Nedved Media started the Elite Eight Academic Award began in 2018 to recognize outstanding students in our listening area. Nomination forms are sent to approximately 25 schools in the 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.
GIRLS:
Andie Aughenbaugh – (SR) Woonsocket
“If I were searching for descriptors that would reflect my true feelings of Andie, 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. Andie’s participation and accomplishments in school are impressive, which include: National Honor Society, Band, Choir, Quiz Bowl & CBH Academic Festival, Basketball, Yearbook, Honor Student, Track Team, Cross Country, HCC Youth Group, Club Dance, Powerlifting and has been a member of a Swim Team.”
Finley Bogenreif – (SR) Parkston
“She participates in Volleyball, National Honors Society, HOSA (Health Occupation Leaders of America), Quiz Bowl, Student Council, Hope Squad, and Wrestling Stats. In those activities listed above, she has taken on many leadership positions. Finley has volunteered the last few years for the Special Olympics. She has organized and volunteered at our school blood drive on multiple occasions. She has been an active volunteer in her church youth group and helped clean up and improve our city park on multiple occasions as well. She is a friend to all and has a warmth that makes her approachable and kind to her fellow students of ALL ages!”
Layce Bruns – (SR) Plankinton
“I have had the privilege of working with Layce daily and observing her exceptional qualities, both in and out of the classroom. In addition to her academic achievements, Layce is actively involved in the community and extracurricular activities at school. She has participated in choir, basketball, volleyball, FCCLA, high school rodeo, 4H rodeo, and student council. She is also active in her church and is a member of the local Catholic SOAR group. She not only excels in the classroom but shows leadership skills and a strong desire to make a positive impact in her community.”
Mariah Gosmire – (SR) White Lake
“Beyond the classroom, Mariah has been deeply involved in a wide range of school activities. She is a four-year class president. She has contributed her talents to volleyball, band, choir, track, and quiz bowl. She has volunteered consistently throughout high school, assisting with church events, mentoring youth, organizing school and community clean-up efforts, and supporting local programs including speaking at a Memorial Day program and organizing a Veteran’s Day program.”
Rory Juhnke – (SR) Parkston
“She is also highly involved in our student organizations. Most notably, she is our 25-26 Student Council President! In my 4 years, she is the strongest leader I have had in that role. She is involved in HOSA and holds a student advisory position in their leadership team. She is the historian in the FCCLA chapter. She is also the President of our National Honor Society Chapter. She is also a part of our Hope Squad (Suicide Prevention Program). She is a regular volunteer in our school and community too.”
Emma Plamp – (SR) Mitchell High School
“Emma is truly the most brilliant and exceptional student that I have had the privilege to work with. She excels academically and in Fine Arts. Not only has this been recognized by her instructors, but through numerous awards that were selected by peers for her work ethic, hustle and leadership. Emma has diversified herself by being involved in Powerlifting, Pen Pals Club, School Musical, the Municipal Band and Quiz Bowl to name some. There is no question that she is academically strong, but one of her characteristics that stands out is that she is able and willing to teach others.”
Cali Vanden Hoek- (SR) Corsica-Stickney
“The list of Cali’s accomplishments and accolades is incredibly impressive, However, what is even more exceptional is the young woman herself. Cali leaves a positive impact with everything she does. Leading by example, she works hard to do things the right way. Cali is always first to offer help; she does what needs to be done even when it isn’t her responsibility or organization. Cali understands that being a part of a team or school group is something bigger than herself, and she works hard to represent her school, family, and community in a manner that makes the rest of us proud to call her one of our own. Cali will continue to make a positive impact long after she leaves the halls of Corsica-Stickney High School.”
Jordyn Wilson – (SR) Mitchell High School
“Jordyn has also been involved in Team Debate, Marching Band and Concert Band along with other activities. The time management of being involved in these activities and maintaining the courseload she has done is commendable. Also, the fact that she does it with a smile on her face is refreshing. She is an intelligent young woman, who will use her intelligence to excel in college and in the future.”
BOYS:
Ky Arpan – (SR) Wagner
“Ky has participated in many activities in our school, he plays football, basketball and spends a lot of time volunteering at our Boys and Girls Club. Ky is known throughout our school as a kid who leads by setting an excellent example. Ky interacts in a positive way with his classmates and many of our younger students. He is a great example of a student who can overcome personal challenges and be successful.”
Elias Davis – (JR) Dakota Christian
“On top of doing well in his academics, Eli is involved in several community and school activities. Eli was a leader on the school’s esports team and in band. He also participated in Dakota Christian’s archery program. In the community, Eli is an advocate in youth ministry. He is a member of his church’s praise team, and he helps with Child Evangelism Fellowship, a group that hosts day and week-long camps sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with children in communities around the state.”
Benjamin Johnson – (SR) Mitchell High School
“Benjamin has taken Honors classes along with dual credit coursework here at MHS. Through his junior and senior year, he has taken challenging courses along with a full schedule of dual enrollment college courses. He has committed himself to a path towards post-secondary education and excelled. He is not only a stellar student, but someone of overall good character. Benjamin has great goals for himself and undoubtedly will achieve them.”
Caden Schwader – (SR) Howard
“Mr. Schwader has not shied from challenges in the academic arena and in doing so has established himself as one of our most accomplished graduates in this area. It is fair to say that students of his driven nature are what has propelled the high school to the designation of National Blue Ribbon School for this school year. He routinely provides the leadership and action necessary to make our school district better on a daily basis. He is a person willing to engage in the oftentimes unglamourous work necessary to succeed.”
Tekoa Strombeck – (SR) Bridgewater-Emery
“Tekoa builds others up and always finds the good in everyone. Since January, Tekoa has served as a mentor to the 7th grade boys, giving up his time to have lunch and meet with the 7th grade boys weekly to help them grow as young leaders. He is an active learner in the classroom engaging in discussion and consistently submitting quality work. With the commitment Tekoa has displayed in activities and academics including working part time and serving as a member of the South Dakota Army National Guard, I am confident that Tekoa will continue to have high achievements as he transitions into his postsecondary studies.”
Alex Werkmeister – (SR) Armour
Alex is highly involved in school activities, including music, band, SkillsUSA, school plays, and he has served as class president and NHS President. He is also a standout multi-sport athlete, participating in football, basketball, track, and baseball His ability to balance these commitments while maintaining excellence speaks to his time management skills, dedication, and character. Perhaps most importantly, Alex is a tremendous role model for other students. He leads by example through his work ethic, attitude, and the way he treats others. It is not often you encounter a young person who combines academic excellence, leadership, humility, and kindness the way Alex does.
Quinton Wilson – (SR) Mitchell High School
“Quinton is an outstanding student whose academic accomplishments, positive character, and work ethic set him apart as exceptional. Beyond academics, Quinton is highly involved in his own school community. He truly does it all. He is a student manager of the football team, a teacher’s aide in the construction tab, plays Spring baseball, and is a dedicated leader on the marching band field, in Jazz Band, and Show Choir Pit. He is the epitome of a great role model for our younger classmen, as he is always willing to lend a helping hand to students or teachers.”
Holden Wollman – (SR) Bridgewater-Emery
“He engages in various activities and has consistently shown a commitment, contributing not only to his personal development but also to enhancing the overall school community. He demonstrates a keen sense of responsibility and engagement. Throughout high school, Holden has been involved in football, basketball, track, mentoring program, FFA, student council, and NHS. He treats peers, teachers, and staff with kindness and courtesy, creating a positive and inclusive school culture. He is an excellent role model to the younger students going out of his way to help mold them into positive leaders. Holden works well with others and is an encouraging team member. I am confident Holden possesses the skills and talents this award represents. He will continue to make significant contributions to our school and community.”