STURGIS BROWN HIGH SCHOOL

Monday 2/9/2026

SBHS Girls 9B Basketball: 9B Quad (Custer, RC Central, RC Stevens) @ SBHS; 5:30 PM

Tuesday 2/10/2026

SBHS Girls Basketball: vs Spearfish @ Spearfish; 3:30 PM

SBHS Boys Basketball: vs Spearfish @ Spearfish; 3:30 PM

SBHS Band & Choir: Combined Recital @ SBHS Cafeteria; 7:00 PM

Wednesday 2/11/2026

No Activities

Thursday 2/12/2026

No Activities

Friday 2/13/2026

NO SCHOOL: TEACHER INSERVICE

SBHS Speech & Debate: Gillette, WY; 10:30 AM

SBHS Boys Wrestling: State A Duals @ Pierre; 11:00 CST

SBHS Girls Basketball: vs Hot Springs @ SBHS; 3:30 PM (Senior Night)

SBHS Boys Basketball: vs Hot Springs @ SBHS; 3:30 PM (Senior Night)

SBHS Student Council: Bake Sale during basketball game.

Saturday 2/14/2026

SBHS Speech & Debate: Gillette, WY: 10:30 AM

SBHS Freshman Girls Basketball: Freshman Extravaganza @ Spearfish; 9:00 AM

SBHS Freshman Boys Basketball: Freshman Extravaganza @ Spearfish; 9:00 AM

Driver's Education Classes: Information on Driver's Education will be coming out soon. Currently, we are still finalizing the dates and times.

Monday, February 9: Monthly Club America Meeting at 715 am in the Choir Room

Monday, February 9: FFA meeting right after school in the Ag Room

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.

Sturgis Brown High School’s National Honor Society will raise money for student scholarships by hosting a Chuck-a-Duck fundraiser on Friday, February 6, 2026, during halftime of the boys varsity basketball game. Fans and community members can participate by purchasing a rubber duck for a chance to win prizes, with all proceeds going directly toward NHS scholarships. The event highlights the National Honor Society’s commitment to service and academic excellence while helping support future graduates in their pursuit of higher education.

Gavin Werlinger earned first place at the Western Dakota Tech Welding Competition held on February 4, standing out among more than 80 student competitors from ten surrounding schools.

The annual competition tested students on both knowledge and skill, with participants completing a written exam followed by a hands-on welding evaluation. Judges assessed precision, technique, and overall craftsmanship during the practical portion of the event.

Werlinger’s top finish earned him over $500 in professional welding equipment, as well as a prestigious $30,000 Build Dakota Scholarship, which supports students pursuing high-demand technical careers in South Dakota.

Strong performances were not limited to the top spot. Five students from SBHS competed in the event, and all placed within the top 20—an impressive showing that reflects the strength of the school’s welding program and the dedication of its students.

Sturgis Brown High School students were recognized for going above and beyond through positive referrals from both peers and teachers. To celebrate their efforts, each student received a popcorn and soda certificate to use at the SBHS concessions during any home game, along with a special “Scoopers Making a Difference” Scooper Sam T-shirt. These rewards not only recognize their achievements but also encourage all students to continue building a culture of respect, leadership, and pride at Sturgis Brown High School. Congratulations to all who were honored this month for making a difference!

January 2026 Honorees

Back Row: Jerek Dufner, Steven Loring, Cyler Joyce, Wyatt Jensen, Easton Sabers, Ruby Lawrence, Layla Clement, Trinity Plunkett, McKayla Walker, Cyle Miller Middle Row: Christ Koletzky, Holly Kopplin, Trinity Limpy, Rayberta Miller, Ian Weyer Front Row: Isacc Hoesing, Brooke LaMont, Ashlyn Larson, Kaydence Aldren, Maelee Schaeffer, Ayla Swanson

Sturgis Brown High School is proud to recognize its January Students of the Month for their hard work, positive attitudes, and commitment to excellence. This month’s honorees include freshman Isaac Hoesing, sophomore Khloe Kerner, junior Erica Peldo, and senior Miley Daigle, who have each demonstrated outstanding character and dedication in their academics and school community. In addition, staff member Shawn Koontz is being honored for her continued support, leadership, and positive impact on students and colleagues alike. Congratulations to all of our January honorees for representing Sturgis Brown High School with pride.

If you missed the fall weightlifting shirt order - we are now signing up for the spring order!

Talia VanDewater has designed this year's shirt to give back to promote and celebrate the Fitness/Weight Lifting Program and all profit goes towards the weight room and its students.

Here are the details for this year:

Short-Sleeve – Black w/White and Red Print - $18

Long-Sleeve – Black w/White and Red Print - $22

Crew Neck Sweatshirt – Black w/White and Red Print - $28

Please place orders w/Talia or Sage. Cash or Checks (Made to SBHS) Accepted. All money due by Tuesday March 10th @ 2:30PM. Thanks so much for supporting the weight room and Talia’s effort to give back!

KBHB/Kwik Mart Athlete of the Week is Annalee Pierson of the Sturgis Scooper Girls Wrestling Team, with wins against Belle Fourche and Campbell County this past week. Way to go Annalee!!!

A new community-based initiative, the Scoopmates Mentoring Program, has launched with a mission to strengthen connections, confidence, and community among young people—“one scoop at a time.”

The program pairs youth with supportive adult mentors, known as Scoopmates, who offer guidance, encouragement, and care. Organizers emphasize that mentors are not replacements for parents, guardians, or teachers, nor do they serve as disciplinarians. Instead, Scoopmates join a broader network of caring individuals focused on fostering healthy growth and positive relationships.

Through mentoring, participating youth are supported in achieving academic success, making positive decisions, developing holistically, and building strong self-esteem. The program highlights relationship-building as a cornerstone of its approach, creating a safe and encouraging environment for personal development.

The initiative also underscores the benefits for mentors themselves. According to the program, mentoring is a two-way relationship that offers opportunities for fun, personal growth, improved self-esteem, a stronger sense of purpose, and greater appreciation for diversity and different cultures.

Community members interested in becoming a Scoopmate are encouraged to apply through the program’s application portal, accessible via the QR code featured on promotional materials.

Pickleball Tournament at Sturgis Brown High to Support Children’s Hospital

Sturgis Brown High School will host a Pickleball Tournament on February 16, 2026, registration will remain open until February 12. A majority of the proceeds—80 percent—will be donated directly to Stanford’s Children’s Hospital of South Dakota, while the remaining 20 percent will be awarded to the winning team along with a prize.

Sturgis Brown High School will host its 18th Annual Career Fair on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 8:00 to 11:45 a.m. in the West Gym. The event will bring together more than 100 businesses, post-secondary institutions, and military representatives to provide students with valuable insight into future career and education opportunities.

Students attending the fair will have the chance to explore a wide range of career paths, learn about training and educational options after high school, and engage directly with professionals from various industries. Organizers encourage students to come prepared with meaningful questions and to dress for success as they take part in this hands-on learning experience.

The annual career fair continues to be a key opportunity for Sturgis Brown students to connect classroom learning with real-world possibilities and begin planning for their futures.

For more information, contact Sturgis Brown High School at 605-347-2686.

Junior Achievement of South Dakota and Sturgis Brown High School have partnered to bring JA Finance Park simulation to students on April 16, 2026! This hands-on, immersive program gives students a meaningful, real-world introduction to personal finance, budgeting, and decision-making — essential skills that will benefit them long after graduation.

During the simulation, students receive a career and life scenario, then work with volunteer mentors to build a monthly budget and learn how to reach financial goals while living within their means. In small groups of 3–6, students rotate through 20 different budget categories, spending about five minutes at each station as volunteers highlight important considerations and real-life trade-offs.

To make this opportunity possible, JA is seeking enthusiastic volunteers from the Sturgis area. Volunteers guide students through everyday financial decisions — from housing and transportation to childcare, savings, and more — helping them understand how choices today shape their financial future.

The time commitment is small, but the impact is significant. Volunteers consistently describe the experience as energizing, meaningful, and a fun way to support local students.

Volunteer at JA Finance Park:

•One 4-hour session — day of training provided, no prep required
Great for individuals or groups of colleagues
A powerful way to help students build confidence in budgeting, saving, and financial decision-making

For more information: contact Jennifer Aman, Junior Achievement, 605-336-7318. Sign up today: JA Finance Park Date Options.

Bringing JA Finance Park to Sturgis Brown High School students is a promising and encouraging step forward in expanding financial literacy education in western South Dakota. Community involvement makes lessons and learning experiences like this possible. JA of South Dakota is proud to partner with Meade School District to provide students with this transformative experience.

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!