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
Kali Hofer
Woonsocket High School
Kali will be featured on Dakota News Now during the 6:00PM news on Monday, March 2 and again on the Dakota News Now morning news on Tuesday, March 3 between 6:00AM and 7:00AM.
Michael Saffel
November 24, 2013 - November 30, 2013
- School
- Irene-Wakonda HS
- GPA
- 3.85
- Activities
- Football ? 9, 10, 11, & 12th grades Lettered in 10th & 11th grades; Varsity Starter in 11th grade Basketball ? 9, 10, & 11th grades Varsity, most improved player ? 11th Track ? 11th Lettered; Placed at Conf. & Regional Meet Student Council ? 9, 10, 11, & 12th grades Class President ? 9, 10, & 11th grade Region Rep. for I-W School & attended Sate Convention ? 10th & 11th grades Academic Awards - I-W Honor Rolls ? 9, 10, 11th, Academic Letter Award ? 9, 10, 11th, National Honor Society ? 11, 12th Community Activities: American Legion Boys? State Rep. ? 2013 Helped w. Knights of Columbus breakfasts Boys Scouts ? 2010 Senior Patrol Leader; Order of the Arrow Work Experience: Wakonda Town Employee ? Summers of 2011, 2012, & 2013 Life Guard & Park worker
Michael Saffel is from Wakonda, SD, located within Clay-Union Electric Corporation, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Sean Pinkert
November 17, 2013 - November 23, 2013
- School
- Milbank High School
- GPA
- 4.07
- Activities
- Sean is involved in: Milbank High School Band Milbank FFA Chapter Fellowship of Christian Athletes Milbank National Honor Society Church Youth Group Competitive Archery
Sean Pinkert is from Big Stone City, SD, located within Whetstone Valley Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Cole Casper
November 3, 2013 - November 9, 2013
- School
- Lake Preston
- GPA
- 3.853
- Activities
- Football, Basketball, Track and Field, Chorus, Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Student Council, National Honor Society President
Cole Casper is from Lake Preston, SD, located within Kingsbury Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Abilene Heiberger
October 20, 2013 - October 26, 2013
- School
- Tri-Valley High School
- GPA
- 3.943
- Activities
- Basketball (lettered), Volleyball (lettered), Track (lettered), Play, Choir (section leader), All-State Choir,Quiz Bowl and National Honor Society
Abilene Heiberger is from Hartford, SD, located within Sioux Valley Energy, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Allison Deal
October 13, 2013 - October 19, 2013
- School
- Sunshine Bible Academy
- GPA
- 3.88
- Activities
- Volleyball, Wrestling Stats, Oral Interp, One Act Play, Spring Play, Ministry Team, Handbells, All State Choir, Band
Allison Deal is from Selby, SD, located within Dakota Energy Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Alli Steckelberg
October 6, 2013 - October 12, 2013
- School
- Chamberlain High School
- GPA
- 4.12
- Activities
- National Honor Society, CHS Volleyball Team,
Alli Steckelberg is from Chamberlain, SD, located within Central Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Tanna Waltman
September 29, 2013 - October 5, 2013
- School
- Parkston
- GPA
- 4
- Activities
- Band, Cheerleading, National Honor Society, FCCLA
Tanna Waltman is from Parkston, SD, located within Southeastern Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Tyler Panek
September 22, 2013 - September 28, 2013
- School
- Tea Area High School
- GPA
- 3.977
- Activities
- Student Council President, Basketball Statistician, Track, National Honor Society, Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band
Tyler Panek is from Tea, SD, SD, located within Southeastern Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Shelby VanDriel
September 15, 2013 - September 21, 2013
- School
- Scotland High School
- GPA
- 3.993
- Activities
- Band, Choir, Basketball, Track, Improv Group, S Club, Drama Club, Student Council
Shelby VanDriel is from Scotland, SD, located within Bon Homme-Yankton Electric Assn., a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
Tyson Mitzel
September 8, 2013 - September 14, 2013
- School
- Roncalli High School
- GPA
- 4.1
- Activities
- Football, Wrestling, track, band, Musical play, Campus minister music
Tyson Mitzel is from Westport, SD, located within Northern Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.