Pierre, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Education partnered with the South Dakota Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) Center to bring CTSO State Officers to the Capitol on Feb. 3-4, to gain a true Capital City Experience. Students representing Educators Rising, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Future Farmers of America (FFA), Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), and SkillsUSA participated in an interactive two-day event that fully encompassed the benefits of hands-on, work-based learning.

Students observed committee meetings, engaged in discussions with state legislators, and hosted government officials and leaders in education to explore the role and impact of the legislative session in their respective fields.

“This event is authentic, insightful, and unforgettable as students get to observe the real experience of a legislative session,” said Amy Miller, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE). “Each CTSO focuses on a career path, and our CTSO student leaders are provided a unique opportunity to see the current items being addressed within their career of interest.” 

CTSOs enrich students in professional development, leadership, and industry-specific skills. Through CTE programs, instructors can implement CTSOs into their curriculum, providing an enhanced learning experience.

“FCCLA has opened up more opportunities for me than I could have imagined when I joined in seventh grade,” said Brooklyn Kast, South Dakota FCCLA State President. “It’s such an inspiring organization and a huge part of who I am.” 

The following state officers attended the event:

Educators Rising

• Brinlee Smith, Viborg-Hurley;
• Delaney Thorson, Elk Point-Jefferson;
• Hilary Polreis, Parkston; and
• Jaxon Johanneson, Tea Area.

FBLA

• Amelia Konrad, Mitchell;
• Danika Fluth, Tri-Valley;
• Dawson Hlavacek, Florence;
• Emma Caulfield, Florence;
• Murphy Lewis, Northwestern;
• Rylan Wendland, Milbank; and
• Wyatt Rahm, Northwestern.

FCCLA

• Amelia Sjurseth, Redfield;
• Brooklyn Kast, Faulkton;
• Delilah Rasmussen, Kimball;
• Dillyn Loban, Sioux Valley;
• Izzy Carlson, Harrisburg; and
• Mati Jaquet, Sioux Valley.

FFA

• Elena Andrews, Beresford;
• Ireland McAreavey, Tri-Valley;
• Josie Nold, Brookings;
• Kate Meyer, Sisseton;
• Skyler Plucker, Lennox-Sandstrom; and
• Tyler Strausser, Lennox-Sandstrom.

HOSA

• Addie Wubbena, Dakota Valley;
• Emma Andrews, Beresford;
• Kaia Van Der Merwe, Watertown;
• Lauren Bortnem, Brookings;
• Maddie Von Wald, Harrisburg; and
• Tyra Li, Dakota Valley.

SkillsUSA

• Ashlen Boneshirt, St. Francis Indian;
• Kade Korleski, Tea;
• Landry Coy, Tea;
• Tamaske Spotted Tail, St. Francis Indian;
• Tucker Winger, Tea; and
• WiWanbliwin Little Thunder, St. Francis Indian.

The Capital City Experience exemplifies the dedication and leadership of these student representatives, while highlighting their unwavering commitment to advancing CTE and CTSO interests across South Dakota.

For more information on CTE and CTSOs, visit doe.sd.gov/cte/.

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