Winners

Shaina Kleeman

March 29, 2026 - April 4, 2026

School: Langford Area High School (6054936454)
GPA: 3.85
Activities: Shaina is a hardworking, kind, intelligent, and highly involved senior who consistently demonstrates integrity, compassion, and leadership. She is accepting of everyone and is never afraid to be herself, making her a positive role model within our school community. Shaina has always been on the honor roll, reflecting her strong academic commitment and work ethic. She is actively involved in play, chorus, student council, National Honor Society, and Hope Squad. In each of these roles, she is dependable and always willing to help wherever she is needed. Shaina’s leadership extends beyond our school. She was selected as a HOBY Ambassador and returned the following year to serve as a camp counselor, demonstrating her dedication to leadership development and mentorship. She is also very involved in Upward Bound, where she continues to challenge herself academically and prepare for her future goals. Despite facing significant personal challenges, Shaina has shown remarkable resilience. She was raised by her grandparents, and last year she experienced the tragic loss of her grandfather in a car accident. Through grief and family hardship, she has remained focused, driven, and committed to her goals. She is not afraid to stand up for herself or fight for what she believes in, demonstrating strength of character and courage beyond her years.

Shaina Kleeman is from Langford, SD, located within Lake Region Electric Association, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

Lincoln Reidburn

March 22, 2026 - March 28, 2026

School: Clark School District (605532-3605)
GPA: 3.91
Activities: Football-Lettered 4 years-Captain Wrestling- Lettered 2 years Track- Lettered 3 years- Captain FFA- Green Hand Award-Chapter Degree-State Degree National Honor Society Student Body President-Outstanding job!!!!! Sunday School teacher Special Olympics Bowling partner Blood Donor Board member on the Clark Community Foundation Board Member of Students Against Destructive Decisions Member of FCA

Lincoln Reidburn is from Clark, SD, located within Codington-Clark Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

Tiger Duinkherjav

March 15, 2026 - March 21, 2026

School: T.F. Riggs High School (605-773-7350)
GPA: 4
Activities: Musically gifted. He has been a member of All-State Band, All-State Orchestra, SDSU Honor Band, USD Honor Band, Augustana Honor Band, Dakota Wesleyan Honor Band. He participates in TF Riggs High School Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Concert Choir. He plays the oboe and piano at church.

Tiger Duinkherjav is from Pierre, SD, located within Oahe Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

Cali Vanden Hoek

March 8, 2026 - March 14, 2026

School: Corsica-Stickney (605-946-5475)
GPA: 3.95
Activities: Mixed Chorus(9-12), Girl's Chorus(9-12), Vocal Contest (9-12), Band(9-12), Pep Band(9-12), Instrumental Contest(9-12), Yearbook(9-12), Drama(9-12), Oral Interpretation(9-12) Oral Interp.State Superior (11), Class Officer(9-12), Student Body President(9-12), FCCLA(9-12), FCCLA Local President(12), CBH Academic Contest(9-12), Volleyball(9-12), Basketball(9-12), Track(9-10), Golf(11-12), Football and Boy's Basketball Stats(9-12)

Cali Vanden Hoek is from Corsica, SD, located within Douglas Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

Kali Hofer

March 1, 2026 - March 7, 2026

School: Woonsocket High School (605-796-4431)
GPA: 4
Activities: School Activities- Girls Basketball (2025 State Runner-Up), Volleyball, Track, Student Council, National Honor Society, Academic Festival, Football Statistician, FFA, Choir: Volunteer Activities- Works Concessions, Helps in local Daycare, Refs JH VB games: Awards/Honors- Sept. Student of the Month, Outstanding English Award, JV VB MVP, JV Basketball MVP, VB Leadership Award, Basketball Hustler Award, Varsity VB Most Assists, Varsity Coaches Award for Dedication/Hardwork: Leadership Positions- Student Council Rep, Student Council Vice President, Student Council Treasurer, National Honor Society Treasurer, Volleyball Captain, Homecoming Queen. Nomination Comment- "The Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week recognizes outstanding seniors. I'm just so proud to nominate a person like Kali for this award as you have just read off everything she has been involved with and still maintains the highest level of achievement in our school with a 4.0 GPA. I appreciate your consideration of this well deserving student of ours." Rod Weber

Kali Hofer is from Huron, SD, located within Central Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

Taylor Hoxeng

February 22, 2026 - February 28, 2026

School: Gayville-Volin High School (605-267-4476)
GPA: 4.15
Activities: Rodeo · Qualified for the National Junior High School Finals Rodeo (2022) · State High School Finals Qualifier (2023-2025) · State 4H Rodeo Qualifier (2016-2025) Varsity Volleyball (7th-12th grade) · All Conference (2021-2024) · First Team All-State (2024) · Defensive MVP Award (2022-2024) Varsity Basketball (7th-12th grade) · All Conference (2022-2025) · All State Team (2024) · MVP Award (2023-2025) Varsity Track and Field (7th-12th grade) · State Track Qualifier (2021-2025) · Track MVP Award (2023-2025) LEADERSHIP · GV SADD Chapter · GV Student Council · GV Mentoring Program · Natural Leaders · FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes)

Taylor Hoxeng is from Volin, SD, located within Clay-Union Electric Corporation, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

Jennifer Stark

February 15, 2026 - February 21, 2026

School: Scotland School District (605-583-2237)
GPA: 3.97
Activities: It is my pleasure to recommend Jennifer as a Scholar of the Week. Throughout her high school career, she has exemplified outstanding leadership, dedication, and character—both within FFA and throughout our school community. She has been an active FFA member for four years, serving as an FFA officer every year and leading the chapter as President during her senior year. Her skills and professionalism also helped propel her team to become a National Qualifying Parliamentary Procedure Team, an achievement that demonstrates her communication, leadership, and teamwork abilities. Her involvement extends across a wide range of school activities. She is a dedicated member of the National Honor Society, an active participant in Cheerleading, and supports athletics as a Volleyball and Basketball Statistician. Her academic achievements are equally impressive, earning Academic All-State recognition as well as being on the Honor Roll all four years. Her leadership shines through her four years in Student Council, where she served as President her senior year and Treasurer her junior year. She is also deeply involved in her faith and community through Fellowship of Christian Athletes and her Youth Group. In addition, she contributes her talents to the arts as a member of Choir, Band, Oral Interp, and participates in the school Play. She has also represented our school with honor as a Girls State delegate. She regularly shares her voice by performing the National Anthem at school events and supports the classroom environment as a Computer Teacher’s Aide. Jennifer is a model of integrity, service, and commitment. She embodies the core values of our school and sets a high standard for her peers. It is with great pride that I nominate her as Scholar of the Week.

Jennifer Stark is from Lesterville, SD, located within Bon Homme-Yankton Electric Assn., a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

Lauren McDermott

February 8, 2026 - February 14, 2026

School: Elk Point-Jefferson (6053565901)
GPA: 4
Activities: Activities: Track, NHS president, Newspaper, Youth Discipleship Accomplishments: 4.0 GPA, ranked #1 in class, 2024 class A 100 hurdle state champion, 6 school records in track, 2x all conference, 13 state medals

Lauren McDermott is from Elk Point, SD, located within Union County Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

Tyler Bain

February 1, 2026 - February 7, 2026

School: Aberdeen Central High School (6057258117)
GPA: 4.56
Activities: ACTIVITIES Sports: I lettered in varsity soccer for six years, and was offensive player of the year in 2024. I also received the iron man award four seasons, which is earned by playing every half in every varsity game for the whole season. I captained our team my senior season. I lettered in varsity track for five years, and was rookie of the year in 2023. I won two Eastern South Dakota Conference high jump championships. I was also a member of the basketball team for three years and received one letter. MedX: As a junior I participated in the MedX program through Sanford Health in Aberdeen. For this program, participants learned about various health and medicine careers from doctors and nurses. Captain's Club: Coaches nominate players to be members of the CHS Captain's Club. Captains meet monthly to discuss qualities of being a captain and ways to demonstrate leadership. Youth Group: I am a part of a Christian youth group through a local church. We gather weekly to discuss the Bible and how we can improve our religious connections. Science Fair: As a junior I competed in the regional science fair with a partner. We studied the effects of water disruption on mosquito hatching rates and won a second place prize for biology. We will be competing again this year. National Honor Society: I was inducted into the local chapter of the National Honor Society. Members need to meet high academic and character requirements. I completed more than 30 hours of community service for the NHS. Job Shadowing: I am observing the resident orthopedic surgeon in the operating room for 10 hours at Sanford Health in Aberdeen. COMMUNITY SERVICE Even the Odds: I created a community event called Even the Odds. My purpose was to help parents by relieving the economic pressure of purchasing sports equipment. I held collection drives to gather donations of over 300 used sports items and then hosted a giveaway. The event made a difference in the lives of many children who received shoes, bikes, camping gear, fishing poles, hockey equipment, and golf clubs. I have had requests to make this an annual event because of its impact on my community. Commodity Boxes: Every month, members of the local National Honor Society meet at the Salvation Army to pick up boxes with food items. We deliver to people in need. Special Olympics Bowling: Starting in eighth grade, I have volunteered at the annual Special Olympics State Bowling Tournament. I kept score and encouraged young bowlers. Eagle Squad: As a senior I volunteered to be a part of the CHS Eagle Squad. We helped with freshmen orientation and conducted activities to help freshmen get acclimated to school. We also meet with students throughout the year to answer questions. Track: I was tasked with running the high jump event at our middle school meets. I also helped during elementary school track activities days. Track athletes led students through long jump, hurdles, and relays. Little Eagles: Since eighth grade I have volunteered to help with the Little Eagles soccer camp through the CHS Boys Soccer team. Team members ran soccer activities where campers worked on dribbling and teamwork. AWARDS AP Scholar With Distinction Award, 10 AP courses taken/enrolled - Nation-wide Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award - School-wide Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award - Nation-wide College Board School Recognition Award - Nation- and School-wide Honor Roll - 9, 10, 11, 12 - School-wide

Tyler Bain is from Aberdeen, SD, located within Northern Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

Carson Jurgens

January 25, 2026 - January 31, 2026

School: Wilmot High School (605-938-4647)
GPA: 3.81
Activities: Carson exemplifies the qualities of a true Touchstone Scholar through his leadership, character, and unwavering commitment to those around him. Known for his outgoing personality, Carson brings a positive energy into every space he enters. He consistently shows a genuine care for others, offering help to both younger students and adults alike. His willingness to support those around him has made him a trusted friend and a dependable role model within the school community. Carson’s involvement in activities reflects his drive for excellence and his dedication to teamwork. As a Football Captain and active member of the Basketball Team, he demonstrates discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. His participation in Envirothon showcases his curiosity and desire to engage in meaningful, real-world learning. Academically, Carson’s achievements on the Honor Roll reflect his strong work ethic and commitment to his studies. Beyond athletics and academics, Carson is a standout leader. Serving as Student Body President, he advocates for his peers and works to strengthen the school community. As Secretary of the National Honor Society, he upholds the values of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. His compassion extends further through his work as a mentor in the PAWS Buddy Reading Program, where he encourages younger students and fosters a love of learning. Carson’s blend of leadership, kindness, and commitment to service makes him an outstanding candidate for Touchstone Scholar of the Week. He is a true example of what it means to lead with character, support others, and make a positive impact each day.

Carson Jurgens is from Wilmot, SD, located within Whetstone Valley Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.