The South Dakota Elementary Principals’ Association and the SD Association of Secondary School Principals held their “Difference Makers” annual professional development conference in Deadwood on June 12-14th. At the annual banquet, both organizations recognized Principals across the State for the 2023 SDAESP and SDASSP Principals of the Year and Principals of Excellence.
The annual event has been a combined K-12 Professional Development opportunity for principals across the State of South Dakota since 2016 to meet the needs of our diverse state.. Featured Keynote Speakers at the conference this year included NAESP National Director Dr. Earl Franks and former South Dakota State University Football Coach, John Steigelmeier. Professional development opportunities for the Principal attendees included a New Principal Luncheon, breakout sessions by Professors from NSU, DSU, and USD, presentations from the SD School Safety Center, and breakout sessions from principals and school cooperatives from across the State.
SDAESP Elementary Principal of the Year:
Samantha Walder, Legacy Elementary, Tea Area School District*
SDAESP Principal of the Year Nominees:
Susan Foster, Fred Assum Elementary, Brandon Valley School District
Kim Aman, Simmons Elementary, Aberdeen School District*
Janel Guse, Madison School District
SDAESP Innovator of the Year: Gail Krause, Hamlin School District*
Nominees:
Todd Rahlf, Deuel
Danae Paxton, Timber Lake School District*
SDAESP Rookie of the Year: Shannon Smith, Brookings*
Nominees:
Forrest “Frosty” Paris, Custer School District
Tasha Gatzmeyer, Aberdeen School District*
Sara Leibel, Tripp-Delmont School District
Carrie Klein, Baltic School District
Angela Nelson, Harrisburg School District
Katie Hoekman, Garretson School District
Tara White, Agar-Blunt-Oneida School District
Patrick Purdy, Chamberlain School District*
Becky Fjerstad, Wessington Springs School District
Emily Smith, Lyman School District*
Laura Throener, Elk-Point Jefferson School District*
Jon Redmond, Clark School District
Abby Karn, Hot Springs School District*
Courtney Crosswait, Douglas School District
Chris Gruenhagen, Brookings School District*
Grant Hanson, Wilmont School District*
SDAESP Community Leader: Heather Hiltunen, Sioux Valley
Nominees:
Barb Hansen, Tea Area School District*
Ethan Dschaak, Meade School District
Danae Paxton, Timber Lake School District*
April Moen, Siseton School District*
Laura Morrow, Watertown School District*
Heather DeBoer, Watertown School District*
Kelly Neill, Elkton School District
SDAESP: Curriculum Leader of the Year: April Moen, Sisseton*
Nominees:
Shannon Knopf, Watertown School District
Samantha Weaver, Hill City School District*
Danae Paxton, Timber Lake*
Janelle Johnson, Parker School District*
Shannon Smith, Brookings School District*
SDASSP Principals of the Year –
Assistant Principal of the Year – Brady Sumners, Spearfish Middle School*
Middle School Principal of the Year – Darren Ellwein, Harrisburg South Middle School*
High School Principal of the Year – Pete Wilson, Sturgis Brown High School*
SDASSP Regional Assistant Principals of the Year
Region 1—Troy Terronez, Watertown High School*
Region 2—Richard Hutchinson, George McGovern Middle School*
Region 3—Shane Thill, Mitchell High School
Region 4—Tina Board, Aberdeen Central High School*
Region 6—Rob Coverdale, Pierre TF Riggs High School
Region 7 – Brady Sumners, Spearfish Middle School*
Middle School Regional Principals of the Year
Region 2 – Tim Koehler, George McGovern Middle School*
Region 3 – Ray Slaba, Hanson Middle School
Region 5—Brent Mareska, Tiospaye Topa Middle School
Region 7—Jay Beagle, Lead-Deadwood Middle School*
High School Regional Principals of the Year
Region 1 – Lisa Parry, Arlington High School
Region 2 – Adam Shaw, Madison High School
Region 3 – Joe Childs, Mitchell High School
Region 4 – Carrie James, Britton-Hecla High School*
Region 5 – Kelly Messmer, Harding County High School
Region 6 – Gerald Witte, Winner High School
Region 7 – Pete Wilson, Sturgis Brown High School*
**Asterisks indicate the Principal is present in the photos.