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!

Middle school students from Woonsocket and Sanborn Central Schools traveled to the Corn Palace in Mitchell on Tuesday, April 23, to participate in the Camp Med experience. Camp Med was a free, one-day event where middle school students learned about healthcare careers and participated in hands-on activities.

Camp Med was set up in a “round-robin” format where students rotated through stations featuring different careers in the healthcare industry. They learned about rewards, responsibilities, challenges and the educational requirements of each of the careers. There were 11 different healthcare careers in attendance. Mitchell Technical College covered Human Service Technician and Medical Assistant careers. Avera introduced careers in Cardio-pulmonary services, Radiology, Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Pathology, and Physical Therapy. The University of South Dakota and Dakota Wesleyan University led stations on Nursing. Dakota State University instructed students on Health Informatics. Behavioral/Mental Health careers were presented by Dakota Counseling Services. South Dakota State University educated attendees on Respiratory Therapy.

Activities that the students got to experience included seeing and feeling organs from a cow, wearing drunk goggles to understand the effects of alcohol, seeing an ultrasound of the heart, discussing the physical therapy occupation, examining medical field roles, such as flying the trauma helicopter or airplane, and learning CPR.

The Camp Med experience aimed to introduce students to the healthcare field at a young age to educate them on possible opportunities as they begin to explore their future career goals.

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