The Lynx Way
BVHS seniors among state’s ‘Best and Brightest’
The best and brightest from the Class of 2020 are being recognized for their academic achievements during their high school career. Three members of Brandon Valley High’s senior class – Theresa Aaseng, Grant Gunderson and Heidi Peterson – were designated as BV’s honorees.
Due to the coronavirus, the 30th Annual Academic Excellence Luncheon was cancelled.
However, Gov. Kristi Noem and the Associated School Boards of South Dakota is honoring the nearly 200 students, who were identified as the top 1 percent of their senior class, from the state’s public, private and tribal schools.
Students designated as their district’s honorees received a certificate, a letter signed by Gov. Noem and South Dakota pin.
In her letter to the honorees, Gov. Noem said, “You are part of a special group of young people. Your class will make the best of a tough situation and will strengthen our state with your talents and perseverance.”
ASBSD Executive Director Wade Pogany added that while it was disappointing to not be able to hold the luncheon it was still an honor to commend the students for their excellence in academics.
“This is clearly a group of students that have excelled in the classroom and beyond,” Pogany said. “Each one of these future leaders deserves special recognition for their academic accomplishments.”
Purkapile completes basic training
Airman Dylan Purkapile, a 2019 graduate of Brandon Valley High School, graduated Air Force Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas on May 7.
Lien is Brian Cliff GOLD Alumni award recipient
Briar Cliff University recently named the recipient of the 2020 GOLD (Graduate of the Last Decade) is Mackenzie Lien.
The GOLD Alumni Award is presented each year to a Briar Cliff alumnus who demonstrates a commitment to living the Franciscan ideals of service, caring and openness to all; has shown exceptional accomplishments in academic or professional pursuits; demonstrates continued engagement and stewardship with the Briar Cliff community; and who has graduated with an undergraduate or graduate degree from Briar Cliff University between Jan. 1, 2010 and Dec. 31, 2019.
Lien, a Brandon Valley High School alumnus, received her Bachelor of Arts from Briar Cliff in 2018 with a major in elementary education. She was sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer in 2018 and assigned to the Republic of Madagascar to serve as an English educator. In addition, she taught English with the YMCA English Clubs, tutored math for SAT preparation, assisted and taught at the ASMAF women’s organization, and led training for 50 teachers. Lien has completed the TEFL teaching certificate.
Lien was assigned to Moramanga, a town in the Alaotra-Mangoro Region. Although French is the official language, residents predominantly used their first language, Malagasy (Bezanozano). Lien has earned lifetime eligibility for the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows graduate school fellowship program.
“Mackenzie is such an inspiration of courage and willingness to learn new things. She is one of the most caring, patient and understanding people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing,” said peers in their nomination. “After graduation, she joined the Peace Corps and went to teach English to children of all ages. She made an incredible impact on her students’ lives and those in the village.”
