Kwinsy Russell of Dupree is the recipient of the $1,150 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation Scholarship. He plans to attend a college in the western United States, where he will major in Ranch Management.
During high school, Kwinsy was actively involved in athletics, participating in rodeo, football, and powerlifting. In addition to his school activities, he gained valuable work experience by working for Woodward Grain LLC, a fencing company, and Lindskov's LT Ranch.
Kwinsy has also volunteered his time at rodeo competitions, town celebrations, and school home games, demonstrating his strong commitment to supporting his community.
Kwinsy’s long-term goal is to earn a degree in agricultural technology or ranch management. He hopes that one day he will be able to own and operate his own ranch while building a happy family life.
Rayne Red Horse of Sisseton is the recipient of the $800 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation Scholarship. She is currently undecided about which college she will attend. Rayne hopes to pursue a career as a veterinarian or animal control officer, while also considering continued involvement in music.
During high school, Rayne participated in choir and various athletic activities. In addition to her studies, she worked at several fast-food establishments, served on the middle school Zoo Crew, and volunteered at her church.
Rayne is passionate about becoming a lead singer in a rock or heavy metal band. Inspired by watching her father rehearse with his bands, she developed a strong determination to pursue her own musical goals.
Rayne’s long-term goals include working with animals to ensure their safety and well-being, while also pursuing her passion for music and performing.
Donavon Pourier of Box Elder is the recipient of the $950 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation Scholarship. He plans to attend either Western Dakota Technical College or Great Plains Welding Academy to pursue training as a welder.
During high school, Donavon was unable to participate in extracurricular activities as he worked to help support his mother with household expenses. He held several jobs while attending school, most recently working at Hardee’s, where he worked approximately 30 hours per week.
In addition, Donavon attended the SDSD/SDDROP High School GPS for Life Camp, where he assisted with activities and served as a positive role model and leader for other students.
Donavon’s long-term goal is to become a certified journeyman welder, allowing him to take on more complex projects and eventually move into a lead welder or supervisory role. He also hopes to one day start his own small welding and fabrication business.
Tanner Overby of Brookings is the recipient of the $1,000 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation Scholarship. Tanner plans to attend South Dakota State University, where he will major in mechanical engineering.
During high school, Tanner was actively involved in a variety of organizations and activities, including the BHS Monogram Club, National FFA Organization, golf, and bowling. He also demonstrated long-term dedication as a member of the Big Sioux JOAD Archery Club for nine years.
In addition to his academic commitments, Tanner maintained part-time employment throughout high school, most recently working at Jimmy John’s. He has also shown a strong commitment to community service through his involvement with the High School Monogram Club, Vacation Bible School, and Feeding Brookings.
Tanner’s long-term goal is to become a mechanical engineer, with the aspiration of working with a Formula One racing team. His passion for race cars—particularly Formula One vehicles—has inspired his interest in engineering, as he is fascinated by the speed, precision, and advanced technology involved in their design and construction.
Kailin Odens of Scotland is the recipient of the $1,000 Jerry and Barbara Mach Memorial Scholarship. She plans to attend South Dakota State University, where she will major in Fine Arts, Design, and Humanities Exploratory Studies.
During high school, Kailin was actively involved in athletics, participating in volleyball, basketball, and golf. She was also involved in band and drama and competed in the South Dakota High School Rodeo Association throughout all four years of high school.
In addition to her academic and extracurricular activities, Kailin worked as an aide at Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital. She also worked at Sioux Nation Veterinary Clinic and spent summers working as a nanny for several families. Kailin has also volunteered at many community events, including various 4-H activities, reflecting her passion for helping others and making people feel valued within their community.
Kailin’s long-term goal is for her education to lead her to a fulfilling career while becoming a positive influence in the community she calls home. She hopes to help guide the next generation with confidence and wisdom as they pursue their own educational and career goals.
Ladd Nelson of Brookings is the recipient of the $800 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation Scholarship. He plans to attend Mitchell Technical College, where he will major in electrical construction. During high school, Ladd was actively involved in FFA.
In addition to his academic commitments, Ladd worked on his family’s farm and volunteered with Vacation Bible School at his church.
Ladd’s long-term goals include securing a rewarding career and, one day, getting married and raising a family.
Brody Miller of Tea is the recipient of the $1,000 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation Scholarship. He plans to attend the University of South Dakota, where he will major in history and has already been accepted into the Honors Program.
During high school, Brody was highly involved in speech, debate, and oral interpretation, and also participated in one-act plays, musicals, and quiz bowl.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Brody has gained valuable work experience as a clerk at Lewis Drug and at Jenny’s Daycare. He has also demonstrated a strong commitment to community service by volunteering each summer on church mission trips, assisting at The Banquet, and helping host the community Easter egg hunt.
Brody’s long-term goal is to earn both a master’s degree and a Ph.D., ultimately specializing in a particular historical time period. His passion for history has been a lifelong interest and continues to drive his academic and career aspirations.
Lillyan Konop of Estelline is the recipient of the $800 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation Scholarship. She plans to attend Southeast Technical College, where she will major in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
During high school, Lillyan was a member of student council and participated in gymnastics. She also volunteered at local concession stands.
Through her dedication and commitment to her goals, she improved her academic performance and earned placement on the Gold Honor Roll, reflecting her strong work ethic and perseverance.
In addition to her studies, Lillyan worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Lillyan’s long-term goal is to become a sonographer. She enjoys helping others and meeting new people, and she looks forward to a career that allows her to do both while making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Grady Gran of Wessington Springs is the recipient of the $1,000 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation Scholarship. Grady plans to attend Dakota State University, where he will major in Elementary Education.
During high school, Grady was highly active in athletics, participating in basketball, football, baseball, and golf. He was also involved in FCCLA and FFA, demonstrating a strong commitment to both extracurricular and leadership activities.
In addition to his academic responsibilities, Grady worked as a farmhand and stocker. He also dedicated time to community service through his church, assisting with efforts to feed the homeless and participating in community clean-up projects.
Grady’s long-term goal is to become an elementary teacher. He aspires to create a positive and inclusive classroom environment where all students feel confident and excited to learn. He hopes to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children by helping them develop strong skills and confidence for the future.
Caden Czubachowski of Watertown is the recipient of the $800 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation Scholarship. He plans to attend Lake Area Technical College, where he will major in Energy Technology. Caden has also participated in the Catch the Wave program at South Dakota State University and Lake Area Technical College.
In addition to his education, Caden has gained work experience at Dollar General, where he stocked shelves and assisted with store maintenance. He also works at The Wheel, where he began as a dishwasher and advanced to a cook at age 16 while continuing his high school studies.
Caden’s long-term goal is to pursue a career working with wind turbines or hydroelectric dams in and around South Dakota. He is especially interested in hands-on work and building a career in the energy industry.
Neva Clubb of De Smet is the recipient of the $800.00 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation’s Kevin Roth Memorial Scholarship. She plans to attend Lake Area Technical College, where she will major in Social Work.
During high school, Neva participated in band, choir, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), as well as a variety of other school organizations.
In addition to her academic involvement, Neva worked as a tour guide for the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society, where she enjoyed sharing local history with visitors. She has also volunteered through her church as a youth missionary in various cities and states. Through these experiences, Neva has developed a strong passion for helping others and making sure people feel supported and valued within their communities.
Neva’s long-term goal is to become a social worker. Her experiences with volunteer work and service have inspired her desire to pursue a career dedicated to helping others and making a positive difference in people’s lives.
Johnathan Burleson of Lead is the recipient of the $1,000 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation’s Minnehaha Sertoma Scholarship. He plans to attend Northern State University, where he will major in Studio Art with an emphasis in Animation.
During high school, Johnathan was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in sports, band, and a variety of other school clubs. In addition to his academic involvement, he worked at the Lead-Deadwood School District performing a variety of duties, including post-event cleanup, snow removal, and summer deep cleaning.
Johnathan has also dedicated time to volunteering, including at Camp UBU, a camp for Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth, along with many other volunteer opportunities. He enjoys helping others and making sure people feel welcomed and supported within their community.
Johnathan’s long-term goal is to create his own animated movie titled Super Kid City. He believes powerful stories can be told through visuals and images, allowing messages to be shared without relying heavily on spoken dialogue.
Brody Andrews of Beresford has been selected as the recipient of the $1,000 South Dakota Services for the Deaf Foundation Scholarship. He plans to attend South Dakota State University, where he will major in Exercise Science.
During high school, Brody was actively involved in athletics, particularly basketball and track. Alongside his academic and athletic commitments, he also worked on his family’s farm throughout his high school years, demonstrating a strong work ethic and dedication.
Brody’s long-term goal is to become an athletic trainer or a strength and conditioning coach. His interest in Exercise Science developed after he underwent physical therapy for an injury sustained while participating in track, an experience that inspired him to pursue a career helping others recover and perform at their best.
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.
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