SDSD Foundation Scholarships
South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation awards scholarships to students who have received services from South Dakota Services for the Deaf, are high school seniors, and have provided service to their school and community. There have been many past recipients from around the state of South Dakota.
Please check out our 2022-2023 scholarship opportunities.
2022 Scholarship Recipients
Ellie Smith of Fort Pierre is the recipient of the $2,000.00 Kevin Roth Scholarship awarded by the South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation. Ellie plans to attend the University of South Dakota, majoring in biology, with hopes of becoming a pediatrician. For four years, Ellie was on the Honor Roll, National Honor Society for two years, and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) for three years. She served as local secretary her senior year. Ellie currently works part-time during the school year as a Caretaker for St. Joseph Catholic After School Program and full-time during the summer. Ellie has also served on the Teen Court for three years, being head juror or attorney her senior year. She was also involved with Lutheran Youth Fellowship and was Governor of the Governor Program her senior year.
Isabella Kreber of Dante is the recipient of a $2,000.00 Scholarship awarded by the South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation. Isabella plans to attend the University of South Dakota, majoring in psychology with aspirations of becoming a counselor. Isabella was active in theater and chorus all four years, taking on prominent acting roles and participating in local competitions. Isabella has worked part-time during high school in various areas, her latest being a cashier at James Drug while also volunteering at St. John Lutheran Church, where she is a member.
Madison Fairley of Gayville is the recipient of a $2,000.00 Scholarship awarded by the South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation. Madison plans to attend the University of South Dakota. She is currently interning at a dentist's office to see if becoming a dental hygienist is something she may pursue. Madison plans to do other job shadows to help determine her path. Madison was involved in youth group, Fellowship Christian Athletes (FCA), and 4-H, where she participated in many community services.
Nicholas Woerner of Yankton is the recipient of a $1,000.00 Scholarship awarded by the South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation. Nicholas plans to attend Southeast Technical College, majoring in computer science. Nicholas was a member of the school trapshooting club from 2017 to 2022 and was a member of the Gift Givers Club from 2018 to 2020. Nicholas also participated in the Meridian Marching Band. Nicholas received his CNA license in 2021 while he worked as a CNA at Majestic Bluffs. Nicholas secured an internship with Stockwell Engineers in the fall of 2021-spring 2022.
Samantha Schuelke of Willow Lake is the recipient of a $1,000.00 Scholarship awarded by the South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation. Samantha has been accepted to attend Lake Area Technical College, majoring in cosmetology. While in high school, Samantha participated in choir, band, cheerleading, basketball, cross country, yearbook, and was a computer classroom aid to elementary students. Samantha was a Willow Lake City Pool lifeguard and worked at the Big C Convenience Store during the summer months. Samantha is also a Sunday school helper and candle lighter/communion helper at Grace Lutheran Church.
Wesley Nelson of Sioux Falls is the recipient of the $2,000.00 Minnehaha Sertoma Club Scholarship awarded by the South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation. Wesley plans to attend South Dakota State University, majoring in Data Science, and explore his love for music through participation in the college marching band and other areas. Wesley has volunteered at various activities at Central Church, Edgewood Prairie Crossings Assisted Living, and Groove, Inc. Percussion Academy. He also helped community members with house repairs and a can drive to collect food for needy members. He also gave private drum lessons from 2019 to 2022. Wesley has participated in baseball, Camp Judson, and the Sanford Medical Exploration Program.