Last week, four LHS senior boys were nominated for an academic excellence award. Tim White, the only student who was able to make it to the award ceremony, received the award Monday, April 23 from Governor Daugaard.

Seniors Arjun Choudry, Michael Chang and Evgeni Radichev were also nominated, but were not in attendance to receive the award. The top 1 percent of all students in South Dakota are nominated for the award and are recognized for their academic achievements over their high school career. More than 200 students were present at the ceremony, representing private, public and tribal schools across the state.

“I am pretty honored because there are so many smart kids in the senior class,” said White. “To be selected is pretty humbling.”

White is involved in various activities at the school, including national honor society, a program that has encouraged him to strive for academic excellence. In part, the program encourages these students to stay in-state so that they can continue contributing positively to the community.

“Consider South Dakota as a place to stay,” said Governor Dennis Daugaard. “It’s a great place to be for many reasons. We need leaders like you.”

White encourages underclassmen who are aspiring to attain academic excellence to do their homework and listen to their teachers. Becky Thomas, a counselor at LHS, reaffirms Whites’ words.

“Tim White excels in most things as he puts his heart into everything he does,” said Thomas. “From academics to relationships to music, Tim maintains an outstanding work ethic. I observe Tim as a quiet, mature and humble student, well-respected among the faculty and his peers alike.“