A group of the best and brightest graduating seniors from the Class of 2014 were honored during the 24th Annual Academic Excellence Banquet in Pierre on Monday.
In conjunction with the office of Gov. Dennis Daugaard, the Associated School Boards of South Dakota invited nearly 200 students from the state’s public, private and tribal schools to celebrate their academic accomplishments. The event is sponsored by the South Dakota Community Foundation and Citibank.
See photos from the luncheon on the ASBSD Facebook page.
“I’m very impressed by the students here. You did something with your talent,” Gov. Daugaard said. “You worked hard.”
Schools are asked to identify one student for every 100 graduating seniors based on academic criteria, such as grade-point average and scores on college readiness exams.
Parents and high school principals are requested to join each student and share in the celebration.
The dedication of parents should strengthen the resolve of the students, said Gov. Daugaard.
“The attention and love of your parents is so valuable,” Gov. Daugaard said. “They never gave up on you and I bet they never will. You really should never, ever quit on yourself.”
Gov. Daugaard urged students to “consider a future in South Dakota” because the state needs them to lead. A sentiment echoed by ASBSD President Pam Haukaas.
“You students are the future of South Dakota. We hope your future endeavors will keep you in South Dakota so you can become the next generation of leaders,” Haukaas, a member of the Colome Consolidated school board, said.
“We need your talents and skills. We need your ideas and creativity to help continue the advancement of our great state. South Dakota needs you to lead.”