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Winners

View the current list of winners for this year’s Scholar of the Week program. The Scholar of the Week program is a partnership between Dakota News Now and your local Touchstone Energy Cooperatives that honors the region’s accomplished high school students. Each weekly winner receives a cash award from their local Touchstone Energy Cooperative and is featured on Dakota News Now. All winners are also eligible to receive one of the three scholarships that are given away at the annual Scholar of the Year banquet. Nominations for the weekly awards are submitted by area school principals and faculty, whose selections were based on excellence in the classroom and service in the community.

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Olivia Akin

September 25, 2022 - October 1, 2022

School
Castlewood High School ((605) 793-2351)
GPA
4
Activities
As a senior at Castlewood High School, Olivia is active in many things. For sports, she is active in Cross Country, Basketball, and Fastpitch Softball. Other activities she is involved in include Oral Interpretation, One Act Play, National Honors Society, Concert and Marching Band, and Choir. Her accomplishments include being a member of the Concert and Marching Band for all four years of High School, Cross Country Captain for three years now, and One Act Play state superior actress. Other accomplishments include being a part of the Varsity Basketball team for five years and part of the Varsity Cross Country team for five years as well.

Olivia Akin is from Castlewood, SD, located within H-D Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

Lane

Lane Johnson

September 18, 2022 - September 24, 2022

School
Centerville High School ((605)563-2291)
GPA
3.9
Activities
Football Captain - 2 years "A" Honor Roll Letter winner in Track & Field and Football Dawson Knudson 100% award for Centerville Boys Track and Field - 2021 Most Improved Football (2020-2021) CHS Student of the Month (2020 & 2021) National Honor Society Member (2020-present) FFA officer (2020-present) FFA president (2022-2023) MVP Boy's Track (2022) Student Councile Member (2018-2019) 6th place Class B State Pole Vault 2022 Band FFA Football Track & Field

Lane Johnson is from Centerville, SD, located within Southeastern Electric Coop, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

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Carson Weber

May 7, 2022 - May 13, 2022

School
Bridgewater - Emery High School (605-449-4271)
GPA
3.6
Activities
FFA - Greenhand and Chapter Degrees, State Qualifying Team in Natural Resources, 2022 State FFA Degree Applicant, District Star Placement Applicant, 3 Proficiency Areas, along with Community Service Director for the FFA Chapter.

Carson Weber is from Emery, SD, located within Central Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

Ella Stiefvater

Ella Stiefvater

April 30, 2022 - May 6, 2022

School
Homeschool ((605) 425-3189)
GPA
3.95
Activities
National AgriScience Fair Animal Systems Division 1 Winner -National AgriScience Fair Social Systems Division 3 Winner -National AgriScience Fair Animal Systems Division 4 Winner -National FFA Veterinary Science CDE Res. Champion Team -National FFA Veterinary Science CDE 8th High Individual -SD FFA Livestock Judging 2018 High Individual -SD FFA Conduct of Meetings 2018 Champion Team -SD FFA Prepared Public Speaking 2018 2nd High Individual -SD FFA Ag Sales 2019 Res. Champion Team -SD FFA Ag Broadcasting 2019 High Individual -SD FFA Poultry Judging 2019 2nd High Individual -SD FFA Veterinary Science 2021 High Individual -SD FFA Veterinary Science 2021 High Team Overall SD 4-H Ambassador SD 4-H Legislator SD Beef Ambassador McCook Central FFA Vice President South Dakota FFA District IV Representative

Ella Stiefvater is from Salem, SD, located within Southeastern Electric Coop, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

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Nathan Meyers

April 23, 2022 - April 29, 2022

School
Brandon Valley High School (6055823211)
GPA
3.92
Activities
I have worked with Nathan over the last three years admiring his calm demeanor and quiet presence. One of Nathan’s biggest strengths is his ability to remain grounded and humble while among his peers. He leads with confidence in the most caring and understanding way possible with the biggest, warmest smile you have ever seen. Nathan makes students and adults feel better about themselves when they are in his presence. Nathan’s academic record is as pleasing as his disposition. He has a 3.9 GPA thus far while taking a demanding course load. Additionally, I anticipate him earning around 23 college credits while still in high school. He has not backed down from challenging courses and has been able to stay motivated and dedicated to learning even when it becomes difficult. Also remarkable is his ability to be present in rigorous courses and remain involved in extra curricular activities both in school and outside of school. Nathan has excelled in many different areas at BVHS. He has been involved in football, baseball, powerlifting, FCA, First Priority Student Ministry, Collision Student Ministry, Best Buddies, Risen Savior Catholic Church Youth Group, and National Honor Society. Also important to Nathan is community service. He has helped with youth football camp, shared messages with youth at FCA, served at Miracle League in Sioux Falls, implemented a hygiene product drive, and served at the Banquet, St. Francis House, and Salvation Army. Most recently Nathan can be seen at his local church interning and sharing his Faith with the younger generation. People enjoy being around Nathan. He is a quiet warrior in our building and we will miss him. His encouraging ways are going to make him successful in any profession. Other students look up to him and respect him. Please consider him as one of your most deserving applicants.

Nathan Meyers is from Brandon, SD, located within Sioux Valley Energy, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

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Paige Williams

April 16, 2022 - April 22, 2022

School
Webster Area High School (6053453548)
GPA
3.89
Activities
Paige participates in 4-H, National Honor Society, Girl Scouts and is a football statistician.

Paige Williams is from Webster, SD, located within Lake Region Electric Association, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

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Hattie Muellenbach

April 9, 2022 - April 15, 2022

School
Milbank High School (6054325546)
GPA
4.12
Activities
District I FFA Vice President, Milbank FFA Chapter Member, National FFA Band, Tennis, HOSA, Shooting Sports, Milbank Band, Honor Society, Milbank Blood Drive, Milbank Student Council, 4-H.

Hattie Muellenbach is from Corona, SD, located within Whetstone Valley Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

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Allyssa Locke

April 2, 2022 - April 8, 2022

School
Groton Area High School (605-397-8381)
GPA
4.07
Activities
Allyssa is an outstanding young female who has an impact in our building along with outside in the community. She is a current participant in organized school sports such as: Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, & Dance team. Not only a participant, but also the captain of Soccer, Volleyball & Basketball team. With that dedication she has received multiple awards such as defensive player of the year, heart and soul award, and hustler award. She is also involved in other organizations through our school such as FCCLA & FCA. She is also decorated with academic awards through her years. She has reached Principal Honor Roll, Valedictorian, Girls State Delegate, Student Council, Student of the Month, National Honor Society, & 4.0 Honor Roll. To top it off she is also an active member of our local church youth group and a youth coach for many sports.

Allyssa Locke is from Groton, SD, located within Northern Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

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Vincent Petrich

March 26, 2022 - April 1, 2022

School
Leola High School (605-439-3142)
GPA
3.94
Activities
Vincent is active in football, basketball, band, FBLA, and involved in student government. He is the senior class president. He displays leadership qualities on and off the field and can be seen/heard on the sidelines and hallways. Vincent is motivated to complete high school and continue on his career path. He is still considering his post secondary options.

Vincent Petrich is from Leola, SD, located within FEM Electric Association, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

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Ashlyn Weier

March 20, 2022 - March 26, 2022

School
Mitchell High School (6059953034)
GPA
4
Activities
Ashlyn is involved in a number of activities including Cheer, HOSA, Student Council, and Penpals.

Ashlyn Weier is from Mitchell, SD, located within Central Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.