Students honored at awards night; Lies named Teacher of the Year

Lynnae Lies was named the 2022 New Rockford-Sheyenne Teacher of the Year by Bank Forward. Since graduating from Mayville State University, Lies has committed 28 years to NR-S. In addition to her roles as an elementary, Title 1 and personalized learning academy teacher at NR-S, Lies has participated in leadership developments, accreditation review teams, coaching, advising and more.

"She is a true servant leader and team player, with a drive to serve the ever-changing needs of our students," said Josh Guler, market president at Bank Forward.

Lies received a plaque in her honor and a honorarium from Bank Forward for $100.

"We are blessed with the best here at NR-S," said Lies. "The awesome staff and students, working together makes this a fabulous place to work."

Eighth grader Rikka Gudmunson was recognized as the Outstanding FBLA Chapter Member. Gudmunson is headed to the National FBLA Convention in June.

Seven seniors will wear red HERO chords at graduation: Delana Thomas, Joshua Homiston, Andrew Presnell, Mya Cudworth, Alyssa Thumb, Madison Schuster and Maria Becker. The chords are given to students who donate blood and/or help organize a blood drive at least three times in high school.

Head volleyball coach Sara Myhre recognized all of her senior players with special awards: Kennedy Demester, Mya Cudworth, Macey Wobbema, Maria Becker, Delana Thomas and Alexa Holth. Eighth grader Ava Peters was named Most Improved Player, while Kennedy Demester was deemed Hardest Worker. The Team Spirit Award went to Lucy Meier. All the special award winners were selected by their teammates.

Athletic Director and coach Elliott Belquist recognized the football and girls basketball players, as well as the track & field team. In football, Kaden Jensen was named MVP of Offense, while MVP of Defense went to Nick Berglund. The Lineman award went to Hunter Jacobson. The Rookie of the Year honor was shared by Easton Benz and Kailar Jacobson.

In girls' basketball, the Rising Rocket award went to Ava Peterson. Kelsie Belquist was named MVP of Offense, while Kennedy Demester was the MVP of Defense. The Most Improved award went to Madison Myhre, and for the Hustle and Heart Award, he selected Mya Cudworth.

Head boys' basketball coach Tyler Cook also handed out awards, and one player rose to the top in most categories. Senior Nick Berglund was named MVP of Offense, est Worker. He also received the Rocket Award for Best Teammate. The Most Improved award went to rising star, DJ Mudgett.

Presidential Award of Excellence winners were Mya Cudworth and Delana Thomas.

In addition to Dollars for Scholars, a few special scholarships were handed out. The Patricia Wagner Memorial Scholarship went to Mya Cudworth, while Madison Schuster and Maria Becker each received a $250 Music Booster Scholarship.

The Constitution Award went to Andrew Presnell. The award is given by The State Bar Association of North Dakota, for understanding of how the U.S government functions, and the local recipient is selected by the social studies teacher.

The NDHSAA Distinguished Student from New Rockford-Sheyenne is Hallie Brown. The NDHSAA Distinguished Student program was developed to recognize juniors who are the "backbone" of interscholastic activities, not necessarily the leader, but the individual whose participation in high school activities strengthens the program for participants, the school and the community. Applicants are students entering their senior year. The student must be a participant as a player, manager, statistician or other role in at least one NDHSAA sponsored activity. The student must be a good citizen and role model to his/her peers as well as a contributor to his/her school and community.

Belquist recognized five senior athletes: Kennedy Demester, Mya Cudworth, Koby Duda, Kaden Jensen and Nick Berglund.

Mya Cudworth was named Outstanding Senior Female Athlete, and Kaden Jansen was the Outstanding Senior Male Athlete.