Donations, student awards and student council report highlight Brookings board meeting

Community donors and students were front-and-center at the Brookings School District 05-1 meeting.

Sharon Nichols, representing the General Federation of Women's Clubs in Brookings, told the board the group had held bake sales and a VFW pancake feed and presented a $2,850 check for the district's Food for Thought program. "We have a check for the Food for Thought program. Amount $2,850," Nichols said during public comment.

In recognition items, Superintendent Dr. Schultz read a nomination honoring Ramsey Zeller, a Brookings High School student, for assisting a classmate during a medical emergency and calling 911. Dr. Schultz also announced a second award recognizing fourth-grade teacher Kim Russo for her classroom leadership and long service.

Brookings High School Student Council officers gave a spring report that outlined past events (Salvation Army bell ringing, a free indoor movie night, a VFW pancake feed), fundraising (Penny Wars raised $447 for Children's Miracle Network), an inclusive sensory-friendly formal, and upcoming events (an outdoor movie, an officers'banquet, reading-buddy visits, and the senior breakfast). Officers identified themselves as juniors and described plans to run more events next year.

Board members praised the student initiatives, noting the sensory formal as a particularly strong inclusion effort. The board also thanked donors for their generosity and approved the list of donated items during the consent vote.

The meeting record reflects the district's engagement with volunteers, student leadership and community groups as part of end-of-year activities.