STURGIS BROWN HIGH SCHOOL

Monday 10/20/2025

SBHS Journalism: Journalism Press Convention @ Vermillion

Tuesday 10/21/2025

SBHS Volleyball: vs. RC Christian @ RC Christian; 4:00 PM (9A)/5:00 (C)/6:00 (JV)/7:00 (V)

Wednesday 10/22/2025

No Activities

LATE START: SCHOOL BEGINS 10:05

Thursday 10/23/2025

SBHS Football: vs. Spearfish @ Woodle Field; 6:00 PM

SENIOR NIGHT: CROSS COUNTRY, GOLF, SIDELINE CHEER, & FOOTBALL

Friday 10/24/2025

No Activities

Saturday 10/25/2025

SBHS Varsity Volleyball: East/West Tournament @ Harrisburg; vs Harrisburg; 9:00 AM

SBHS Varsity Volleyball: East/West Tournament @ Harrisburg; vs Yankton: TBD

SBHS JV Volleyball: Belle Fourche JV Tournament; 9:00 AM

SBHS Knowledge Bowl: @ Lead Deadwood HS; 9:00 AM

SBHS Oral Interp: @ Custer HS; 9:00 AM

SBHS Cheer: State @ Watertown; 12:55 pm (CST)

SBHS Cross Country: State @ Huron 12:00 PM

Sturgis Brown High School students, staff, and fans are encouraged to “Go Gold” in support of childhood cancer awareness! Show your spirit by wearing gold or yellow at the SBHS football game on Thursday, October 23, and again at the volleyball game on Tuesday, October 28.

These “Go Gold” events unite the Scooper community in honoring and supporting children and families affected by cancer. Let’s fill the stands with gold and show that Scoopers care—together, we shine brighter! 💛💛💛

Steve Hilton, Special Education Teacher at Sturgis Brown High School, was recognized with the 2025 South Dakota Outstanding Transition Services Award on October 8. This honor celebrates his exceptional dedication to developing and implementing programs that support students with disabilities as they transition from school to adulthood. Through his passion, innovation, and commitment, Mr. Hilton has positively impacted the lives of countless students across the Meade School District.

Sturgis Brown High School will hold its annual “Choices Simulation,” on November 6 and 7. This is a powerful, hands-on learning experience that walks students through the real-life consequences of underage drinking and poor decision-making.

The simulation begins with an underage party scenario involving alcohol and drugs, followed by a mock car crash, emergency room visit, courtroom trial, and even a funeral for a peer. Organized by the Youth Leadership Team and supported by local law enforcement and legal professionals, the program aims to make the experience as realistic and emotional as possible.

Key Dates & Information

Students interested in leadership, public speaking, law enforcement, or marksmanship have several exciting opportunities through the American Legion this school year:

Oratorical Contest – Students can showcase their public speaking skills by competing in the annual oratorical contest. Post-level contests must be completed by December 22, 2025, and district contests by January 26, 2026. Assigned topics and details can be found at legion.org or sdlegion.org/oratorical-scholarship.
Boys State – Scheduled for May 25–29, 2026, Boys State provides an immersive experience in government and leadership for high school juniors and seniors (who have not previously attended). Registration is online at sdlegion.org/boys-state. The $250 fee is paid by the local Legion post. Learn more at southdakotaboysstate.org.
Youth Trooper Academy – Taking place June 22–26, 2026, this program gives students a hands-on look at law enforcement careers. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, and only 24 students statewide will be selected. Applications are due March 21, 2026, at sdlegion.org/sd-youth-trooper-academy.
Junior Shooting Sports – Open to male and female youth under 18 (or high school seniors up to age 20), this program promotes discipline and marksmanship using the .177 caliber air rifle. Participants can advance through postal matches to compete in the National Championship, held each July at Hillsdale College in Michigan. More information is available at sdlegion.org/shooting-sports.

These programs offer excellent opportunities for students to develop leadership, citizenship, and teamwork skills while representing their school and community.

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in-regards-to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 40,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of $2.1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.

The national first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$15,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip Valley Forge. Want to apply? 2025-2026 Entry Form

VOD Deadlines:

Midnight, October 31, Entries to the Post: Nancy J Worth, nworth1971@gmail.com

November 20 - Entries due to the District

December 5 - District Winners due to the Department Chairman - Marc Calcaterra

Rules and Eligibility Requirements: VOD Rules / Eligibility

DO NOT mail District entries and required forms to State Headquarters. Mail them directly to the State Voice of Democracy Chairman!

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!