Touchstone Energy® Scholars saluted during May 6 banquet
May 9 , 2006
MADISON -- Many of the top high school students in the region were recognized May 6 during the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Scholar of the Year Banquet at Dakota State University (DSU) in Madison, S.D. Each of the 36 invited students had previously been honored as a “Touchstone Energy Cooperatives’ Scholar of the Week” during the 2005-2006 school year. The scholars, representing 12 of the sponsoring electric cooperatives, were accompanied by their families, nominating faculty and sponsors to the banquet/awards ceremony.
The name of one scholar who attended the event was drawn at random as the “Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Scholar of the Year” and recipient of a scholarship.
Erin Eichten, a senior at Baltic High School, received the $1,000 scholarship. She is the daughter of Paul and Paula Eichten. She plans to major in business/advertising at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall. The scholar was sponsored by Sioux Valley Energy.
Jeff Nelson, General Manager at East River Electric, conducted the scholarship drawing. Kelly Manning, General Manager KSFY-TV, served as Master of Ceremonies during the event. DSU President Douglas Knowlton was the keynote speaker. He praised the scholars for their academic and community accomplishments, and encouraged them to pursue their dreams by demonstrating good attitude, passion and values.
Electric cooperatives in eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota are the sponsors of this program to recognize outstanding students for academic and community achievements. The scholars of the week were nominated for this honor by principals and faculty from throughout the KSFY-TV viewing area. A television news reporter interviewed each weekly scholar; the interviews were broadcast during KSFY’s Thursday evening news and Friday morning show. In addition, each honoree received $100 honorarium from their local Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
The Scholar of the Week recognition is another example of electric cooperatives long-standing involvement with local schools and education.
