Tea Area students among 2019’s best and brightest honored

The best and brightest from the Class of 2019 were honored for their academic achievements at the 29th Annual Academic Excellence Banquet in Pierre on April 29, 2019.

In conjunction with Gov. Kristi Noem, 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.

“These students represent the best and the brightest in South Dakota,” ASBSD President Tom Farrell said. “They have worked hard for their grades and demonstrate the excellence our schools have taught them.”

“Today, we celebrate academic excellence, and this is what it looks like.”

Gov. Noem recognized the students being honored as South Dakota’s “next generation of leaders” and urged them to continue striving for excellence.

Tea Area Senior Jaelyn Morehead, daughter of Sander and Wendie Morehead, and Tea Area Senior Ben Brenholt, son of Carmen and Alan Brenholt were among the students honored.

The Annual Academic Excellence Banquet was sponsored by the South Dakota Board of Regents, the S.D. Community Foundation and the South Dakota Education Association.

Graduation for Tea Area will be held May 19 at 2 p.m.