Each year, volunteers across Charles Mix County dedicate their time and talents to making their communities a better place to live. These efforts were celebrated during National Volunteer Week, April 20–26, joining millions of volunteers nationwide being recognized for their contributions.
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AttheMertanHaaseMath Competition in Vermillion, the Pirates earned 3rd place overall in the small school division. Individually, Abby Gretschmann received a “Superior” rating in the Algebra II division. In other divisions, Kaeli Wallinga receiveda“Superior”rating, Lila Vanderlei and Carmindy Ferwerda received an “Outstanding” rating, and Aaden Kuchta earned Honorable Mention in the Pre-Calculus division. Congratulations to the Avon Pirate students for their outstanding hard work and problem solving through the competition.
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On Wednesday April 9th, the Avon High School choir and band attended the large group music contest in Vermillion. The choir performed a total of four songs. Two were performed by our all-women's choir;theyperformedthesongs “ISingBecauseI’mHappy”and “What Happens When a Women,” with Ashley Tolsma singing a solo. The other two songs were performed by the entire choir, and they performed “North” with soloists Kinley Doom and Jaydon Driesen. The final song performed was called“OverMyHead.”Allfour songs got a rating of 1, which stands for Superior.
Read moreIt is no surprise that spring is a very busy season for all students, coaches, and teachers, especially those heavily involved in all of the activities AHS has to offer. There are a number of students currently playing softball, track, or golf, and a few students who are even participating in all three sports simultaneously! They somehow tackle all of these responsibilities while still maintaining their grades/doing their best to stay on top of their academics. We, at the Jolly Roger, would have loved to interview them for this article, but ironically, it is not easy to catch them actually in school!
Read moreIn South Dakota, we value personal responsibility, strong families, and local control. We believe parents should remain the primary decision-makers when raising their children. However, we also recognize that child care is part of a communitystructurethatsupportsastrongworkforce.AcrossSouthDakotaand the nation, I hear from families that are struggling with child care availability.
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The American Legion Auxiliary of Arthur Wissman Post #150 of Avon recently sponsored their Poppy Poster Contest at Avon Public School. Students in grades 2,3,5,6,7, and 8 submitted entries. Several posters were sent on to the Department of South Dakota for further judging. Good luck to the students who had theirs sent on and thank you to all the students who submitted entries. All winners received a gift from the local American Legion Auxiliary.
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Darla (Odens) Van Gerpen graduated from Avon High School in 1981 and Mount Marty College in 1985 with a degree in Chemistry and Secondary Education. She began her teaching career in 1985 at Parkston High School and was also assistant girls basketball coach. For many years, while her daughters were in elementary school, Darla was a volunteer coach for the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade elementary girls basketball program in Avon. From 2002-2012, Darla taught and coached in the Avon School District. Darla is married to Doug Van Gerpen, also a 1981 graduate of Avon High School, and they have three daughters (all graduates of Avon High School) and seven grandchildren (currently attending Avon Elementary School). Lindsey is married to Danny Fathke, they have two children, Daxton and Addisyn. Leslie is married to Branden Baade, they have three children, Rex, Brynn, and Burk. Lanae is married to Jay Kriz, they have two children, Royce and Rollins. Darla enjoys attending her grandchildren’s events, teaching Sunday School, taking part in many outdoor activities, and watching basketball. Darla is humbled by this award and is thankful to live in a community where people matter and the growth of each student/youth is nurtured by the community and through school activities and academics.
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Wagner Chamber of Commerce held their annual Easter Egg Hunt at Wagner Lake on Saturday morning, April 19.
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