The spring concerts for both Sanborn Central and Woonsocket were performed last week in the schools’ respective gyms. Sanborn Central started with their performance on Tuesday, April 30, and Woonsocket followed with their concert on Thursday, May 2. Both gyms were full of family and friends ready to enjoy an uplifting program from students in all age groups.

On Tuesday, the fifth-sixth grade band started the show, playing “Hi-Way 99” and “Rock This Band.” They were followed by the fifth-ninth grade band playing “Star Wars (Main Theme)” to satisfy band teacher Mrs. Jennifer Karlen’s obsession with all the “Star Wars” films. To finish the band portion of the concert, the seventh-ninth grade band played “Gypsy Dance” and “Fog on the River.” 

On Thursday, the Woonsocket fifth-sixth grade band kicked off the concert with their own performance of the pieces “Rock this Band” and “Star Wars (Main Theme).” During the “Star Wars” piece at both schools, Mrs. Karlen conducted using a mini, glowing lightsaber to extend the theme. The seventh-12th grade band followed, playing three songs, “The Greatest Showman Medley,” “The Avengers (Main Theme),” and “Phantom of the Opera Medley.” To wrap up their band section of the concert, the seventh-12th grade jazz ensemble played “El Taco Rocko,” featuring Oscar Anderson on trumpet and Chase Linn on bari saxophone, performing their own originally composed solos within the song. 

For the choral section of the performances at both Sanborn Central and Woonsocket, the fourth-grade students played “Hot Cross Buns” and “Mary Had a Little Lamb” on recorders. Choir instructor, Mrs. Jenny Easton, directed the Sanborn Central fourth graders, and music students Sage Trieb and Kyla Terkildsen led the Woonsocket fourth graders during their performances. The sixth-12th grade students at Sanborn Central and the seventh-12th grade choir at Woonsocket sang “Sisi ni moja (We Are One)” and “What About Us.” 

The students in grades three-five at Sanborn Central and three-six in Woonsocket continued their respective concerts with their own performances of two songs, “Star of the County Down” and “Touch the Sky.” The PreK through second graders at both schools finished the evenings with three songs. They started with the old classic, “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” and they followed that with “Play Another Happy Song.” They ended with a rendition of Pharrell Williams’ popular hit, “Happy,” to make sure everyone left with a smile for spring and nicer weather to come.

…See pictures in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal!

The Class of 2024’s best and brightest students were recognized recently at the 34th Annual Academic Excellence Recognition luncheon, and among them was Rain Swenson of Woonsocket High School.

Governor Kristi Noem’s office, Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden and the Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD) honored students who were identified as the top one percent of their senior class, from the state’s Public, Private and Tribal/BIE schools on Monday, April 29.

Students designated as their high school’s honoree(s) received a certificate, signed by the Governor, a commemorative South Dakota pin and the opportunity to meet and have their photo taken with Lieutenant Governor Rhoden.

“What a privilege it is for me to be here,” Lieutenant Governor Rhoden told the seniors. “I want to congratulate each and every one of you.”

“It’s clear your futures are very bright and preparing for your future is our priority.”

ASBSD President Louann Krogman shared the students “epitomize the value of hard work that is ingrained in South Dakotans” which deserved the recognition they were receiving.

“Students, today we celebrate your well-earned accomplishments,” Krogman said. “You have worked so hard to reach the academic heights you have and we’re thrilled to be able to recognize your achievement.”

An achievement ASBSD Executive Director Dr. Douglas R. Wermedal urged students and their supporters to celebrate.

“Please, don’t miss celebrating what you’ve accomplished,” Dr. Wermedal told those in attendance. “Make sure you recognize and celebrate your academic excellence and the families who supported you.

The event was sponsored by Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the South Dakota Board of Regents, South Dakota Education Association, School Administrators of South Dakota and A&B Business Products. Musical entertainment was provided by Dr. Randall Royer.

…See a picture in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal!

The Nedved Media Group that owns the Q107 radio station in Mitchell announced their Elite Eight Academic Award winners last week. Woonsocket senior Jaycee Baruth was among the eight girls recognized, and Bryce Larson, a junior at Sanborn Central was on the list of boys receiving the award.

The award began in 2018 to recognize outstanding students in the radio station’s listening area. Nomination forms are sent to 25 area schools. Eligible candidates must be a junior or senior in high school, have a 3.5 grade point average or higher and be involved in school and community activities.

It is great to have local students be recognized for their hard work outside the school districts, and these kinds of awards are beneficial in providing incentives for students to do their best in all aspects of their student life while in school. Congratulations on a job well done and representing Sanborn County so wonderfully.

…Read more details and see pictures of the honorees in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal!