Pierre, S.D. – The South Dakota State Library, a division of the South Dakota Department of Education, proudly announced the 2025-2028 recipients of the School Achievement Through Libraries (SATL) Award.

The SATL Award, which replaces the former 21st Century School Library Award, honors schools that demonstrate exemplary and accomplished practice in all three pillars of school librarianship: Program, Place, and Professional.  Schools earn this recognition through a rigorous application process that includes the submission of evidence and artifacts aligned with South Dakota’s school library guidelines.  Each award is valid for a three-year period.

“School libraries make a powerful difference in student achievement and benefit every learner in the school community,” said Scottie Bruch, SDSL Training Coordinator. “This award highlights the essential role school libraries play in preparing students for lifelong learning.”

Highly effective school libraries support the whole child by:

• Encouraging reading for academic and personal growth;

• Supporting the development of research skills to create and share new knowledge;

• Teaching ethical participation in an interconnected world; and

• Promoting a school culture rooted in literacy and inquiry.

The mission of the school library is to provide all learners with a 21st-century program for learning and teaching; a welcoming, flexible physical and virtual space; and access to a highly qualified professional who leads, promotes, and sustains this essential work.

This year’s award recipients are:

• Aberdeen Central High School Library: School Librarian Mikayla Arechigo; Administrator Dr. Jason Uttermark;

• Howard Elementary School Library: School Librarian Sarah Feldhaus; Administrator Stephen Vigliotti;

• Madison Middle/High School Library: School Librarian Amanda Hall; Administrators Adam Shaw and Cotton Koch;

• Menno Public School Library: School Librarian Lois Wollman; Administrator Nadia Mudder;

• Sioux Falls George McGovern Middle School Library: School Librarian Sherri Wolles; Administrators Tim Koehler, Richie Hutchinson, and Sarah Muller;

• Sioux Falls Jefferson High School Library: School Librarian Emelia Gulck; Administrator Daniel Conrad;

• Sioux Falls John Harris Elementary School Library: School Librarian Lindsey Rohde; Administrator Ryan DeGraff;

• Sioux Falls Sonia Sotomayor Elementary School Library: School Librarian Jennifer Egstad; Administrator Dr. Tracy Vik;

• Sioux Falls Terry Redlin Elementary School Library: School Librarian Stefanie Hage; Administrator Kersten Dobberpuhl; and

• St. Joseph's Indian School Library: School Librarian Claire Nehring; Administrators Sharmel Olsen, Beth Schumacher, and Jennie Schilling.

To learn more about the SATL Award and school library excellence in South Dakota, visit the School Achievement Through Libraries webpage at https://library.sd.gov/LIB/SLC/satl.aspx.