On Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 2 pm, the Beresford School District recognized 59 graduating seniors. Principal Dr. Renee Anderson presided over the ceremony. The Beresford High School choir performed Matters of Kindness by Kealey Kristofferson. The Beresford High School band performed I See Colors by Pinkzebra in addition to the traditional processional and recession selections. During the ceremony, Kylie Mockler (Student Body President), Elena Andrews (Valedictorian), and Grace Norling (Salutatorian) delivered messages of hope and resiliency to all in attendance.

Twenty-three Beresford High School seniors earned a South Dakota Board of Regents' Scholar Diploma. Eight seniors graduated with Highest Honors (4.00 & Above GPA), 18 students graduated with High Honors (3.50-3.99 GPA), and 15 seniors graduated with Honors (3.00-3.49 GPA).

The eighth Watchdog Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held Saturday September 27, 2025 at 7 pm (Bridges at Beresford). At 6 pm, inductees, friends, family, and community members will partake in a catered banquet.

On behalf of the Beresford School District, Watchdog Foundation, Beresford Area Arts, and Beresford Athletic Booster Club are excited to welcome the following individuals into the Watchdog Hall of Fame: Dr. Kristin Olbertson (Academics), John and Sandy Fahlberg (Fine Arts), Mr. Kyle McKelvey (Athletics), Mr. Wayne Haensel (Athletics), and Mr. Kevin Nelson (Distinguished Service).

The 7pm ceremony is open to the public. If you would like to join us for the banquet, please contact Dustin Degen by email (Dustin.Degen@k12.sd.us) or mail (301 West Maple Street, Beresford, SD 57004) for ticket prices and menu details.

The Watchdog Foundation Board is pleased to announce that Ethan Hauck, Cooper Nelson, and Grace Norling earned a Shanna Rae Christensen Memorial Scholarship.

The David and Susan Christensen family, in memory of their daughter Shanna Rae, set up a special scholarship fund called the Shanna Rae Christensen Memorial Scholarship. The fund agreement was set up with the South Dakota Community Foundation as a sub-fund of the Watchdog Foundation and an affiliated fund of the Beresford Area Foundation. The scholarship is for Beresford High School seniors whose intended plans for post-high study are in the area of special education, rehabilitation, or nursing. The senior must have two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to character and activity involvement. The senior must have a 3.0 GPA or higher, demonstrate good moral character, and be involved in the community, church and/or school activities. Work and/or volunteer experience with special needs children is preferred but not required.

The vision of the Watchdog Foundation is Building the future of Beresford, together. Our mission is to assist and advance our community's pursuit of excellence, create lifelong connections, and build strong and mutually beneficial ties between the Beresford School District, the community, and its diverse alumni. This year, the Watchdog Foundation awarded $8,000 worth of "Innovative Education Grants." Grants were awarded to the following:

Mrs. Donna Neuman earned a $ 2,500 grant for the Watchdog Robotics program. The grant application will help the team purchase a 3D printer and 3D printer supplies for Robotic Competitions. 

Mr. Jared Olson earned a $1,500 grant for Dawgbone Entertainment to purchase audio-visual equipment. The equipment helps students produce broadcasts of fine arts, athletic, and academic events. 

Mrs. Shellie Pratt earned a $1,100 grant for the HOSA program. The grant funds will help Emma Andrews travel to the National HOSA convention in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Mrs. Bridget Twedt earned a $2,900 grant to help purchase Laser and CNC technology.

• Build Dakota: Isaac Boden (Electrical Construction), Jax Fickbohm (Automotive Technology), and Bryce Bartlett (Welding)

• Northeast Community College Walter Scott Jr. Career Pathway Scholarship: Kayla Jensen

• Showdown USD/SDSU Scholarships: Easton Buum, Keely Merrigan, Estelle Schaap, Elena Andrews, Aidan Hamm, Ethan Hauck, Dustin Maas, Kylie Mockler, and Capri Mullinix 

• Horatio Alger: Camryn Muhlenkort

• Roger Price Scholarships: Elena Andrews, Jaycie Collins, Aidan Hamm, Haley Huot, Max Josko, Espyn Klungseth, Keely Merrigan, Cooper Nelson, Grace Norling, Nora Rasmussen, and Kohen Schurch

• Elizabeth (Westra) Yerdon Memorial Scholarship: Grace Norling

• Alan Ende Memorial Scholarship: Cooper Nelson, Keely Merrigan, Kylie Mockler, Lily Seivert, Espyn Klungseth 

• Robert Chadwell Memorial Scholarship: Ethan Hauck

• South Dakota Farm Bureau Scholarship: Kylie Mockler

• PATHFINDER Scholarship: Jaycee Collins and Grace Norling

• Bob (Henrich) Dolan Memorial Scholarship: Cooper Nelson 

• Beresford Booster Club Scholarships: Aidan Hamm, Lily Seivert, Espyn Klungseth, and Keely Merrigan 

The Beresford FFA had a successful year at the State FFA CDE convention.The chapter earned a National Chapter Award, students earned scholarships, state officer positions were selected, competitions took place, awards were won, degrees were conferred, and students were recognized for their proficiency efforts. Below is the listing of chapter successes.

• National Chapter Award (National Chapter award - 2nd in Strengthening Ag, 5th overall)

• State Degrees - Elena Andrews, Isaac Boden, Ethan Hauck, Talen Hazel, Kayla Jensen, Cole Johnson, Kylie Mockler, Capri Mullinix, Grace Norling, Andrew VanKekerix, Allie Westra 

• Talen Hazel was a Star Finalist in Agribusiness

• Isaac Boden was a Star Finalist in Agribusiness

• Elena Andrews - Gary Grey Ag Ed Scholarship and Wosje Ag Business Scholarship

• Kayla Jensen- Bayer Scholarship 

• Kylie Mockler -Twin Cities Regional Northland Ford Scholarship

• Elena Andrews – 2nd in Diversified Agriculture Production, 1st in Swine Production Placement, and 2nd in Agricultural Education 

• Isaac Boden - 3rd in Turf Grass Management Entrepreneurship 

• Carley Crist – 1st in Goat Production Entrepreneurship/Placement 

• Kylie Mockler - 1st in Diversified Livestock Production Entrepreneurship 

• Taten Twedt – 1st in Equine Science Entrepreneurship 

• 2025-2026 South Dakota State Treasurer - Elena Andrews. 

• Dairy Cattle -1st place team   Elena Andrews - 1st place individual, Grace Norling - 8th place individual, Allie Westra, Capri Mullinix -Coached by Ted Norling

• Livestock Evaluation -2nd Place Team: Kailee Gosse - 10th place individual, Carley Crist - 11th place individual, Jade Twedt, Kianna Hazel 

On November 11, 2024, Beresford School District partnered with several South Dakota agencies and veterans' organizations to host a Veterans Day program featuring the SD Fallen Hero Bridge Dedication honoring 1LT Josef L. Thorne. This bridge naming initiative for fallen combat veterans is led by Governor Kristi Noem and multiple state departments.

The ceremony included SDDVA Secretary Greg Whitlock serving as Master of Ceremonies, with color presentation by local American Legion and VFW posts. Dr. Marilyn Carlson Aronson delivered the invocation, while Beresford High School choirs and band provided musical performances. Elementary students led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Bryon Noem delivered the Governor's message. Brian Field spoke on behalf of the Thorne family, and senior Lily Seivert performed taps to conclude the ceremony.

The Class of 2025 paid heartfelt tribute to a beloved classmate during prom and graduation, honoring his memory with a dedicated bench and meaningful displays of the things he loved—ensuring his presence was felt during these milestone moments.