheerleader, 4-H, and yearbook.
Minda Warns-Bartelt is from Waubay, SD, located within Lake Region Electric Association, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Hannah Even
October 1, 2017 - October 7, 2017
- School
- Baltic High School
- GPA
- 3.99
- Activities
- Football Cheerleader - 4 years Basketball Cheerleader - 4 years Junior High Cheer volunteer - 2 years Senior Competition Dance Team - 12 years Assistant Dance Teacher at Dynamic Dance Studio - 3 years National Honor Society - 2 years Volunteer at South Dakota State Parks - 4 years Baltic High School Character Counts - 1 year Senior Class President and member of the BHS Student Council
Hannah Even is from Baltic, SD, located within Sioux Valley Energy, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Caleb Brouwer
September 24, 2017 - September 30, 2017
- School
- Ethan High School
- GPA
- 4
- Activities
- Band, Chorus, One-Act Play, Oral Interpretation, Student Counsel
Caleb Brouwer is from Dimock, SD, located within Central Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Carolyn Blaha
September 17, 2017 - September 23, 2017
- School
- Wagner High School
- GPA
- 4
- Activities
- Volleyball Track National Honor Society (NHS) National FFA Organization- Chapter President Fellowship Christian Athletes(FCA) School play Band Chorus
Carolyn Blaha is from Dante, SD, located within Charles Mix Electric Association, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Hailey Fergen
September 10, 2017 - September 16, 2017
- School
- Menno High School
- GPA
- 4
- Activities
- Student Council Secretary/Treasurer National Honor's Society FFA FCA Oral Interp One Act Play TUG
Hailey Fergen is from Menno, SD, located within Southeastern Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Matthew Eigenberg
May 7, 2017 - May 13, 2017
- School
- Brandon Valley High School
- GPA
- 4
- Activities
- While at BVHS, Matthew has been involved in football, wrestling, power lifting and FCA. Matthew is the type of student that thrives on a variety of involvement both on and off campus. Matthew also has a dedication to serving others. He is a member of Sioux Valley Energy?s EMPOWER program for student leaders. Throughout this experience he has learned how to become a better leader through serving others in the community. He is also an active member of his church youth group, which has allowed him to serve through different mission trips and projects.
Matthew Eigenberg is from Brandon, SD, located within Sioux Valley Energy, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.