The South Dakota School for the Deaf 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.
Wilson Kolbeck of Brandon was the recipient of the $1,500.00 Sunrise-Sertoma Kevin Roth Scholarship awarded by the South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation. Wilson plans to major in Business and minor in Finance at Gallaudet University. In high school, Wilson was a mentor in a program called “Best Buddies” and participated in baseball, track, basketball, and football. In a 2016 school-wide mock election, he was elected US President. In the summer, he umpires for baseball tournaments. He also keeps score for the middle school boys and girls basketball games.
Dylan Kortan of Utica was the recipient of the $1,500.00 Sunrise-Sertoma Kevin Roth Scholarship awarded by the South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation. Dylan plans to attend South Dakota State University majoring in Natural Resource Law Enforcement. Dylan is the editor of the Yankton High School Publication “Cellar Door”, a member of the high school chess club, and was the Boy’s State 2016 City and County Treasurer. Dylan has participated in Boy Scouts since 2007 and was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout. He worked at Lewis and Clark Boy Scout camp and currently works at Walmart as a courtesy associate.
Molly Tinklenberg of Tea was awarded by the South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation a $1,500.00 Minnehaha Sertoma Club Scholarship. Molly plans to attend South Dakota State University majoring in Pre-Med. She has volunteered multiple of times at the Banquet in Sioux Falls. She sang in choir throughout her high school years. She is a nursery school teacher at her church and also works at the Tea Pizza Ranch.
Taylor Hillestad of Lake Preston was the recipient of the $1,500.00 Minnehaha Sertoma Club scholarship from the South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation. Taylor plans to attend the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Taylor has been on the Honor Roll four years, National Honor Society for three years, and Student Council Officer for four years serving as Treasurer, Secretary, and Vice President. He participated in choir, band, football, basketball, and track all four years in high school. He works in the summers as hired help and as a construction worker.
Cole Trainor of Faith was awarded by the South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation a $1,500.00 Minnehaha Sertoma Club Scholarship. Cole plans to attend Eastern Wyoming College majoring in Business or Accounting. Cole played varsity football all through high school and started as the quarterback for the last two seasons. He also played varsity basketball throughout high school and was the starting point guard for the past two seasons. During high school, Cole was involved in the Faith High School Rodeo Club with advancement to the State Finals for the last three years. He is a member of the National Honor Society, volunteer referee for junior high school football games, and is part of the Faith Church of Christ Youth group. Cole has worked on his grandparent’s ranch and at his father’s automotive part store.
McKayla Stratmeyer was awarded by the South Dakota School for the Deaf Foundation a $1,500.00 Sunrise-Sertoma Kevin Roth Scholarship. McKayla plans to attend the University of South Dakota majoring in Nursing. McKayla is active in 4-H Club and church activities. In high school, she participated in swimming and archery and enjoys playing the guitar and drums. She is a member of the Black Hills State Student Advisory Board. McKayla is a State Qualifier in swimming and archery. In addition to receiving her high school diploma in May 2017, McKayla will also have completed a full year of college credits from Black Hills State University.
Kim Wadsworth, President - SDSD Foundation