STURGIS BROWN HIGH SCHOOL

Monday 4/13/2026

Fall Cheerleading Tryouts: Parent/Athlete Meeting @ 5:00 PM followed by Tryouts

SBHS Softball: vs. Campbell County @ Sturgis; 4:00 (JV)/6:00 PM (V)

SBHS Baseball: vs Belle Fourche @ Sturgis; 5:00 (JV)/7:00 PM (V)

Tuesday 4/14/2026

Fall Cheerleading Tryouts: SBHS West Gym; 5:00-6:30 PM

SBHS JV Track: @ Spearfish; 11:00 AM

SBHS JV Softball: vs. RC Central @ Rapid City; 6:00 PM (JV)

SBHS Girls Golf: @ Spearfish; 10:00 AM

Wednesday 4/15/2026

Fall Cheerleading Tryouts: SBHS West Gym; 4:30-6:00 PM

SBHS Baseball: Varsity Double Header @ Gillette; 5:00/7:00 PM

Thursday 4/16/2026

SBHS Track: Track-O-Rama @ Rapid City; 9:00 AM

SBHS Girls Golf: Quad @ Rapid City Elks; 3:00 PM

SBHS JV Baseball: vs RC Central @ Sturgis; 5:00/7:00 PM

Friday 4/17/2026

No Activities

Saturday 4/18/2026

SBHS Track: Center of the Nation @ Belle Fourche; 8:00 AM

SBHS Softball: vs. Tea @ Spearfish; 12:00 (JV)/1:30 PM (V)

SBHS V Baseball: vs. Brandon Valley@ Spearfish; 10:00 AM

Saturday 4/19/2026

SBHS FFA: State @ Brooking; TBD

Get your yearbooks! The yearbook publisher released 15 more yearbooks for sale, so if you were afraid you missed out, it's not too late. Pick up a flyer from the main office. The price of $55 remains the same. Get one before they're gone (and they're already being snatched up, so don't wait!). Thank you!

On Monday, April 13, ALL state FFA students need to attend a mandatory meeting in Mr. Holben's classroom after school.

Club America at Sturgis Brown High School will have their April Monthly Meeting on Monday, April 13th at 7:15am in the choir room. There will be a special guest speaker, and we will host elections for next year's officers! All are invited, and treats will be available!

Seniors will have a meeting on Wednesday, April 15 at 1:30 in the West Gym. We will talk about the remainder of the year and also hand out cap and gowns.

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 is celebrating a major accomplishment by ProStart Culinary Arts instructor Mica Sulzbach-Bataille, whose work in sustainable food education has earned national recognition.

Sulzbach-Bataille recently completed the USDA’s Connecting Culinary Arts with Sustainable Agricultural Systems program in partnership with New Mexico State University (NMSU). The intensive program, focused on the future sustainability of the nation’s food supply leading into 2050, selected just 60 educators from across the United States—including only three from South Dakota.

Over the course of two years, participants engaged in six specialized classes and a hands-on immersive learning experience in New Mexico, which Sulzbach-Bataille attended this past June. Each course required educators to develop original lesson plans aligned with sustainability, agriculture, and culinary innovation. In total, more than 360 lesson plans were submitted nationwide.

Among those submissions, Sulzbach-Bataille’s lesson plan, “Thinking Like an Agricultural and Culinary Entrepreneur,” stood out. It has now been selected by both the USDA and NMSU for publication and inclusion on the USDA Teacher Resource Page, as well as in New Mexico State University’s teacher preparation program.

This opportunity has been an incredible experience,” Sulzbach-Bataille said. “Being able to collaborate with educators from across the country and bring real-world sustainability concepts into my classroom has been truly rewarding.

74th West River Math Contest is scheduled for Monday, May 11th, 2026! This contest welcomes students from middle and high schools in the region of western SD and neighboring states to come to our South Dakota Mines campus in Rapid City, SD to compete.

The West River Math Contest invites middle and high schools to bring students to our campus and compete in five divisions:

ALGEBRA I
for students who have had no more than one year of Algebra.
GEOMETRY
for students who have Geometry in progress.
ALGEBRA II
for students who have Advanced Algebra in progress.
ADVANCED MATH
for students having completed Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and are now taking Trigonometry, Solid Geometry, or other senior level courses.
MASTER'S
for students who have already participated in the Advanced Math Division.

The entry is completely free! This is due to generous donations from our Raising for Rockers fundraiser, which is Feb 18-19th this year. We are hopeful based on fundraising that we may be able to offer free lunch to contestants again – please check back on our website for updated information in late March.

Entry forms can be found online (available later in March): https://www.sdsmt.edu/events/education-outreach/west-river-math-contest.html. Note that students must register with their school, not on an individual basis. Schools will be categorized as class A or B for awarding prizes. A school with less than 300 students enrolled in grades 9-12 may enter from one to six contestants in each division. Schools with more than 300 students enrolled in grades 9-12 may enter from one to ten contestants in each division. Be sure to indicate your enrollment when registering so we can classify you accordingly as class A or B. Registration is due by April 17th, 2026.

The Sturgis Brown High School Art Club welcomed the community to an evening of art, food, and fundraising at its Live Auction on April 9 at the Sturgis Vets Club. The event kicked off with an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner at 5:00 p.m., where attendees enjoyed a hearty meal for $12 per person before the auction began at 6:00 p.m. The highlight of the evening featured beautifully painted ceiling tiles created by SBHS Art Club students, each piece showcasing unique artistic styles and historical inspirations. Community members gathered to bid on the one-of-a-kind artwork, showing strong support for the students’ creativity and efforts.

Proceeds from the event will help fund a trip to Japan, provide art supplies, and offer scholarships for Art Club members. Overall, the evening was a great success, bringing people together while raising $1,000 to support the students and their future opportunities.

Sturgis Brown High School has announced its Students and Staff of the Month for March, recognizing individuals across multiple grade levels for their achievements and contributions. Honored this month are freshman Clay Whitehead, sophomore Ashlyn Larson, junior Hunter Scott, and senior Caeden Whealy Rose. In addition, staff member Sandy Buchholz was recognized for her dedication and impact on the school community. The program, sponsored by The Coffee Shop at the Hotel Sturgis, celebrates hard work, positive attitude, and commitment to excellence among both students and staff.

The criteria for the SBHS White Letter Scholar Athlete is as follows:

1. Athlete must earn at least seven (7) SBHS Sanctioned athletic letters in their high school career.

2. Of the seven (7) career letters, an athlete must earn a minimum of five (5) athletic letters during

their junior and senior years.

3. Of the five (5) letters earned, one (1) Club Sport letter (Baseball or Rodeo) may be used as long

as it is not used in the same season in conjunction with another athletic letter.

4. Of the five (5) letters earned, one (1) Sideline Cheer letter (football, basketball) can be used as

long as it is not used in the same season in conjunction with another athletic letter.

5. Only Letters earned as a Varsity athlete team member count

6. Any athlete wishing to qualify for the White Letter Scholar Athlete must have a cumulative

rolling GPA of 2.50 at the time of application or after the second trimester grades during an

individual’s senior year have been officially posted.

7. The administration reserves the right to waive certain criteria based on some things that could

be out of control of the athlete. This may include injury and/or illness. All decisions of the

administration will be final in these unusual cases.

8. A minimum of twenty-four (24) points are required.

Senior SBHS “White Letter” Scholar Athlete Award

Scoring Calculator Form

The Sturgis Scoopers are inviting next year’s high school students to step up and make a difference through the Scoopmates Mentoring program. This opportunity allows students to serve as mentors for incoming middle schoolers, helping them adjust to a new environment while building confidence and connections. Mentors will develop valuable skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork, all while making a positive impact on younger students’ experiences. The program reflects the school’s commitment to creating a supportive and welcoming community for everyone. Students interested in participating can easily apply by scanning the QR code provided, making it simple to get involved and give back.

April is Month of the Military Child (MoMC), recognizing and paying tribute to military families and their children for the daily sacrifices made, their commitment, courage, and unconditional support of our Armed Forces! The Department of the Air Force School Liaison Program theme for 2026 is “Stronger Together – The Power of 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!

The Meade School District 46-1 Board of Education election is approaching. We’re pleased to introduce the candidates who will appear on the ballot as listed:

4-Year Term Limits:

• Derek Allen - dallen1@fnal.gov

• Tammara P. Hannan-tammara.hannan@gmail.com

• Brian Voight (incumbent)-brian.voight@k12.sd.us

2-Year Term Limit:

• Megan Snyder, unopposed (incumbent)-megan.snyder@k12.sd.us

Election Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Candidate information, including biographies and statements (if submitted), will be posted within the next couple of weeks. Additional School Board Election information can also be found on our website.