Howard 4-H president named Student of the Month

Katherine Connor earns award from Heartland Energy and KJAM Radio

As president of the Henden Future Farmer’s 4-H Club, Katherine Connor presides over meetings, ensuring members work together and that all opinions are heard. Her leadership impacts the group’s success.

Those who know Connor say the 4-H club is in good hands.

“Kate is an outstanding, conscientious young woman,” said Howard High School Principal T.A. Aslesen. “She exemplifies the 4-H Creed, ‘Make the best better.’”

Connor has been named Student of the Month by Heartland Energy and KJAM Radio. The Howard High School senior is recognized for academic and extra-curricular excellence.

“Kate carries higher than a 4.0 GPA. She’s deeply involved in many student organizations, particularly FFA and shooting sports, and is in athletics year-round. We are very proud of her and look forward to witnessing her future success,” Aslesen said.

In addition to serving as president, Connor is a past recipient of the Spirit of 4-H Award. The award recognizes someone who helps cheerfully, gives their best effort, shows enthusiasm and interest in all aspects of 4-H, helps do what needs to be done and takes part in club activities.

Passionate for ag and the outdoors, Connor participates in archery, trap shooting and livestock judging. She’s also active in FFA, student council, flag corp, oral interp and band.

Connor is also an accomplished student athlete, participating in basketball and volleyball as well as cheerleading for the football team. She’s earned All-Conference and Academic All-State honors in both basketball and volleyball for multiple seasons.

Other academic achievements include National Honor Society, of which she is currently president, Class of 2023 Salutatorian, and being named a Distinguished Scholar by South Dakota State University (SDSU).

In her free time, Connor enjoys walking and biking with her dogs Ike and Nelly and working on her family’s farm. She also teaches religious education to seventh graders at her church.

Connor is the daughter of Mike and Becky Connor. After graduation she plans to attend SDSU to pursue a degree in civil engineering with a minor in engineering management.

The “Student of the Month” is awarded through a partnership of Heartland Energy and KJAM Radio inf Madison and recognizes exceptional students in one of five area school districts. Heartland Energy provides wholesale power to the cities of Arlington, Colman, Howard, Madison and Volga, all of which are in the KJAM listening area.

Each month of the school year, Heartland Energy presents an outstanding student from one of these schools with a recognition certificate and small token, and advertisements announcing the winning student air on KJAM Radio. Officials from each participating school nominate students for the award.

This is the twelfth year Heartland Energy and KJAM have teamed up to offer this program.