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»Rayhill honored for Academic Excellence
Posted Local at May 05, 2011
Kaitlyn with Governor Daugaard
South Dakota’s top high school students should be proud of their success and trust in their ability to acomplish great things, Gov. Dennis Daugaard told a room of graduating seniors during the 21st Annual Academic Excellence Banquet, held April 25 in Pierre.
Kaitlyn Rayhill of Martin, was one of the students being honored at the banquet. Kaitlin is the daughter of Cory and Angela Rayhill.
In his message to the state’s brightest high schoolers, Gov. Daugaard congratulated the students before inviting them to “dream big” and to follow through on their aspirations.
“I challenge you to believe in yourself, believe in your dreams and have the perseverance to achieve,” said Gov. Daugaard. “Don’t limit yourself. You can do great things.”
The governor applauded students for their academic success, but stressed that the soon-to-be graduates will need to remain persistent and determined if they intend to pursue their dreams.
Gov. Daugaard also encouraged students to show their gratitude to teachers and school administrators, and asked them to remember how influential their parents have been in their lives.
“Look around and appreciate the people who love you,” Gov. Daugaard said. “They are so proud of you.”
Since 1990, ASBSD has asked schools to identify the top 1 percent of the state’s graduating students to be recognized the Academic Excellence Recognition Banquet. Schools are encouraged to choose students based on academic criteria, such as grade-point average and scores on college readiness tests. Parents and high school principals are invited to accompany each student to share in the celebration. This year, approximately 450 students, parents and educators attended the event.
ASBSD President Neil Putnam, a school board member from Mitchell, served as master of ceremonies. He told students it was an honor to be part of the recognition.
“It is truly awe-inspiring to be part of this occasion,” Putnam said. “I speak for all school boards when I say how proud we are of you and what you have achieved.”
Associated School Boards of South Dakota is a private, non-profit association representing more than 850 local school board members, the 152 school districts they govern and the students they serve.