Chester Area High School’s Arien Stalford is the Touchstone Energy® Scholar of the Week winner for the week of October 20, 2024 to October 26, 2024.
“As a member of the community where Arien lives, works, and volunteers, it has been my pleasure to see his outstanding character and dedication to his school and community,” wrote Linda Krsnak in support of Stalford’s nomination.
Krsnak noted Stalford’s work as a volunteer with area senior citizens through his five years helping at the local nutrition site.
“He is usually the first person to volunteer to help deliver to shut ins or nearby communities. His positive attitude toward volunteering along with his academic involvement is quite impressive,” Krsnak said.
In school Stalford is a manager for the football team, acts in school plays, and is a member of the band, choir, honor society, wrestling team, and golf team. He has represented the school in the South Dakota All-State Choir, was a South Dakota Boys State delegate, and participated in the Governor’s Cyber Academy. He is also active in his local church and other community activities. He plans to attend Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota, majoring in cyber operations.
“Arien is a kind-hardworking young person who is always willing to give a helping hand. He has shown his dedication to school by being part of the dual credit Cyber Academy through DSU. Arien is an outstanding student with strong character qualities,” said Julie Eppard, Chester Area School’s Secondary Principal.
Her comments are echoed by Kari Dossett, the district’s 6-12 counselor, who said, “Arien is one of the most kind, considerate, and thoughtful students you will ever meet. He has a heart of gold! He is also incredibly smart and hard working. Arien has and will continue to do so much good with his life, and I am excited to see all the accomplishments in store for him!”
He is the son of Jason and Jessica Shaw of Wentworth, South Dakota.