Nedved Media wants to recognize the academic achievements of area high school students. Eight male and eight female students in our area are selected to represent our Elite group. As with any award, there are some criteria. The students must be a junior or a senior, have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and be involved in community and school activities. Nominations are submitted by a member of the school district.
Here are the 16 students that have been selected for the 7th Annual KORN/Q107.3/KORN Country 92.1 Elite Eight Academic Award.
GIRLS
ALEXA GOERTZ-WOONSOCKET
“With a 4.0 GPA, Alexa has shown tremendous commitment to academics while maintaining a full schedule of school activities and athletics. She is involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, tutoring, chapel team, yearbook, choir, and band. She is also a behind-the-scenes worker, helping with the concession stand and serving as a referee, clock, and bookkeeper for middle school sports. In addition to that, Alexa is a three-sport varsity athlete in the sports of basketball, volleyball, and track. What really distinguishes Alexa is her character. She’s a leader by example, always being respectful and kind to others, and never hesitating to step up when help is needed. She’s navigated the challenge of changing schools with strength and grace, and she continues to be a positive, supportive presence to those around her. Alexa is a leader, a worker, and someone who genuinely cares about others.”
LAUREN HOFER-MITCHELL PUBLIC
“While excelling academically, taking challenging courses at Mitchell Senior High School, doing Dual Credit College Courses and being in her fifth year of taking Spanish and she has also been involved in extracurricular activities. One of those is her being the drum major leading the Marching Band with poise and finesse. She is quiet, but an effective leader on so many levels. Lauren’s character is next to none other. She is a quiet, but compassionate and empathetic person. In many ways she brings calmness to those around her. Her goal is to become a doctor, and I believe that her personality characteristics will serve her and others well.”
MADISON LAUCK-MCCOOK CENTRAL
“She has been accepted to numerous Honor Bands through the Big East Conference and South Dakota Universities. Madison is always willing to seek help and push herself to the next level. She has represented the McCook Central FFA Chapter by competing at the National FFA Convention and Expo in numerous areas and for multiple years. She has volunteered for many events through the FFA Chapter. A few of her volunteer opportunities include feeding a farmer and meals of hope for people in need across the state. She recently traveled to Guatemala for a mission trip this past summer. Out of all my one hundred thirty students I see every day, Madison is consistently the one student that leads with a cheerful outlook and impact. This world is so lucky to have a person like her in it.”
EMILIE LINDGREN-WOONSOCKET
“Her evaluations/report cards have always been in the Superior category which he will conclude her High School career with a 4.0 GPA. Emilie is a true leader in and out of the classroom. Emilie’s participation and accomplishments in school are impressive which include National Honor Society, Student Council President, Band Member, Girls Basketball, Drama Club, Honor Student, Track Team, Cross Country Runner, All-State Choir, Oral Interpretation, and has been President of our FFA chapter who recently earned a State FFA Degree this year. If I were searching for descriptors that would reflect my true feelings of Emilie, I would choose the following: leader, intelligent, friendly, creative, hardworking, cooperative, caring, loyal, and highly motivated. She also possesses many other positive qualities that have made her an exceptional student to have in our school.”
ASHLYN REYNOLDS-MITCHELL PUBLIC
“Ashlyn has consciously chosen coursework that is challenging. She has such a desire to learn in various studies of academia. That desire for learning will serve her well in any area of study. She has been an active member of the MHS Marching and Concert Band throughout her high school career. During this time, she has served as the Drum Line Section Leader, Wind Ensemble Section Leader and has been involved in the Show Choir Musical Pit, Jazz Band and Jazz Band II. Ashlyn is also involved in Student Council, Varsity Debate, the FBLA Historian in the past and is currently the State President of the organization. Ashlyn Reynolds is the exact type of student who any district would like to see represent them. She is an excellent student with a strong desire to learn and to lead.”
PRESLEY SLABA-WAGNER
“She challenges herself in the classroom by taking anatomy and physiology, pre-calculus, and dual credit classes. Presley participates in National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, oral interp, the school play, All State Chorus, cross country, track, and takes basketball stats. She helps promote unity and diversity in our area by helping organize and promote the Unity 605 Jam- a summer festival that brings people of several cultures (Native American and Czech for example) together to celebrate one another’s heritage. These qualities, coupled with her can-do attitude, make Presley Slaba a deserving candidate for this award.”
CANDICE STAHL-BRIDGEWATER-EMERY
“Throughout high school, Candice has maintained a 4.02 GPA. She scored 31 on her ACT. She has completed 19 dual credit including college algebra and English composition which she earned credit through the CLEP test. Throughout high school, Candice has been involved in FCCLA (where she qualified for nationals her sophomore year), Skills USA, student council (serving as president this year), band, golf, E-sports (state qualifier), and the mentor-mentee program. Candice also attended the HOBY Leadership seminar. Candice also uses her artistic talents to design various logos for businesses and school organizations. Candice is an example of kindness, graciousness, and acceptance. She is truly a friend to everyone.”
RACHEL ZIEGELDORF-MITCHELL PUBLIC
“Academically she is a 4.0 student and received a 31 on her ACT. While attending Mitchell Senior High School, she challenged herself academically, been involved in activities and exemplified great character throughout her time here. She displays positive characteristics and an overall positive personality. While at Mitchell Senior High School she has been a model student and peer. I have no doubt that she will achieve whatever she decides to in her future. She is a bright and talented young woman that l believe can excel in many areas of life.”
BOYS
CARSON FERRY-HANSON
“As a member of our National Honor Society chapter, he has demonstrated each of the pillars of NHS: scholarship, leadership, character, and service. Carson is one of the most kindhearted young gentlemen I have ever met. He is always looking for a way to make others’ lives better, an example of this is that he is giving up his study time during the school day to tutor a 6th grade boy. Carson has logged many hours volunteering both locally as well as in other states offering a helping hand where needed. This past summer Carson went on a mission trip to New Orleans with his youth group to help those in need. Carson is an intelligent, responsible, and amazing young man. He is a great representative for any organization or scholarship; his goal truly is to make this world a better place.”
AUSTIN KJETLAND-BRIDGEWATER-EMERY
“Austin Kjetland is highly involved in school and church activities. He is an extremely talented young man in the fine arts area where he has earned All-State Chorus honors and superior acting awards in the One Act State Festival. Austin shows excellent leadership in all his activities. He is involved in One Act (state qualifier 3 years), E-sports (state qualifier), band, chorus (All State 4 years), journalism, FFA (state qualifier), FCCLA, and National Honor Society. Austin is also active in his church, First Baptist of Emery. He participates in a youth group where he has served on two mission trips. He also sings on the praise team and volunteers at VBS in the summer. He has also organized a project that involved sharing his musical talents with the local nursing home.”
HUNTER LHOTAK-WAGNER
“I have had the privilege of observing Hunter grow into a mature, hardworking, and considerate individual who exemplifies the qualities this award seeks to recognize. Academically, Hunter Lhotak stands out as a dedicated and high-achieving student. He maintains a strong 3.96 GPA while excelling in rigorous coursework including pre-calculus, chemistry II, and dual credit courses. Outside of the classroom, Hunter is an active participant in the National Honor Society (NHS). This year, NHS sponsored a project to promote mental health awareness. Hunter works part time at the Boys and Girls Club, and he was recognized as the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year for his work with youth in our community.”
JOSHUA MACHADO-MITCHELL PUBLIC
“Joshua is involved extensively in the Fine Arts programs at Mitchell Senior High School and uses those talents to volunteer in the community and church. The programs require an extensive time commitment which he balances well with his academics. He also is involved in other school groups such as the HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America), FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and others. Along with his activities he continues to challenge himself academically with high level courses and college dual credit courses. He has chosen his coursework, which speaks to his drive towards learning and excellence. Joshua’s ACT score of 31 is testament to his academic ability.”
CAMDEN RASSEL-WOONSOCKET
“Throughout high school, he has been involved in National Honor Society, Student Council, Quiz Bowl, Academic Festival, band, play, Chess Club, E-Sports, golf, and racing. Camden has received several academic awards and honors in English, Math, Science, History, and Band. He was honored to serve as a boys’ state representative for Woonsocket during the 2024 session. He has been involved with all of these activities while maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout his high school years in Woonsocket. Camden has logged many volunteer hours including Woonsocket city cleanup, Pony Hills Golf Course clean up, participating in Memorial Day services and Veteran’s Day Program and supper. He is a member of the Spirit of Faith Church and participates in the youth group.”
RILEY SPAANS-ARMOUR
“Riley Spaans is the definition of a well-rounded student-exceptional in the classroom, involved in countless activities, and a leader among his peers. With a 4.0 GPA, Riley has demonstrated consistent academic excellence throughout his high school career. His work ethic and determination set him apart, earning the respect of teachers and classmates alike. He is our current Student Council President, Skills USA President, NHS Vice President, and was a Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week. He was also recently selected to attend the Governor’s Academic Luncheon in Pierre. Riley’s positive attitude, reliability, and humility make him a true role model.”
BRADY TREFZ-MITCHELL PUBLIC
“He is an extremely gifted student and scored 33 on his ACT. While at Mitchell Senior High School he has taken honors courses along with college dual credit while maintaining a 3.98 GPA. Even more impressive is the schedule of extracurricular activities that he has been involved in. Brady has been actively involved in the Fine Arts and excels in them also. Brady exemplifies the characteristic of an honorable young man. His demeanor, moral values, compassion to others around him, and leadership are second to none. While at Mitchell Senior High School he portrays the exact type of student that any school would be overjoyed to have. Not only is Brady a great human, but he leaves those around him a better person to have met him.”
ISAAC WUNDER-ARMOUR
“Isaac Wunder is the kind of student who leaves a lasting impression-for his intelligence, his leadership, and above all, his character. With an impressive 3.992 GPA, Isaac has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, earning numerous awards and recognition throughout his high school career. His dedication to learning and pursuit of excellence reflects a maturity far beyond his years. As Senior Class President, Isaac has proven himself to be a natural leader who listens, supports, and represents his classmates with integrity and care. He is known not only for his achievements, but for being one of the kindest and most mature young men you will ever meet-a true role model for students of all ages.”