The best and brightest from the Class of 2016 were honored for their academic achievements at the 26th annual Academic Excellence Banquet in Pierre Monday, May 2.
In conjunction with Gov. Dennis Daugaard, the Associated School Boards of South Dakota invited more than 200 students identified as the top one percent of their senior class from the state’s public private and tribal schools to celebrate their academic accomplishments.
“Today we celebrate excellence,” said Eric Stroeder, ASBSD president. “These students represent the best and brightest from South Dakota.”
Senior Taylor Vaughn represented the graduating class of Hill City High School.
“You are the future of South Dakota,” Stroeder said. “We hope you will stay in South Dakota and become the next generation of leaders for our state.”
Daugaard shared Stroeder’s sentiment and encouraged students to stay in South Dakota.
“The prospects for young graduates in South Dakota are better than anywhere else,” he said. “Your dreams can come true in South Dakota.
“You motivated yourself to learn more and more,” Daugaard said. “That’s something special. You’re something special.”
The event was sponsored by the South Dakota Community Foundation. The Mobridge-Pollock High School Band provided the musical entertainment.