As a requirement for graduation, Custer students are required to take a class called Senior Projects for either first or second semester, says mom Shannon. “Sara is in the first group. They are required to pick a subject of interest, do research, find a mentor, write a five-page paper, produce a final product and then do a presentation on the whole process to a large panel.”

Eve Trandem received $200 for her special education classroom. With the grant money, she plans to purchase special filters for fluorescent lights for behavior modification in her classroom.

In her job, Sorensen-Schefeik provides prevention, intervention and counseling services to students at Central High School.  She also gives motivational speeches across the Black Hills — something she has done for over 10 years.

Kelley, 11, started racing motocross bikes at the age of 5, when he received his first bike as a gift.  Since then, Kelley has competed in races across the country, including Texas, Washington, Minnesota, North Dakota, Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, California and Nevada—just to name a few.

In his confirmation letter last October, Connor asked permission and support from the church, saying, “I have found that setting goals is important to me as it provides purpose to my life. I always wanted to play the trumpet. Little did I realize that playing the trumpet and acolyting, plus participating in DOG (Disciples of God) Night would bond me to this church.

“We can relate that back to the kids working hard and the teachers working hard and the support we get,” school superintendent Scott Lepke said.

Statewide, 94 percent of public school districts and 80 percent of schools made AYP, according to a press release from the state Department of Education. 

The 4-Hers practice many hours, training their horses for the different events. This year’s event was host to 26 participants, with approximately 125 entries in 30 different classes.  All participants complete a horse safety training program that offers an opportunity to gain skills, knowledge and expertise regarding the importance of safety around horses and while riding horses. 

The suspect was to be considered armed and dangerous.

That’s what 2006 Custer graduate and Jackson County deupty Tim Nutley knew when he left his home in Kadoka on Sunday, June 5, in response to a call for assistance from his supervisor, Jackson County Sheriff Ray Clements, Jr.

“I knew I needed to be aware of my surroundings and my actions,” Nutley said in a phone interview shortly after the incident.

“I had aspirations of being a professional baseball player,” he said with a grin.

Scouts had recommended he play college ball, so he went to Black Hills State University where he started pre-pharmacy, but “majored in baseball.” Somewhere along the line, his focus shifted and he graduated with a degree in education and math.