The Class of 2026’s top one percent of graduating seniors were recognized recently at the 36th Annual Academic Excellence Recognition luncheon for their academic achievements throughout their high school career.
Governor Larry Rhoden’s office and the Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD) honored students identified as the top one percent of their senior class, from the state’s Public, Private and Tribal/BIE schools on Monday, April 27. Students designated as their high school’s honoree(s) received a certificate, a commemorative South Dakota pin and the opportunity to meet and have their photo taken with Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen.
“All of you are being honored today because of the impressive things you have done,” Lt. Gov. Venhuizen said. “Being in the top 1 percent of your class is truly remarkable. It shows a willingness to work hard. I feel very optimistic about our future.”
Venhuizen’s sentiment was echoed by ASBSD President Shane Roth of De Smet.
“The hard work and dedication these students have put towards their education has been an investment, an investment in their future,” Roth said. “As the best and brightest in South Dakota, we hope to see you become the next generation of leaders in South Dakota.”
“We need talented and skilled people like yourselves to share your creative ideas and solutions to continue to push our great state forward.”
Heartland region honorees were William Hovde of Clark, Harper Anderson of De Smet, Addison McDonnell of Highmore-Harrold, Cora Hofer of Hitchcock-Tulare, Josie Vlieger and Molly Whitney of Huron, Rexton Blue of Iroquois, Belle Niederbaumer of James Valley Christian, Joseph Baker of Miller, Cecilia Suchor of Redfield, Cameron Edwards of Sanborn Central, Soleil Mickelson of Sunshine Bible Academy, Ella Fagerhaug of Wessington Springs, Emmerson Larson of Willow Lake and Kendal Uttecht of Wolsey-Wessington.
The event was sponsored by A&B Business Solutions, BankWest, DSU – Governor’s Cyber Academy, KSB Law, School Administrators of South Dakota, the South Dakota Board of Regents, and South Dakota Education Association. Musical entertainment was provided by the De Smet High School Choir under the direction of Brooke Thielbar.
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