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The 34th annual Academic Excellence Recognition luncheon was held 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 Avon High School senior, Megan Gretschmann, 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 Megan felt about being recognized as being in the top 1% of the entire South Dakota Class of 2024, she said that it was definitely a good feeling. It was especially gratifying for Megan after all the hard work that she had put in throughout her high school career to do the best she possibly could. Megan’s mom, Connie Gretschmann, who is also her calculus teacher attended the event with Megan. What Megan personally learned from the Academic Excellence Recognition Event was that South Dakota is a lot bigger than she realized. It was wonderful for Megan to get to see how many people came and how far away some of the students had to travel to the event. As Megan just graduated from Avon High School this past Sunday, May 12th, she ended her high school career with a grade point average of 3.988 and was the salutatorian for the graduating class. During Megan’s senior year of school, she was taking college level English and Geography, Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry, Calculus II, and Government. This fall, Megan will be attending the University of Northern Colorado to study forensic science. Megan is the daughter of Connie and Gene Gretschmann. Connie is a math teacher at Avon High School and Gene is a bricklayer. Megan has an older sister, Katie, who just finished her sophomore year at USD and has a younger sister, Abby who is a sophomore at AHS. Megan is a member of the Avon American Legion Auxiliary. When she is not busy with school or activities, Megan enjoys reading, listening to music, painting, and hanging out with her friends. One of her biggest areas of interest is in chemistry since first taking a class on the subject her sophomore year. Congratulations Megan on your academic achievements. We cannot wait to see what your future has in store for you and the great things you will accomplish!