This award began in 2018 to recognize outstanding students in our listening area. Nomination forms are sent to approximately 25 schools in our listening area. Eligible candidates must be a junior or senior, have a 3.5 GPA or higher, and be involved in school and community activities.
Shawn Boehmer (SR) – Mitchell High
Shawn is an outstanding student and received a score of 34 on his ACT testing. His academic achievements along with his school and community activities have gained him entrance to Harvard University for the Fall of 2024 with a substantial scholarship to his name. He has been an integral part of the Debate Team, serves as the Team Captain and has earned numerous honors for his efforts there. Shawn took the experience of serving as a Page in Pierre and is a member of the student council at Mitchell Senior High. As an outgoing young man with a perspective on social matters he works within the school and community searching for solutions. – Kimberly Max, Mitchell High School Dean of Students
Maxwell Johnson (SR) – Mitchell High
He is actively involved in the Fine Arts programs at Mitchell Senior High School where he also excels in receiving numerous awards. Maxwell has distinguished himself from other students by his involvement and ability to balance a very busy schedule. His character and personality are second to none. I have had the privilege of witnessing his welcoming personality, compassion for others, work ethic, empathy, and ability to work with others in a diplomatic way. It was not surprising when his peers at Mitchell High School voted him as their Homecoming King. An honor well deserved by such a fine young man. – Kimberly Max, Mitchell High School Dean of Students
William Kreth (JR) – Ethan
Throughout his time in school, Will has been a member of FFA, FCCLA, Student Council, One Act, Oral Interp, National Honor’s Society, Band, Choir, CBH Academic Festival Quiz Bowl, 4-H, and 4-H State Ambassador. William is known by staff and administrators for his diligent work ethic, his attention to detail, and his proclivity for asking thought provoking questions during his classes. He is prompt, dependable, and relied upon by other students.
Bryce Larson (JR) – Sanborn Central
Bryce is Student Council President, a member of the National Honor Society, and has held several leadership roles in FFA and is the current President. He also plays football, basketball, golf, and baseball. Bryce is involved in numerous organizations in the community. He is an active member and leader in his church organization. Bryce is a contributing member in his local 4H chapter and has held several different leadership roles, including president. Bryce has volunteered to referee soccer games, feed the homeless, clean up local neighborhoods, and I am sure many other things. – Megan Wilson, teacher at Sanborn Central
Mason Reiner (SR) – Tripp/Delmont
Mason participates in many activities and extracurriculars such as National Honor Society, Peer Mentoring, 4H, Football, and Basketball. He shows great leadership skills through sports and clubs. Mason works hard to maintain his grades, be a leader on the court and football field, and be present in his community. He is an excellent student and deserves recognition for the work he accomplishes daily. – Mike Erlandson, Tripp-Delmont
Dawson Schroeder (SR) – Mitchell High
Most students are involved in either Fine Arts or Sports, yet he has chosen to participate and excel in both. Along with the rigorous coursework, fine arts activities like Show Choir and participating in Cross Country and Track he is an integral part of the student body serving on the Student Council. Academically he has also taken several classes dual credit to get a start on his college journey. Dawson’s personality is contagious. This young man’s energy, work ethic, compassion and overall demeanor is a model for a young man. His peers respect him and voted him as Senior Class President. He has also been voted by his peers to give the commencement speech at this year’s graduation. – Kimberly Max, Mitchell High School Dean of Students
Riley Spaans (JR) – Armour
Riley is involved in many activities in school. He is a student council representative, involved in SKILLS USA, National Honor Society, 4H, band, football, and golf. He is part of the community youth group, church food drive, volunteers at the nursing home and the Lorain Theatre. Riley’s biggest commitment he has made to his community and his country is that he enlisted into the Army National Guard. – Dillon Werkmeister, Armour MS/HS Resource Teacher
Isaac Wunder (JR) – Armour
Isaac is the Junior Class President, involved in SKILLS USA, National Honor Society, marching band, drum major, One Act, student mentor, football, and track & field. If there is an opportunity to volunteer or if someone needs help in the community, he is always the first person to volunteer. He is active is the community youth group, church food drive, church clean up, and many other activities in the community. – Dillon Werkmeister, Armour MS/HS Resource Teacher