The best and brightest from the Class of 2016 were honored for their academic achievements at the 26th Annual Academic Excellence Luncheon in Pierre on Monday.
In conjunction with Gov. Dennis Daugaard, the Associated School Boards of South Dakota invited more than 200 students, who were identified as the top one percent of their senior class, from the state’s public, private and tribal schools to celebrate their academic accomplishments.
Find more photos from the event on our Facebook page.
“Today we celebrate excellence,” ASBSD President Eric Stroeder said. “These students represent the best and brightest from South Dakota.”
“You are the future of South Dakota. We hope you will stay in South Dakota and become the next generation of leaders for our state.”
Gov. 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,” Gov. Daugaard said. “Your dreams can come true in South Dakota.”
Prospects and dreams made possible by the hard work the students have put forth.
“You motivated yourself to learn more and more,” Gov. 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.