The 34th annual Academic Excellence Recognition luncheon was held on Monday, April 29th in Pierre. This event highlights the academic achievements of the best and brightest 1% of students throughout South Dakota from the Class of 2024. This year Wagner High School senior, Jennifer Barnett, was honored at the luncheon. Each student is presented with a certificate, South Dakota pin and has the opportunity to meet and have their picture taken with the governor. As Governor Kristi Noem had a prior engagement, the students had their picture taken with Lieutenant Governor, Larry Rhoden. The event had around 200 students who were recognized for their academic excellence.

The banquet’s madam of ceremonies was Louann Krogman, President of the Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD). Lt. Governor, Larry Rhoden gave a message and wished the class of 2024 well wishes and congratulations. There were also other members of the ASBSD board as well as sponsors of the banquet in attendance.

For Jennifer being recognized as a student in the top one percent of her senior class was a great experience. Jenifer attended the event with her parents, Jerry and Judy Barnett. While attending the Academic Excellence Recognition event, she met other students that were also being honored for their academic achievement and was able to hear what other students had planned for their futures. Jennifer shared a great conversation with a student who was sitting next to her that will be attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) this coming fall. There were so many brilliant and determined students from across South Dakota; it was interesting to be able to hear of everyone’s future plans.

Jennifer ended her high school career with a 4.0 grade point average and was the WHS valedictorian at this past weekend’s graduation ceremony held on Saturday, May 11th. The classes that Jennifer took her senior year were Advanced Biology, Government, Mixed Media, Chorus, P.E. and two classes that earned her dual college credits, Composition and Precalculus. This fall Jennifer will be attending the University of Washington in St. Louis. She was accepted into their Beyond Boundaries program and she hopes to study political science.

Jennifer is the daughter of Jerry and Judy Barnett. She comes from a big family with seven siblings including Caleb, Casey, Katie, Kelsey, Maggie, Michael, and Jessie. During her years at WCS, Jennifer has been involved in many extra-curricular activities including oral interpretation, cross-country, quiz bowl, National Honor Society (served as this year’s President) and a part of the school play. Jennifer has been very active in the Wagner community as well. She plays the piano for both the St. John’s Catholic Church and the United Methodist Church. Jennifer teaches piano lessons at the Boys and Girl’s Club, sang with the local Easter Cantata group and is a committee member for the upcoming 605 Unity Jam. When Jennifer is not busy with all of her activities, she enjoys playing the piano, creating art, reading and writing.

Congratulations Jennifer on all your academic achievements. We cannot wait to see what your future holds for you and the wonderful things that you will accomplish!