STURGIS BROWN HIGH SCHOOL

Monday 3/9/2026

SBHS ProStart: Culinary Arts Competition; TBD

Tuesday 3/10/2026

SBHS ProStart: Culinary Arts Competition; TBD

Wednesday 3/11/2026

SBHS FFA: Practice CDE @ Newell; 7:30-4:00 PM

Thursday 3/12/2026

Girls Basketball State AA: Rapid City; TBD

Friday 3/13/2026

Girls Basketball State AA: Rapid City; TBD

Saturday 3/14/2026

Girls Basketball State AA: Rapid City; TBD

Attention! We're in urgent need of candid pictures of students at various school activities for the yearbook. If you have something you're willing to share, email it (or them!) to Ms. Craig through the school email. Please include photo credit, names of students (unless it's a crowd) and some context we can use for the caption. Any questions? See her in room 155. Thank you!

March 10: Mandatory FFA meeting in the Ag room for those doing CDE's, also our first CDE contest is in Newell, Wednesday the 11th.

March 13: Want your high school memories to last? The last day for purchasing yearbooks is next Friday, March 13. Pick up an order form in the Main Office, the cubby outside Room 155 or see Ms. Craig. Cost is $55.00.

FCCLA Book Drive February 25th - March 13th: Please drop off gently used books in the designated boxes around the schools and around town. The books will be given to the middle school and the elementary school.

Tuesdays ONLY:

FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Meets Tuesday mornings 7:15 AM in Room 124, Mrs. Keffeler’s Room.
Chess Club will meet on Tuesdays after school in Room 151, Mrs. Stevens’ room.

Sioux Falls, S.D. — February 28 — Sturgis Brown High School delivered a commanding performance at the SDHSAA State A Wrestling Championships held February 26–28 in Sioux Falls, claiming the team title with 219.5 points and finishing well ahead of runner-up Brandon Valley (174.5) and Watertown (169).

The victory marks the Scoopers’ third consecutive State A championship, completing an impressive three-peat after also winning titles in 2024, 2025, and now 2026. The historic run further cements Sturgis Brown as one of the premier wrestling programs in South Dakota.

Fueled by grit, depth, and a season-long mindset of #NEVERSATISFIED, the Scoopers crowned individual champions and placed wrestlers across nearly every weight class to secure the state crown.

Benjamin Nadig highlighted the boys’ tournament with a state championship at 150 pounds, standing atop the podium after a dominant run through the bracket. On the girls’ side, Annalee Pierson captured the 110-pound state title, adding another championship moment to Sturgis Brown’s impressive weekend.

Strong Finals Presence Powers Team Title with several wrestlers advancing to the championship finals, adding crucial team points throughout the tournament:

106 lbs: Sullivan Sigman – Runner-up
120 lbs: Tyler Baldwin – Runner-up
138 lbs: Mason Hagen – Runner-up
190 lbs: Kelson Dirk – Runner-up
215 lbs: Zhoel Irion – Runner-up

In addition to the finalists, the Scoopers had multiple podium finishers who played a vital role in the team’s point total:

113 lbs: Tyce Dunn – 6th place
126 lbs: Tarver Zebroski – 5th place
132 lbs: Parker Graveman – 3rd place
144 lbs: Josiah Drummer – 7th place
157 lbs: Jace Thurman – 7th place
175 lbs: Gavin Werlinger – 4th place
285 lbs: Tyce Uherka – 8th place

The girls’ team also contributed key performances:

100 lbs: Jenika Leonhardt – 6th place
115 lbs: Kaidynce Hand – 8th place
135 lbs: Brooklynn Baird – 6th place
145 lbs: Shelby Werlinger – 7th place

With 219.5 total points, Sturgis Brown separated itself from a competitive field through consistency and resilience. The Scoopers placed wrestlers in nearly every contested bracket, turning quarterfinal wins and consolation victories into the points that built an insurmountable lead. Three straight state titles — 2024, 2025, and 2026 — reflect not only talent, but a culture of relentless preparation and high expectations. #NEVERSATISFIED.

KBHB/Kwik Mart Athlete of the Week honors Kelson Dirk of the Sturgis Boys Wrestling Team. Dirk earned a runner-up finish at the State Wrestling Tournament, capping off an outstanding senior season for the Scoopers.

The Paha Sapa V.F.W. Auxiliary Post of Sturgis, SD, represented by Sharon Vinson, President, and Angela Ross, presented a check to SBHS for continued support of the Positive Referral Program. The generous donation provides funds used to recognize students and staff who go above and beyond by demonstrating kindness, helpfulness, generosity, leadership, and going above and beyond.

As of Feb. 28, 2026, 163 students and staff have been recognized for Making a Difference at SBHS. Each recipient receives a coupon for a pop and popcorn at a home event in addition to a "Scoopers Making a Difference" t-shirt.

SBHS sincerely appreciates the support and generosity of the Paha Sapa V.F.W. Auxiliary Post of Sturgis, SD.

Sturgis Brown High School is proud to recognize its February Students and Staff of the Month, sponsored by The Coffee Shop at The Hotel Sturgis. This month’s outstanding honorees include freshman Evan Luckman, sophomore Natalie Huber, junior Bree Wilson, and senior Teran VanDewater, each celebrated for their hard work, positive attitude, and dedication to excellence both inside and outside the classroom. Joining them is Staff Member of the Month Cathy Johnson, whose commitment and support make a meaningful difference in the school community.

SENIOR NEWS | Class of 2026

September 2025

Senior Class Advisors:

Kari Van Zee (kari.vanzee@k12.sd.us)
Jenece Holzbauer (jenece.holzbauer@k12.sd.us)
Stephanie Kaufman (stephanie.kaufman@k12.sd.us)

Information below is subject to change. Please watch the SBHS Announcements and the Class of 2026 Google Classroom for updates.

Preparing for Your Senior Year

The Class of 2026 is entering an exciting and busy year filled with important deadlines and memorable moments leading up to graduation. Below are key dates and reminders to help seniors and their families stay on track.

Fall Deadlines

October 2 – Deadline to order Cap & Gown and graduation merchandise. (Instructions available on the Class of 2026 Google Classroom.)
October 17 – Deadline to submit class poem, song, motto, and flower color nominations via Google Classroom.
- Songs must include printed lyrics, a YouTube link, and be school-appropriate.
- Poems must be original, appropriate, and will be read at graduation by the author if selected.
- Motto submissions must be cited appropriately.
November 3–7 – Online voting for poem, song, motto, and flower color.
November 7 – Baby picture due for the senior slideshow.
December 15 – Senior yearbook picture due (uploaded through Google Classroom; see Mrs. Craig with questions).

Spring Deadlines

February 1 – Many local scholarship applications open (check Student Services website).
April 1 – Most scholarship applications due (verify deadlines individually). Questions can be directed to Registrar Judy Weisz.
Week of April 13 – Make class awards in Room 303 during Scooper Times.
April 17 – Deadline to sign up for Graduation Speaker try-outs (via Google Classroom). Note: If your poem is chosen, you cannot audition.
April 23 – Graduation Speaker try-outs, Room 113.
April 27–May 1 – Online voting for Class Awards.
May 11 – Pick up Senior Checkout Sheet and complete Exit Survey.
May 13 – Senior Walk, last day of class, turn in checkout sheet and computer (during 5th period).
May 15 – Awards, graduation practice, and Senior BBQ (details TBA).

Graduation Day – Sunday, May 17, 2026

12:30 PM – Doors open
1:15 PM – Seniors line up
2:00 PM – Graduation Ceremony begins promptly

Dress Expectations:

Ladies: Dress, skirt and blouse, or dress pants and blouse. Shoes must have a back strap (no flip-flops or tennis shoes).
Gentlemen: Dress slacks or black jeans with a dress shirt. Shoes must have a back strap (no flip-flops or tennis shoes).

Adornments Allowed:

Honor cords, honor tassels, NHS and military stoles, military uniform (if basic training completed), eagle feather/plume, tribal beading, or star quilt on chair (SDCL 13-1-66).
No other hat decorations or gown adornments permitted.
See Mr. Wilson by May 15 with dress code questions.

This year is full of opportunities to celebrate your hard work and create lasting memories. Stay connected through the Class of 2026 Google Classroom and SBHS announcements to ensure you don’t miss important deadlines. Congratulations, Seniors—it’s your year!