2025 Community Foundation Scholars

• Program: Doctor of Medicine
• Career Goals: "As a future physician, I aspire to integrate evidence-based complementary therapies into a career in dermatology, with a focus on serving rural and medically underserved communities."

• Future Plans: University of South Dakota
• Anticipated Major: Social Work
• Career Goals: "By getting a degree in social work I want to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of individuals, families, and communities I serve. I will be a voice for the voiceless, a source of hope, and strength for those navigating life's most difficult challenges."

• Future Plans: Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Business Finance
• Career Goals: "I hope to pursue the financial part of my degree in the future and find something that truly shows what I can do. Not only that, but love what I do as well."

Nicolas Hagen, Sioux Falls Lincoln High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Human Biology
• Career Goals: "While my passion has always been soccer, my academic interest is medicine. I will be attending SDSU this fall to pursue my undergraduate degree and then onto Medical School."

Nicolas Hagen, Sioux Falls Lincoln High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Human Biology
• Career Goals: "While my passion has always been soccer, my academic interest is medicine. I will be attending SDSU this fall to pursue my undergraduate degree and then onto Medical School."

Brooke Reaves, Sioux Falls O'Gorman High School

• Future Plans: Creighton University
• Anticipated Major: Biology
• Career Goals: "I will be attending Creighton University in Omaha in the fall. I intend to major in biology on the pre-dental track."

Linda Landaverry Velasquez, Sioux Falls Washington High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Biology and Spanish
• Career Goals: "My aspiration is to be a doctor with an established practice."

Patrick Barnett, Sioux Falls O'Gorman High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
• Anticipated Major: Mechanical Engineering
• Career Goals: "I plan on studying mechanical engineering at Mines to help produce new tools and resources for renewal energy."

• Future Plans: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
• Anticipated Major: Mechanical Engineering
• Career Goals: "I intend to develop knowledge on the subject of mechanical engineering with an aerospace minor. The process of designing, creating, and mastering has maintained my interest in my studies. I am excited to pursue mechanical engineering because of my enthusiasm for learning, desire to help people, and interest in aeronautics."

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Biochemistry and Spanish
• Career Goals: "I will establish my own practice as a dentist and dedicate my career to serving low-income families."

• Future Plans: University of South Dakota
• Anticipated Major: Medical Biology
• Career Goals: "I will be pursuing a Medical Biology degree on the Pre-Med path. After completing medical school, I am looking at a profession as a physician in pediatrics, family practice, or obstetrics and gynecology. I'm excited to see what my future holds and to explore the medical field!"

• Future Plans: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
• Anticipated Major: Chemical Engineering:
• Career Goals: "I'm pursuing a degree in chemical engineering to work in research and development or advanced manufacturing. I'm especially excited to get involved in lab work - there's something incredibly rewarding about applying concepts hands-on and seeing real-world results."

• Future Plans: University of South Dakota
• Anticipated Major: Conservation Biology
• Career Goals: "It is my intent to attend the University of South Dakota to pursue a major in biology and conduct research on habitat and wildlife of the Missouri River. My long-term plan is to be an advisor for the Species Survival Plan of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a program that works to sustain threatened and endangered species."

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Ag Business
• Career Goals: Seed Salesman

• Future Plans: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
• Anticipated Major: Chemical Engineering
• Career Goals: "I intend to study chemical engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. This decision was constructed in the last couple of years but has been the result of many influences, including taking

Kate Trebil, Dell Rapids High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Nursing
• Career Goals: "I want to work in the medical field! I am currently a full-time CNA and I want to become a Pediatric Nurse!"

Cooper Leiferman, Kimball High School

• Future Plans: Mitchell Technical College
• Anticipated Program: Precision Agriculture
• Career Goals: "Growing up on a farm near Kimball has had a huge impact on my life and the path I've chosen for my future. My love for farming started at a young age, working alongside my grandparents, dad, and uncle. I enjoy being outdoors and learning more about how to improve the way we farm. My studies at Mitchell Tech will help me learn how to add technology to my future farming career."

Ethan Bovill, Alcester-Hudson High School

• Future Plans: Mitchell Technical College
• Anticipated Program: Agricultural Business
• Career Goals: "My future plans are to be a farmer. However, I realize out of college, I will need to get a job somewhere. Possible jobs include at elevators or seed sheds. I will also help my family farm in my spare time."

Alexavia Waysman, Brandon Valley High School

• Future Plans: University of South Dakota
• Anticipated Major: Dental Studies
• Career Goals: "I aspire to pursue a career in dental hygiene because I'm passionate about helping others maintain their health and confidence through proper oral care. Balancing both my studies and musical passion at USD will help me grow personally and professionally."

Zuri Cleland, Sioux Falls Roosevelt High School

• Future Plans: University of South Dakota
• Anticipated Major: Studio Art
• Career Goals: "My future aspiration is to become a voice for people to connect to through my art!"

Linda Landaverry Velasquez, Sioux Falls Washington High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Biology and Spanish
• Career Goals: "My aspiration is to be a doctor with an established practice."

Justice Bauer, Canton High School

• Future Plans: Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Cyber Operations
• Career Goals: "I've been interested in technology since a very young age. In high school, I helped students and teachers alike with their tech issues. With National Honor Society's CLEO program, I got the chance to help the elderly. Once I earn my degree, I will pursue my dream of becoming a cyber security officer."

Samantha Gubbels, Canton High School

• Future Plans: Loras College
• Anticipated Major: Psychology and Spanish
• Career Goals: "I plan to use my degree to become a child psychologist."

Mariah Clark, Sioux Falls Washington High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Biochemistry and Spanish
• Career Goals: "I will establish my own practice as a dentist and dedicate my career to serving low-income families."

Rebecca Heinemann, Dell Rapids St. Mary

• Future Plans: University of South Dakota
• Anticipated Major: Medical Biology
• Career Goals: "I will be pursuing a Medical Biology degree on the Pre-Med path. After completing medical school, I am looking at a profession as a physician in pediatrics, family practice, or obstetrics and gynecology. I'm excited to see what my future holds and to explore the medical field!"

Holly Nesmith, Vermillion High School

• Future Plans: University of South Dakota
• Anticipated Major: Conservation Biology
• Career Goals: "It is my intent to attend the University of South Dakota to pursue a major in biology and conduct research on habitat and wildlife of the Missouri River. My long-term plan is to be an advisor for the Species Survival Plan of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a program that works to sustain threatened and endangered species."

Reganne Miles, Doland High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Criminology
• Career Goals: "My future plans include getting my undergraduate degree. From there, I have a long term goal of being a psychiatrist."

Avayla Jaacks, Canton High School

• Future Plans: University of South Dakota
• Anticipated Major: Medical Biology
• Career Goals: "I am going to USD to study to be an occupational therapist in the future. I love to work with kids so I think this is a great fit for me."

Brynn Oakland, Canton High School

• Future Plans: Mount Marty University
• Anticipated Major: Nursing
• Career Goals: "After my four-year degree, I would love to join the Nurse Anesthesia program at Mount Marty, as well as become a Nurse Anesthetist just like my mother."

Ava Kingma, Alcester-Hudson High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Nursing
• Career Goals: "Working as a CNA in a nursing home has really opened my eyes to the impact nurses can have on patients' lives. This has made me realize just how much I want to take my career further and become a nurse. I want to build on what I've already learned so far and gain the skills and knowledge to provide even better care."

Mariah Clark, Sioux Falls Washington High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Biochemistry and Spanish
• Career Goals: "I will establish my own practice as a dentist and dedicate my career to serving low-income families."

Olivia Hubley, Tea Area High School

• Future Plans: University of Michigan
• Anticipated Major: Political Science
• Career Goals: "I plan to follow a pre-law track at the University of Michigan to eventually become a lawyer. I hope to help everyone in need in my future career."

Makenna Kistler, Dell Rapids High School

• Future Plans: University of Sioux Falls
• Anticipated Major: Criminal Justice and Chemistry
• Career Goals: "I would love to become a Forensic Scientist as I have grown to love the idea of solving the intricate problems that it comes with."

Brynna Koerner, Bridgewater-Emery High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Secondary Education and History
• Career Goals: "I have an immense passion for history and sharing it with others. I plan on becoming a high school social studies teacher so that I can enrich future generations' understanding of our history and how it affects our current day."

Linda Landaverry Velasquez, Sioux Falls Washington High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Biology and Spanish
• Career Goals: "My aspiration is to be a doctor with an established practice."

Elizabeth Fliehs, Groton Area High School

• Future Plans: Northern State University
• Anticipated Major: Human Biology
• Career Goals: "With my future degree in Human Biology, I hope to pursue a career in the medical field. My top options right now are pre-dental or pre-PA."

Faith Traphagen, Groton Area High School

• Future Plans: University of Sioux Falls
• Anticipated Major: Biology
• Career Goals: "Next year, I plan to attend the University of Sioux Falls to further my education. I am going to major in Biology and hope to continue on to medical school to become a physician!"

Zander Hazuka, Lennox High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Multimedia Entrepreneurship
• Career Goals: "I would love to perform and create music for a living. Although I don't know if that will happen, I know music will most definitely be my career in some way."

Matthew Muston, South Dakota State University

• Major: Medical Laboratory Sciences
• Career Goals: "I plan to work in the forensic field. I think that is something I would enjoy and love to do for my career."

Joshua Weissenberger, University of South Dakota

• Major: Secondary Education, History Specialization
• Career Goals: "I hope to be a history/social studies teacher for high school or middle school students! I want to advance and make a difference, and maybe someday have an even larger impact by becoming some sort of administration. As an educator, I hope to make a difference and shape the future of all the kids I teach."

Kord Colburn, Sioux Falls Roosevelt High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Biology and Neuroscience
• Career Goals: "Down the road, I wish to be a neurologist."

Matai Gaede, Sioux Falls Lincoln High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Media Studies
• Career Goals: "I aspire to become a court side reporter within the sports community, in preferably basketball or football. I also want to push for women to become more active within the sports community!"

Lily Jones, Sioux Falls Lincoln High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Pre-Pharmacy (Biochemistry and Spanish)
• Career Goals: "While in school, I will continue to work as a pharmacy technician and use my Spanish to help bridge the gap between patients and pharmacists. My end goal is to get into pharmacy school and to help make healthcare more accessible in communities in Sioux Falls."

Joseph Levesque, Sioux Falls Lincoln High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Business/Accounting
• Career Goals: "While I'm not exactly sure yet about the specific career path I will take, I could see myself owning a business, working at an accounting firm, or working as an accountant for a major company someday."

Mischa Ochsner, Sioux Falls Lincoln High School

• Future Plans: University of Sioux Falls
• Anticipated Major: Radiology
• Career Goals: "I will attend the University of Sioux Falls and then the Avera School of Radiology. After graduating, I hope to work at Avera and plan on staying in the Sioux Falls area. I am looking forward to the opportunities in radiology's many different areas of health care."

Colton Tolly, Sioux Falls Lincoln High School

• Future Plans: University of South Dakota
• Anticipated Major: Biomedical Engineering
• Career Goals: "I look forward to my future as a biomedical engineer because I see a lot of opportunities to improve patient care, treatment, and outcomes. The medical field as a whole is an ever-evolving landscape that constantly experiences advancements that lead to improvements for care providers, and especially those receiving treatment."

Emely Galicia, Sioux Falls Washington High School

• Future Plans: University of South Dakota
• Anticipated Major: Elementary Education
• Career Goals: "I want to major in elementary education and have 2 minors: one in K-12 English as a new language and one in Spanish. In the future, I would love to teach at a Spanish immersion school."

Katrina McCloskey, Sioux Falls Washington High School

• Future Plans: University of South Dakota
• Anticipated Major: Mathematics Education
• Career Goals: "I plan to pursue a degree in Secondary Education to teach math at the high school level. I'm so excited to begin my journey into my future as a teacher and as a volleyball coach!"

Ziggy Miller, Sioux Falls Washington High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Math Education
• Career Goals: "I would like to teach upper level math, hopefully in high school or potentially at a university."

Nicolas Hagen, Sioux Falls Lincoln High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Human Biology
• Career Goals: "While my passion has always been soccer, my academic interest is medicine. I will be attending SDSU this fall to pursue my undergraduate degree and then onto Medical School."

Madisyn Kistler, Dell Rapids High School

• Future Plans: American Musical and Dramatic Academy, New York
• Anticipated Major: Musical Theater
• Career Goals: "I hope to become an actress, whether it be on television or on Broadway. I hope to follow my dreams and lead a life without regrets. If I am successful in my endeavors, I hope to show other young girls that following their dreams is possible if they work hard and are dedicated to their goals."

Eliot Olson, Dell Rapids High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Biology
• Career Goals: "I plan on pursuing a career in Medicine after getting my bachelor's degree!"

Ian Zellmer, Dell Rapids High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Engineering
• Career Goals: "I will attain a mechanical engineering degree and join the Air Force after college via AFROTC. From there, I might make military a career, or I might do my commitment and transfer to a career that I can apply my major to."

Kord Colburn, Sioux Falls Roosevelt High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Biology and Neuroscience
• Career Goals: "Down the road, I wish to be a neurologist."

Lily Jones, Sioux Falls Lincoln High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Pre-Pharmacy (Biochemistry and Spanish)
• Career Goals: "While in school, I will continue to work as a pharmacy technician and use my Spanish to help bridge the gap between patients and pharmacists. My end goal is to get into pharmacy school and to help make healthcare more accessible in communities in Sioux Falls."

Genesis Manzano Huezo, Sioux Falls Washington High School

• Future Plans: University of South Dakota
• Anticipated Major: Biochemistry
• Career Goals: "This Fall, I will be attending the University of South Dakota as a biochemistry major in the honors program. I'm excited to take on new challenges and start working towards making my dream of becoming a doctor a reality."

Yaman Rai, Sioux Falls Washington High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Mechanical Engineering
• Career Goals: "I want to major in mechanical energy at SDSU, and earn my bachelor's degree. This way I can follow my passion to build and innovate. I want to go towards the automotive field, but I am open to others as well."

Emma Terveen, Sioux Falls Lincoln High School

• Future Plans: Harding University
• Anticipated Major: Biomedical Engineering
• Career Goals: "I hope to pursue a career working in the field of prosthetics, internal medical devices, or some other subset of biomedical engineering so that I can use my love of math and science to make a tangible impact on the lives of others."

Tara Gevens, University of Sioux Falls

• Major: Elementary Education
• Career Goals: "I want to be a teacher because I believe in the power of education to change lives, and I want to be more than just someone who delivers lessons - I want to be a positive role model for my students."

Brynnley Neuharth, Redfield High School

• Future Plans: University of South Dakota
• Anticipated Major: Medical Biology (Pre-Med)
• Career Goals: "In the future, I hope to pursue a degree in medical biology to further become an anesthesiologist in the medical field. My biggest dream is to become a traveling anesthesiologist!"

Emma Schneider, Doland High School

• Future Plans: Northern State University
• Anticipated Major: Biochemistry
• Career Goals: "I plan on majoring in biochemistry and minoring in biotechnology. After, I plan on becoming a medical laboratory scientist."

Justice Bauer, Canton High School

• Future Plans: Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Cyber Operations
• Career Goals: "I've been interested in technology since a very young age. In high school, I helped students and teachers alike with their tech issues. With National Honor Society's CLEO program, I got the chance to help the elderly. Once I earn my degree, I will pursue my dream of becoming a cyber security officer."

Abigail Davis, Plankinton High School

• Future Plans: Iowa Lakes Community College
• Anticipated Program: Aviation
• Career Goals: "I am going to college for Aviation to build my way up to the commercial level! I hope to one day work for a major airline and fly people all around the world!"

Jenna Dean, Highmore-Harrold High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Pharmacy
• Career Goals: "My future plans are to attend SDSU to major in pharmacy. With my degree, I hope to either work in a hospital pharmacy or small community pharmacy where I would be able to enhance the overall wellbeing of my community."

Genesis Manzano Huezo, Sioux Falls Washington High School

• Future Plans: University of South Dakota
• Anticipated Major: Biochemistry
• Career Goals: "This Fall, I will be attending the University of South Dakota as a biochemistry major in the honors program. I'm excited to take on new challenges and start working towards making my dream of becoming a doctor a reality."

Madeline Steckelberg-Ingle, Chamberlain High School

• Future Plans: Belmont University
• Anticipated Major: Theatre Performance
• Career Goals: "Beyond college I intend to perform both on stage and film, if I have the opportunity to do so. I would love to perform on Broadway or to be casted for a film that is recorded through a famous production studio, and I plan to work hard and dedicate myself to become a better performer so that one day I will have the capability and skill to be considered for a role in a prestigious film production."

Jenna Vande Weerd, Canton High School

• Future Plans: Northwestern University
• Anticipated Major: Biology
• Career Goals: "I plan on graduating Northwestern College with a biology degree, also including a pre vet regime. I then plan on attending vet school."

Zander Hazuka, Lennox High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Multimedia Entrepreneurship
• Career Goals: "I would love to perform and create music for a living. Although I don't know if that will happen, I know music will most definitely be my career in some way."

Tyler Strasser, Lennox High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Construction Management
• Career Goals: "I plan to use my degree to get a job building residential housing."

Abigail Wagner, Tri-Valley High School

• Future Plans: University of South Dakota
• Anticipated Major: Elementary Education
• Career Goals: "I believe that teachers impact students' lives. Everyone has one teacher they always remember, and I find that incredible. I want to be an elementary school teacher and shape minds and hearts."

Makarie Wiebersick, Montrose High School

• Future Plans: University of South Dakota
• Anticipated Major: Medical Biology
• Career Goals: "I plan to obtain both my MD and PhD to become an oncologist and primary investigator in cancer research."

Brooke Reaves, Sioux Falls O'Gorman High School

• Future Plans: Creighton University
• Anticipated Major: Biology
• Career Goals: "I will be attending Creighton University in Omaha in the fall. I intend to major in biology on the pre-dental track."

Joseph Levesque, Sioux Falls Lincoln High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Business/Accounting
• Career Goals: "While I'm not exactly sure yet about the specific career path I will take, I could see myself owning a business, working at an accounting firm, or working as an accountant for a major company someday."

Peyton Rainford, Wolsey-Wessington High School

• Future Plans: Mount Marty University
• Anticipated Major: TBD
• Career Goals: TBD

Madilynn Hofer, James Valley Christian School

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Nursing
• Career Goals: "I plan to pursue a career in nursing. I have always loved getting to work with and be around small children, so I would like to specialize in labor and delivery or pediatric care. I have always felt pulled to a career in nursing because it allows me to help and care for others who aren't capable of doing it themselves."

Olivia Hubley, Tea Area High School

• Future Plans: University of Michigan
• Anticipated Major: Political Science
• Career Goals: "I plan to follow a pre-law track at the University of Michigan to eventually become a lawyer. I hope to help everyone in need in my future career."

Linda Landaverry Velasquez, Sioux Falls Washington High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Biology and Spanish
• Career Goals: "My aspiration is to be a doctor with an established practice."

Brady Cartledge, Sioux Falls Lincoln High School

• Future Plans: University of South Dakota
• Anticipated Major: Secondary History Education
• Career Goals: "I'm going to be a history teacher, in which I hope to help others learn and understand both history and themselves."

Holland Kortemeyer, Baltic High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Exercise Science
• Career Goals: "I would like to complete my bachelors of exercise science, then continue on to physical therapy school to achieve my doctorate of physical therapy! I want to become a pediatric physical therapist!"

Alexia Quinn, Sisseton High School

• Future Plans: St. Cloud Technical and Community College
• Anticipated Major: Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Career Goals: "My future plan is to become an ultrasound technician. It's been my dream for awhile now, and I plan to continue to do my best in higher education and to love what I will achieve."

Lucas Hiatt, Sioux Falls Lincoln High School

• Future Plans: Creighton University
• Anticipated Major: Economics
• Career Goals: "Although I'm unsure of a specific career path, I aim to become a future business leader as I'm passionate about leadership, innovating and working to make a positive impact in whatever field I choose."

Mulhat Mohamed, Sioux Falls Washington High School

• Future Plans: Southeast Technical College
• Anticipated Major: Business Administration
• Career Goals: "I plan to start my career as a leasing agent, where I can get real-world experience working with clients and learning the day-to-day operations of the industry. From there, I hope to become a licensed realtor and build a career helping others navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives-buying a home."

Sullivan Schlimgen, Sioux Falls O'Gorman High School

• Future Plans: Washington State University
• Anticipated Major: Economics and Philosophy
• Career Goals: "I'm planning on being a financial advisor and building relationships with people."

Laila Sumic, Sioux Falls Roosevelt High School

• Future Plans: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Anticipated Major: Physics
• Career Goals: "After receiving an undergraduate degree, I plan to continue my education to the completion of a doctorate and engage in accelerated particle research."

Nathaniel Vis, Sioux Falls Lutheran School

• Future Plans: Full Sail University
• Anticipated Major: Audio Arts
• Career Goals: "I hope that when I finish the college program I'm taking that I will be able to get a job in the audio field so that I can use my skills in a job I love."

Anna Vyn, Sioux Falls Christian

• Future Plans: Abilene Christian University
• Anticipated Major: Business
• Career Goals: "I would love to own my own business someday, but I am more excited to see what opportunities God blesses me with in the coming years and will pursue wherever He leads."

Emma Terveen, Sioux Falls Lincoln High School

• Future Plans: Harding University
• Anticipated Major: Biomedical Engineering
• Career Goals: "I hope to pursue a career working in the field of prosthetics, internal medical devices, or some other subset of biomedical engineering so that I can use my love of math and science to make a tangible impact on the lives of others."

Isaac Fode, Brandon Valley High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Music Education and Multimedia Entrepreneurship
• Career Goals: "I really hope to write and compose music for a living one day. And I want to use music teaching as a stepping stone, not only to improve the musical capabilities of myself and others, but to also help give me opportunities to write for my own classes."

Evan Brown, Alcester-Hudson High School

• Future Plans: University of South Dakota
• Anticipated Major: Physical Education
• Career Goals: "Graduate from USD with a bachelor's degree in physical education and minor in health. Get a job at a school to teach and coach."

Rosalia Szameit, Sioux Falls Washington High School

• Future Plans: Morningside University
• Anticipated Major: Music Education
• Career Goals: "I'm currently planning on become a high school choir teacher. My goal as a future educator is to create a supportive and uplifting environment where everyone can feel safe, happy, and feel a sense of belonging."

Ava Kingma, Alcester-Hudson High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Nursing
• Career Goals: "Working as a CNA in a nursing home has really opened my eyes to the impact nurses can have on patients' lives. This has made me realize just how much I want to take my career further and become a nurse. I want to build on what I've already learned so far and gain the skills and knowledge to provide even better care."

Ellery Jansen, Canton High School

• Future Plans: Briar Cliff University
• Anticipated Major: Elementary Education
• Career Goals: "My goal is to be a 3rd grade teacher whose classroom is a positive learning environment and full of joy at all times!"

Corbin Winquist, Canton High School

• Future Plans: University of South Dakota
• Anticipated Major: Business
• Career Goals: "Someday, I want to manage and operate my own business, but until then, I desire to work with customers."

Alexia Quinn, Sisseton High School

• Future Plans: St. Cloud Technical and Community College
• Anticipated Major: Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Career Goals: "My future plan is to become an ultrasound technician. It's been my dream for awhile now, and I plan to continue to do my best in higher education and to love what I will achieve."

Ethan Bovill, Alcester-Hudson High School

• Future Plans: Mitchell Technical College
• Anticipated Program: Agricultural Business
• Career Goals: "My future plans are to be a farmer. However, I realize out of college, I will need to get a job somewhere. Possible jobs include at elevators or seed sheds. I will also help my family farm in my spare time."

Mylie Anderson, Dell Rapids High School

• Future Plans: Lake Area Technical College
• Anticipated Program: Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Career Goals: "All I've ever wanted to do is help people and now I'm making sure that I can do that no matter what."

Lilly Ann Becker, Dell Rapids St. Mary

• Future Plans: Southeast Technical College
• Anticipated Program: Licensed Practical Nursing
• Career Goals: "I chose nursing because I love medicine. My grandma was a nurse for 47 years and my mom is a nurse practitioner. I plan to continue on to Southeast Technical College's RN program and later onto a bachelor's degree."

Drew Buck, Sioux Falls Lincoln High School

• Future Plans: Southeast Technical College
• Anticipated Program: Electrician
• Career Goals: "I hope to become a master electrician and then start my own business over the next 10 years after going through the 2 year electrical program at STC."

Sammie Deines, Brandon Valley High School

• Future Plans: Southeast Technical College
• Anticipated Program: Diagnostic Sonography
• Career Goals: "My future career goal is to become an exceptional diagnostic sonographer, using my skills to help better and even save people's lives. I'm passionate about the impact medical imaging can have in early diagnosis and treatment."

Lincoln Fersdahl, Dell Rapids High School

• Future Plans: Mitchell Technical College
• Anticipated Program: Powerline Construction and Maintenance
• Career Goals: "I envision myself beginning my career in the electrical industry, and I hope to secure a position with a company in southeastern South Dakota. I have lived just outside Dell Rapids, SD my entire life, and I absolutely love it here."

Dawson Hohn, Dell Rapids High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: TBD
• Career Goals: "I plan to pursue a career in which I can impact the lives of others in a positive manner."

Clara Justice, Dell Rapids High School

• Future Plans: Carroll University
• Anticipated Major: Nursing
• Career Goals: "I will be pursuing a BSN in Nursing with career aspirations to work in the NICU and Pediatrics."

Chelsey Burtis, Southeast Technical College

• Program: Human Resource Management
• Career Goals: "Through Human Resource Management, my goal is to build strong company cultures of safety and integrity. I am passionate about the administrative aspects of this career, but also developing the giftings, talents, and passions that each unique person brings to a team. Humans are our greatest assets to achieve team goals!"

Bineta Ibrahim, Sioux Falls Washington High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Nursing
• Career Goals: "I aspire to be a nurse who helps those in need. A nurse who can give someone a smile and make someone's day!"

Joseph Levesque, Sioux Falls Lincoln High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Business/Accounting
• Career Goals: "While I'm not exactly sure yet about the specific career path I will take, I could see myself owning a business, working at an accounting firm, or working as an accountant for a major company someday."

Carson Wheeler, Sioux Falls Washington High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
• Anticipated Major: Mechanical Engineering
• Career Goals: "I aspire to become a skilled mechanical engineer whose work not only advances innovation but directly benefits the people of South Dakota. Through the education and hands-on training I will receive at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, I plan to develop solutions that strengthen our state's infrastructure, support local manufacturing, and promote sustainable energy practices."

Garrett Klausen, Oakland-Craig Public School

• Current School: Southeast Community College, Milford Campus
• Anticipated Program: Ford Asset Program (Mechanic)
• Career Goals: "I plan on becoming a certified Ford mechanic and working in a Ford dealership."

Rosario Valdez, Sioux Falls Lincoln High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: International Studies and Philosophy
• Career Goals: "I aspire to become an immigration lawyer."

Dawson Hohn, Dell Rapids High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: TBD
• Career Goals: "I plan to pursue a career in which I can impact the lives of others in a positive manner."

Logan Brakke, Brandon Valley High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
• Anticipated Major: Mechanical Engineering
• Career Goals: "I intend to develop knowledge on the subject of mechanical engineering with an aerospace minor. The process of designing, creating, and mastering has maintained my interest in my studies. I am excited to pursue mechanical engineering because of my enthusiasm for learning, desire to help people, and interest in aeronautics."

Estefany Rivas Saravia, Augustana University

• Major: Secondary Education, Mathematics, and Spanish
• Career Goals: "As a first-generation college student, I aspire to become a secondary education math and/or Spanish teacher. I hope to be someone my future students can look up to, encouraging them to embrace their potential. I am passionate about fostering the Circle of Courage, promoting diversity and inclusion, and one day traveling the world to teach and volunteer in communities that need it most!"

Aiden Bunde, Tri-Valley High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Building and Construction
• Career Goals: TBD

Tyler Strasser, Lennox High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Construction Management
• Career Goals: "I plan to use my degree to get a job building residential housing."

Lydia Decker, University of South Dakota

• Major: Accounting
• Career Goals: "I want to go into public accounting, either in the tax department or the forensic accounting department."

Landon Ruesink, Dakota Wesleyan University

• Major: Accounting
• Career Goals: "Upon graduation, it is my goal to progress within the banking industry. During my internship this previous summer, it became apparent to me that banking is the right path for me. It ties my accounting and finance skills, community involvement, and my love for growing businesses together."

Elizabeth Mehlbrech, Tea Area High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Nursing
• Career Goals: "In the Fall, I will attend South Dakota State University to pursue nursing. helping others is a passion of mine that I will live out in my nursing career. Along with this, I will continue to serve my community through my 'New Year, New Gear' clothing drive."

Jaydin Mitchell, Tea Area High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Nursing
• Career Goals: "My desired career path is Nursing. I love the idea of having a more advanced role where I can really dive deep into patient care and make a big impact. I'm also thinking about travel nursing at some point as well! Being there for people during some of their toughest moments seems incredibly rewarding."

Parker Wilson, Tea Area High School

• Future Plans: Iowa Lakes Community College
• Anticipated Major: Wind Energy and Turbine Technology
• Career Goals: "After earning my degree, I hope to find a potential career in the wind energy career field. A reason that I chose wind energy is because it helps make the planet a better place by creating green energy."

Geneva Bormann, Sioux Falls Lincoln High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Nursing
• Career Goals: "Once I obtain my RN license, I plan to work in a critical care setting for 2 years while building my credentials and certifications for my CRNA school resume. I hope to later be accepted into and graduate from a CRNA program so that I can work my dream job!"

Megan Geraets, Dell Rapids St. Mary

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Human Biology
• Career Goals: "After graduating college, I plan to attend med school to be a doctor. My top four interests are dermatology, pediatrics, mental health, and cardiovascular health."

Brianna Griffin, Dell Rapids St. Mary

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Social Work and Criminal Justice
• Career Goals: "I wish to work with the police on domestic calls and protect the child from these situations."

Grady Lamer, Dell Rapids High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Accounting
• Career Goals: "I plan to explore a career in accounting, working in finance to make a positive, educated difference in the day to day operations in business."

Jon Maverick Mark LeBrun, Dell Rapids St. Mary

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Business
• Career Goals: "I plan to get a degree in a business-related field with possible agriculture emphasis that could be used to help my family farm."

Presley Luze, Colman-Egan High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Nursing
• Career Goals: "My career goal is to become a nurse. I have always known that I want to pursue something in the healthcare field. After a few years as a nurse, I want to go back to school to become a nurse anesthesiologist."

Madison Reiff, Dell Rapids St. Mary

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: Nursing
• Career Goals: "I look forward to saving lives and making a difference in the lives of others!"

Brandon Schmidt, Dell Rapids High School

• Future Plans: Mitchell Technical College
• Anticipated Program: Ag Diesel Mechanics
• Career Goals: "I've lived on a farm for my whole life enjoying working on tractors and equipment."

Braden Gruis, Dell Rapids High School

• Future Plans: Iowa Lakes Community College
• Anticipated Program: Aviation
• Career Goals: "My goal for the future is to become an airline pilot. Getting a degree in aviation is very expensive and will require lots of hard work, so I am very grateful for receiving this scholarship."

Jenna Vande Weerd, Canton High School

• Future Plans: Northwestern University
• Anticipated Major: Biology
• Career Goals: "I plan on graduating Northwestern College with a biology degree, also including a pre vet regime. I then plan on attending vet school."

Macy Plucker, Canton High School

• Future Plans: Nebraska Wesleyan University
• Anticipated Major: Business Administration
• Career Goals: "I hope to graduate with a business/marketing degree and own or manage a business."

Olivia Hubley, Tea Area High School

• Future Plans: University of Michigan
• Anticipated Major: Political Science
• Career Goals: "I plan to follow a pre-law track at the University of Michigan to eventually become a lawyer. I hope to help everyone in need in my future career."

Jamie Nguyen, Sioux Falls Washington High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Accounting
• Career Goals: "I plan to major in accounting at Augustana University, earn a Master of Professional Accountancy, and sit for the CPA exam while continuing to stay involved on campus and in the community."

Carson Wheeler, Sioux Falls Washington High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
• Anticipated Major: Mechanical Engineering
• Career Goals: "I aspire to become a skilled mechanical engineer whose work not only advances innovation but directly benefits the people of South Dakota. Through the education and hands-on training I will receive at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, I plan to develop solutions that strengthen our state's infrastructure, support local manufacturing, and promote sustainable energy practices."

Gemechis Hordofa, South Dakota State University

• Program: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Career Goals: "I want to help my community without any discrimination."

Mariah Clark, Sioux Falls Washington High School

• Future Plans: Augustana University
• Anticipated Major: Biochemistry and Spanish
• Career Goals: "I will establish my own practice as a dentist and dedicate my career to serving low-income families."

Vivian Hughes, University of Sioux Falls

• Major: Theology, Social Work, Psychology, and Social Sciences
• Career Goals: "With an unwavering passion for the Gospel, I want to meet young people exactly where they are, walking alongside them
  in their journeys, and offering them the hope, love, and truth of Jesus. By creating a space where they can feel seen, heard, and valued."

Dawson Hohn, Dell Rapids High School

• Future Plans: South Dakota State University
• Anticipated Major: TBD
• Career Goals: "I plan to pursue a career in which I can impact the lives of others in a positive manner."

TyAnn Mortenson, Faith High School

• Future Plans: University of Jamestown
• Anticipated Major: Exercise Science
• Career Goals: "I plan to major in exercise science and obtain my master's degree in athletic training. I plan to use my degree in athletic training to work with athletes of all sports and help them maintain healthy bodies."

Melody Olugbenga, Faith High School

• Future Plans: University of Jamestown
• Anticipated Major: Biology (Pre-Med)
• Career Goals: "I plan to become a pediatric surgeon. I am extremely thankful for this scholarship. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!"