The best and brightest from the Class of 2019 were honored for their academic achievements at the 29th Annual Academic Excellence Banquet in Pierre on Monday, April 29, 2019.

In conjunction with Gov. Kristi Noem, the Associated School Boards of South Dakota invited more than 200 students, who were identified as the top one percent of their senior class, from the state's public, private and tribal schools, to celebrate their academic accomplishments.

Ipswich senior Myra Toennies and Edmunds Central senior Kendra Hinz were among the honored guests.

"These students represent the best and the...