Three Tea Area students recognized for perfect statewide assessment scores
Summary
The board recognized three students—Dawson Balman, Oliver Smith (to be recognized in February) and Jackson Bender—for earning perfect scores on the 2025 South Dakota math and science assessments and presented certificates of recognition.
A board member recognized district students who earned perfect scores on the spring 2025 South Dakota math and science assessments and presented certificates during the meeting.
The students named in the presentation were Dawson Balman, Oliver Smith (who will be recognized at the February board meeting) and Jackson Bender. Board members and administrators congratulated the students and families and noted the accomplishment reflects strong student effort and family support.
The district said certificates would be provided to each student and invited Jackson Bender and other students to come forward during the meeting. The district plans to formally recognize Oliver Smith at the February meeting.
The recognition was brief and ceremonial; no policy or budget action was associated with the spotlight.
