The South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation awards scholarships to students who have received services from South Dakota School for the Deaf, are high school seniors, and have provided service to their school and community. Please check our our 2020-2021 scholarship opportunities by clicking here.

2020 Scholarship Recipients

Katya Britton

Katya Britton of Rapid City, SD, is the recipient of the Kevin Roth $1250.00 Scholarship from the South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation. Katya plans to pursue a degree in chemistry, mathematics, or physics and then go to graduate school for chemistry. Katya participated in Drama Club, German Club, AP Calculus, Physics, and Literature Collaborative Design Project and was in the National Honor Society from 2018-2020. Katya attended the Leadership Opportunity for Teens (LOFT) for the deaf and hearing impaired in Washington, D.C. She volunteers at the Black Hills VA, assisting recreational therapists and hospital staff with activities. She worked as a daycare assistant.

Mara Land

Mara Land of Baltic, SD, was awarded a $1250.00 Scholarship from the South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation. Mara plans to attend Gallaudet University for Social Work. Mara has worked at the YMCA-Club Before and After School Program as a supervisor and a swim instructor. She volunteers in her church nursery, South Dakota School for the Deaf Halloween carnival, Augustana University Interpreting program “Burst of Sign”, Sioux Falls Swim Team, Outdoor Campus, and South Dakota Association of the Deaf, and mentors in school. Mara has achieved the awards of Academic Letter, Honor Roll, and National Honor Society.

Maicee Lanphear

Maicee Lanphear of Tyndall, SD, is the recipient of $1250.00 Scholarship from the South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation. Maicee plans to attend the University of South Dakota majoring in Nursing. Maicee is active in competitive cheer, one act plays, gymnastics, and was the 2019 ALA Girls State Delegate.

Haylee Perkins

Haylee Perkins from Lake Preston, SD, was awarded the Minnehaha Sertoma $625.00 Scholarship from the South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation. Haylee plans to attend Lake Area Technical Institute majoring in Human Services. Haylee has served breakfasts, lunches, and soup in the homeless shelter. She was active in Future Farms of America, band, Unified Champions group, and her church youth group.

Fey Ramirez

Fey Ramirez of Belle Fourche, SD, is the recipient of $1250.00 Scholarship from the South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation. Fey plans to attend Black Hills State University, majoring in Psychology, leading to a master’s degree in Human Services. She has worked at Pizza Hut and Northern Hills Training Center as a Direct Support Professional.

Ethan Roberts

Ethan Roberts of Rapid City, SD, was awarded a $1250.00 Scholarship from the South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation. Ethan plans to attend Chadron State College majoring in Wildlife Management. Ethan volunteers at Love INC and participated in drama, cross country, basketball, and track and field.

Austin Top

Austin Top of Valley Springs, SD, is the recipient of $1250.00 Scholarship from the South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation. Austin plans to attend Northern State University majoring in Elementary Physical Education with a minor in Advance Coaching. Austin participated in football and baseball. He co-launched a religious program called “Collision” and is a peer helper to students. He is very active in his church and recently went on a mission to trip to Africa. He volunteers at the Brandon Food Pantry and works at Bethany Meadows as a dietary aide.

Trey Thomas

Trey Thomas of Sioux Falls, SD, was awarded a $625.00 Scholarship from the South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation. Trey plans to attend Southeast Technical Institute majoring in Information Technology Security. He has been in track and field, baseball, cross country, and powerlifting. He is active in his community with the Sioux Falls Cyclones Baseball, Sanford Pentagon Basketball, and Sioux Falls Network Basketball. Trey volunteers for the Sioux Falls Marathon and the Sioux Falls Air Show.

Makenzie Vander Haar

Makenzie Vander Haar of Sioux Falls, SD, is the recipient of $1250.00 Scholarship from the South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation. Makenzie plans to attend Northwestern College majoring in Early Childhood. She has lettered in soccer and band. She is very active in her church and volunteered at the Banquet and Kid’s Against Hunger. She has worked at Sioux Falls Christian School in the Kid’s Corner program.

For more information about SDSD Foundation scholarships, contact:

Jim Riswold, President - SDSD Foundation

Send an Email!