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 Andes Central High School senior, Riata Bultje, 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.

When asked how she felt about being recognized as a student in the top one percent of her senior class, Riata said that receiving this recognition was an honor. She was very proud to be able to represent Andes Central and the Lake Andes community at this event. All through elementary, middle and high school, Riata’s family and herself have held her to the highest standard of always doing her best when it came to schoolwork and to always work hard. Both of Riata’s parents, Brice and Darci Bultje, and Andes Central High School Principal, Christopher Derry, and his wife, Jackie, attended the banquet with Riata. Riata enjoyed being able to see the number of students alongside her that were being awarded for their hard work throughout high school. After being a part of this event, Riata sees that the award and experience from the event for her hard work as great motivation for underclassmen to work hard in order to hopefully one day receive this honor as well.

Riata finished her high school career with a grade point average of 3.98. She gave the graduation address speech as valedictorian as well as the class highlights speech as the senior class president at this past weekend’s graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 11th. During Riata’s senior year she took Band, Chorus, Government, Composition I (for college credit), South Dakota State University’s Native American Culture and Education course (for college credit), Personal Finance, Metal Fabrication, Fundamentals of Communication (for college credit) and Black Hills State University’s Principles of Microeconomics (for college credit). This fall Riata plans to attend South Dakota State University to major in Agriculture Education and minor in Agriculture Business.

Riata is the daughter of Brice and Darci Bultje. She has two younger sisters, Emery and Marin. Riata would like to thank her parents who have been a great influence on her education by helping her with all of her homework and always encouraging Riata to do her best. During her high school years at Andes Central, Riata has been very active and involved in FFA, Band, Choir, National Honor Society, the FCCLA and Student Council. Within the Lake Andes community, Riata has been involved with 4-H and is a member of the Lake Andes Food Council. Being a part of all these activities both within the school and community has taught Riata so much about responsibility, respect and hard work. In Riata’s free time, she enjoys working on the farm with her dad, FFA, spending time with her friends, painting and working with her horses.

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