Recognizing 16 School Libraries Dedicated to Enhancing Student Development

Pierre, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Education and South Dakota State Library (SDSL) congratulate 16 recipients of the 2026-2029 School Achievement Through Libraries (SATL) award. The purpose of this award is to recognize outstanding school library programs and school library professionals and to provide guidance on best practices in school librarianship.

The SATL award honors schools that demonstrate exemplary and accomplished practice in all three pillars of school librarianship: program, place, and professional. Through its rigorous application process, school libraries are required to submit 15 items of evidence that truly demonstrate their excellence and commitment to providing collaborative programs and environments that support the whole child’s academic and personal growth.

“School librarians and libraries far exceed the reputation of providing a place to read,” said Scottie Bruch, SDSL Training Coordinator. “They instill confidence, promote literacy, and support the development of our students, preparing them for lifelong learning.”

The following school libraries and librarians will be formally recognized this fall:

• Alcester-Hudson Elementary School, Nola Conner;
• Alcester-Hudson Junior High and High School, Nola Conner;
• Custer Elementary School, Doris Ann Mertz;
• Custer High School, Doris Ann Mertz;
• Dakota Valley Elementary and Middle School, Erin Nilges;
• Harrisburg Freedom Elementary School, Tyler Muth;
• Harrisburg Journey Elementary School, Jennifer Rinken;
• Harrisburg High School, Eve Langerock;
• Hermosa Elementary School, Doris Ann Mertz;
• Pierre T.F. Riggs High School, Pamela Kringel;
• Sioux Falls Patrick Henry Middle School, Wendy Nelson;
• Sioux Falls R.F. Pettigrew Elementary School, Nicole Ulvestad;
• Tri-Valley Colton Elementary School, Kay Dahl Hobart;
• Tri-Valley Crooks Elementary School, Kay Dahl Hobart;
• Tri-Valley Middle School, Kay Dahl Hobart; and
• Tri-Valley High School, Kay Dahl Hobart.

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

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