Braxton Tieman of Sturgis has been awarded the $750 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation Scholarship. Braxton plans to attend Lake Area Tech in Watertown, majoring in Diesel Technology. During high school, Braxton was a dedicated member of the golf team for all four years.
In addition to his studies, Braxton interned at Wareing Ford and worked 10 hours a week at Scooptown Carwash after school. Currently, he is employed as a tire technician at Richter’s Tire and Exhaust, working 40 hours a week.
Braxton’s long-term goal is to become a diesel technician and hopes to work in Rapid City, utilizing his degree. He is excited to start this next chapter in his life and pursue his dream.
Emmersyn Spader of Sioux Falls has been awarded the $1,100 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation’s Jerry and Barbara Mach Memorial Scholarship. Emmersyn plans to attend South Dakota State University, majoring in accounting with a minor in Financial Counseling. During high school, Emmersyn was very active in volleyball and softball, serving as co-captain of the softball team. She also lettered in academics and made the A honor roll every year.
In addition to her studies, Emmersyn worked as a hostess and lifeguard at the Country Club of Sioux Falls. She also nannied during the summer of her sophomore year for three children and a dog. Emmersyn has volunteered in many areas, including at The Banquet in downtown Sioux Falls, as she loves helping people and ensuring they feel loved by the community.
Emmersyn’s long-term goal is to use her degree to help people manage their finances and make wise money decisions by providing financial counseling. Her ultimate goal is to make a positive impact on people and show that she cares about them.
Hailey Rogers of Lead has been awarded the $1,100 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation Scholarship. Hailey plans to attend Black Hills State University, majoring in Elementary Education. During high school, Hailey was very active in high school rodeo, 4-H rodeo, basketball, and volleyball.
While attending school, Hailey worked as a server and table busser at Deadwood Mountain Grand Restaurant. During the summer, she worked as a caretaker for babies to three-year-olds at First Step Childcare Center. She has also volunteered at Teen Court and completed community service hours with the Days of ’76 Rodeo.
Hailey’s long-term goal is to become an elementary school teacher, enabling her to teach children math, reading, writing, science, and social studies. She hopes to graduate and teach in the Spearfish, Sturgis, or Lead-Deadwood area.
Morgan Ostlie of Pierpont has been awarded the $1,100 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation Scholarship. Morgan plans to attend Northern State University, majoring in criminal psychology. During high school, Morgan focused on her schoolwork but was also active in choir, oral interpretation, and served as the mascot for the school marching band.
In addition to her studies, Morgan interned with Victor Rapkoch, the State’s Attorney in Britton, for a semester. She has also done seasonal work for Back Forty Beef and Incredible Edible Food Truck and enjoyed volunteering at the Bristol Haunted Warehouse in October.
Morgan chose to study criminal psychology to help people better understand the workings of a criminal's mind.
Jack Mills of Redfield has been awarded the $1,100 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation Scholarship. Jack plans to attend South Dakota State University, majoring in Agricultural Business. During high school, Jack was very active in SADD, FCCLA, FBLA, and FFA. He also participated in basketball and track and served as the football manager for four years.
In addition to his studies, Jack worked at Redfield Subway and currently works at Redfield Ace, continuing to do so until he attends college in the fall. Jack has volunteered with various activities at the Sioux Falls Ronald McDonald House.
Jack’s long-term goal is to work at the United States Department of Agriculture in a position that aligns with his degree.
Jacob Larson of Vermillion has been awarded the $1,100 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation Scholarship. Jacob plans to attend Dakota State University, majoring in Digital Animation. During high school, Jacob served as the student manager for the football team for four years, the wrestling team for two years, and played high school baseball for three years.
While attending school, Jacob worked at Goodwill for four hours each week and helped neighbors and his church with various yard work. Jacob has always enjoyed drawing cartoons and superheroes, and by choosing to study digital animation, he will have the opportunity to stay current with today's computerized world.
Karlee Jones of Brandon has been awarded the $1,100 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation Scholarship. Karlee plans to attend the University of South Dakota, majoring in Elementary Education, and eventually pursuing further studies. During high school, Karlee was very active in band and dance. She lettered in academics and band, and was a member of the Math National Honor Society as well as the National Honor Society her senior year.
In addition to her studies, Karlee worked as a site coordinator/supervisor for Kindergarten through 6th grade at a nonprofit organization serving children, youth, and teens during her summer break. She also worked at the Bark Spot/Barks & Rec Dog Kennel for 4-8 hours per week.
Karlee tutored middle school math students during her junior and senior years. She also volunteered with the Anti-Nico TEENS, Brandon Lutheran Church, and Kids Against Hunger Meal Prep.
Karlee aims to continue on a high-achieving academic pathway. She plans to minor in Child Psychology to gain a deeper understanding of the children she will work with daily. Karlee aspires to create an environment that welcomes students and meets their individual needs, making a positive difference in their lives.
Bryli Hickey of Huron has been awarded the $1,100 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation’s Minnehaha Sertoma Scholarship. Bryli plans to attend Augustana University or Northern State University, majoring in music, music education, and/or theater. During high school, Bryli was actively involved in various musical groups, taking on several leadership roles. She played the French horn and mellophone, serving as section leader and first chair.
Throughout her four years of high school, Bryli participated in most of the plays, either as an actor or on the tech crew. She was also involved in Special Olympics as a unified player or chaperone, speech and debate, and the National Honor Society. Although not a school sport, she has been part of the swim team since first grade.
In addition to her studies, Bryli has worked every summer at the local outdoor pool, Splash Central. She started in the concession stand and has spent the last three years as a lifeguard, where she also teaches swimming lessons.
Bryli has volunteered with various organizations, including the public library, where she helps kids with crafts on early release days and after school. She is still determining her post-college plans for her musical career.
Liberty Herweh of Spearfish has been awarded the $1,100 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation’s Kevin Roth Memorial Scholarship. Liberty plans to attend South Dakota State University, majoring in nursing. During high school, Liberty participated in cross country, cheerleading, tennis, and track and field, receiving various awards in each. She consistently earned honor roll and/or high honors and has been accepted early into six fully accredited four-year universities.
In addition to her studies, Liberty is a member of the American Legion Junior Auxiliary and volunteers at NRA banquets and the New Hope Global Methodist Church, as she loves helping people and ensuring they feel loved by the community.
Liberty’s long-term goal after graduating with her nursing degree is to begin her full-time career in the Black Hills area. She enjoys working with geriatric patients and plans to specialize in that area.
Bailey Brooks of Harrisburg has been awarded the $1,100 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation Scholarship. Bailey plans to attend the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where she will major in 3D Graphic Technology. During high school, Bailey was actively involved in the Student Council and the Art Club.
After graduating from RIT, Bailey aims to join a premier architecture firm, leveraging her 3D design skills and architectural expertise to contribute to ambitious large-scale projects.
Lucas Bramstedt of Harrisburg has been awarded the $1,100 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation Scholarship. Lucas plans to attend South Dakota State University, majoring in nursing. During high school, Lucas participated in track and has been involved in 4-H for 10 years, serving as treasurer and flag bearer for his club, The Little Rascals.
In addition to his studies, Lucas worked as a crew member at Papa Murphy’s Pizza, a nutrition server at Avera Prince of Peace, and a stocker and checker at Hy-Vee. Lucas volunteers at First Evangelical Free Church and currently at Habitat for Humanity, performing various tasks.
Although Lucas has not yet decided on a specific career path, he plans to explore the diverse opportunities within the healthcare field that best fit him as he continues his studies. He aims to gain experience while attending SDSU by working in healthcare, such as a CNA or intern.
SDSD Foundation Scholarships
South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation awards scholarships to students who have received services from South Dakota Services for the Deaf, are high school seniors, and have provided service to their school and community. There have been many past recipients from around the state of South Dakota.