The Pierre Educational Foundation hosted its annual Evening of Excellence last night (Thurs.) recognizing the 25 top students of the 2019 graduating class as Scholars of Excellence. Each of these students achieved a 3.75 grade point average or better through their academic career.
The Evening of Excellence also recognized 16 educators nominated for the BankWest Educator of Excellence. The nominees are selected by the 2019 Scholars of Excellence. Nominations are based on the educator’s impact on the education and lives of the students. The winner of the 2019 BankWest Educator of Excellence was Kelly Brandt.
The winners of the scholarships awarded by the Pierre Educational Foundation were:
- Charles “Lindy” and Shirley Feeney Scholarship ($1,000) – Frank Becker
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Herbert and Irene Emde Family Scholarship ($1,000) – Ellie Richards
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Mortenson Family Scholarship ($1,600) – Miranda Cerdillo
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Spilde Family Scholarship ($2,000) – Annabelle Simpson
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James and Gertrude Mueller Scholarship Fund ($3,500) – Jordon Thompson
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Schliessmann Family Scholarship ($4,000) – Jordon Thompson
The 2019 BankWest Scholarship ($1,500) winners were: Carly Bowman and Jordan Thompson.
Brandt was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the students in the Pierre School District with a $1,500 award sponsored by BankWest.
The Evening of Excellence included a pre-dinner performance by the T. F. Riggs Chamber Choir under the direction of Rodd Bauck and an art display by the students under the direction of Jill Kokesh.
2019 Pierre Educational Foundation Scholars of Excellence:
Carly Bowman
Elise Carda
Brenna Dimmitt
Tess Erwin
Jade Evans
Adam Forman
Halle Gronlund
Sarah Hemmelman
Ethan Hill
Caleb Huizenga
Claire Hussey
Mattie Jones
Sabrina Kintz
Abbigail Kitts
Jack Maher
Emily Mikkelsen
Tate Mueller
Dmitri Mutchelknaus
Mackenzie Rath
Ellie Richards
Joshua Rounds
Annabelle Simpson
Sophia Stueven
Sydney Theobald
Jordan Thompson
2019 Educator of Excellence Nominees:
Kim Bierle T. F. Riggs High School
Mackenzie Blake Buchanan Elementary School
Karla Blemaster Kennedy Elementary School
Kelly Brandt T.F. Riggs High School
Vasthi Gibson T.R. Riggs High School
Brittany Green Brandon Valley High School
Guy Hunter Georgia Morse Middle School
Teresa Johnson T. F. Riggs High School
Mackenzie McKeithan-Jensen T. F. Riggs High School
Brianna Postma T. F. Riggs High School
Jay Schwartz T. F. Riggs High School
Adam Spoehr T. F. Riggs High School
Christina Staskewich T. F. Riggs High School
Elizabeth Vogt T. F. Riggs High School
Becky Walsh St Joseph Elementary School
Paula Weeldreyer Jefferson Elementary School
