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Scholar of the Week

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.

View Alex's Bio View / Search All Winners

Clark

Samantha McGraw

December 18, 2005 - December 24, 2005

School
Clark
GPA
4
Activities
Drama FCCLA Yearbook National Honor Society

Samantha McGraw is from Clark, SD.

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JoAnna Douglas

December 11, 2005 - December 17, 2005

School
Washington High School
GPA
3.972
Activities
National Honor Society, Warrior Club, Peer Helpers, SALSA, Spanish Club, Sioux Valley Hospital Explorers and EMT Explorers

JoAnna Douglas is from Sioux Falls, SD.

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Michael Ewald

December 4, 2005 - December 10, 2005

School
Watertown High School
GPA
3.83
Activities
Debate

Michael Ewald is from Watertown, SD.

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Chelsea Hinders

November 27, 2005 - December 3, 2005

School
Huron High School
GPA
4
Activities
Concert Choir Concert Band Pep Band Jazz Band Spanish Club National Honor Society Youth Group member church organist Accompanist for church choir

Chelsea Hinders is from Huron, SD.

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Jessica Walder

November 13, 2005 - November 19, 2005

School
Andes Central High School
GPA
4
Activities
National Honor Society Officier, Student Council Officier, Class President, Band, Chorus, Show Choir, Torch, Basketball, Volleyball, and Track.

Jessica Walder is from Lake Andes, SD.

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Brittany Sehr

November 6, 2005 - November 12, 2005

School
West Lyon Community School
GPA
4
Activities
Student Council President, National Honor Society President, Softball, Basketball, Track, Cheerleading, Homecoming Royalty

Brittany Sehr is from Larchwood, IA.

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Erin Williams

October 23, 2005 - October 29, 2005

School
O'Gorman High School
GPA
4
Activities
Cheerleading 9-12(Captain, 12), Champion Dance Team 9-12, School Newspaper Editor (Scroll, 12) Campus Ministry Team 9-12, Musical 9-11, Improv Troupe 9-11, Future Problem Solvers 9-10, Volunteer at McKennan Hospital and in the community 9-12, World Language Club

Erin Williams is from Sioux Falls, SD.

Dellrapids%2Dst Marys

Kari Michel

October 16, 2005 - October 22, 2005

School
Dell Rapids St. Mary
GPA
3.984
Activities
Volleyball: (Letter winner) captain(3yrs), All-Conference Honorable Mention, Numerous team awards; Basketball: Letter winner, numerous team awards. Cheerleader (FB BBB) captain (3yrs), letter winner, numerous team awards, Track: Letter winner National Honor Society: Vise President Class Officer: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior class president Student Council: This years President, past Sec/Tres., Spirit Falls REgion Officer - Secretary. Student of the Month Juvenile Order of Foresters President YMCA Athlete of Character Award TATU Drama Chorus Academic letter winner 3 yrs. School publications (yearbook, newspaper)

Kari Michel is from Dell Rapids,, SD.

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Andrew Schrank

October 9, 2005 - October 15, 2005

School
Stickney High School
GPA
4
Activities
Football, Basketball, Track, Cross Country, Oral Interpretation, Band, Chorus, Who's Who Among American High School Students, National Honor Society, Student Council Vice-President

Andrew Schrank is from Stickney, SD.

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Stacy Vanekeren

October 2, 2005 - October 8, 2005

School
Harrisburg High School
GPA
4.06
Activities
Volleyball, Basketball, Track, Student Newspaper, National Honor Society, Student Council

Stacy Vanekeren is from Harrisburg, SD.