Four Students Qualify for Educators Rising Nationals in DC

MHS students Lydia Street, Max Schuelke, Matti Scott and Carlos Olivares, each earned a First Place with Gold rating at the State Educators Rising competition at Northern State University in Aberdeen on February 28. The four now qualify for the national competition to be held June 28-July 1 in Washington, D. C.

Six members of Milbank’s Educators Rising group competed at State: Jossy Garcia competed in Interactive Bulletin Board and took home a Silver rating. Yanderyn Olivares competed in Creative Lecture and won a Silver rating. C. Olivares competed in Educators Rising Moment and earned a First Place with Gold rating. He also competed in Children’s Literature and brought home a Bronze. M. Schuelke earned a First-Place-with-Gold rating in Creative Lecture. Scott received a First Place with Gold rating in Interactive Bulletin Board. Street earned a First Place with a Gold rating in Job Interview. M. Schuelke was also selected as a state officer. He will serve as the Vice President of Communications for South Dakota during the 2024-2025 school year.

Nicci Stengel and Robin Schuelke, co-advisers of Milbank’s Educators Rising group, agreed, “It was an amazing event. We could not be more proud of how much these students have grown their skills this year. We are excited for Nationals and can’t wait to see what the future holds for our students.”

Want to help send the MHS students to the national competition? The Milbank Chapter of Educators Rising is holding a fundraising event on Thursday, March 21, in the Milbank National Guard Armory. Doors open at 6 p.m. See the premiere of the movie “The Bear Hunter” starring Superintendent Justin Downes. Root beer floats will be served. Popcorn, candy, and pop will be available. (See accompanying ad with more info here on The Valley Express.) Students will also be sharing their statement about why they want to become a teacher.

Approximately 400 students from various schools throughout the state have joined Educators Rising to help bridge the gap of teacher shortages in South Dakota. Established in 2015, it has been transforming the development of aspiring teachers by providing passionate, high school students with hands-on experience, sustaining their interest in the profession, and helping them to cultivatate the skills they will need to be successful educators.

‌Submitted Photos: Top Photo- National Qualifiers(From left to right): Lydia Street, Max Schuelke, Matti Scott, & Carlos Olivares.
Bottom Photo- Ed Rising Members Attending State: Front Row left to right: Max Schuelke, Lydia Street, Carlos Olivares. Back Row left to right: Josie Riveland, Matti Scott, Yanderyn Olivares, & Jossy Garcia.