RAPID CITY, SD – On Tuesday night, April 14, 2026, the Performing Arts Center of Rapid City was filled with pride, celebration, and achievement as students, families, and educators gathered for the annual Evening of Excellence. Hosted by the Rapid City Public School Foundation, the event honored the top 5% of students academically, along with recipients of distinguished recognition awards across the district.

The Evening of Excellence is one of the most anticipated academic celebrations in Rapid City, recognizing teachers and students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, perseverance, and success in their academic journeys. Throughout the evening, students were individually acknowledged for their achievements, receiving applause from proud families, teachers, and community members. Teachers who had made a significant contribution to these students’ successes were also acknowledged. This year’s Teacher of the Year went to Meadowbrook’s Katey Swank.

In addition to academic honors, the ceremony highlighted a variety of special awards that celebrate leadership, creativity, and impact within the school community. These recognitions serve to showcase not only academic excellence but also the character and contributions of students who go above and beyond in their schools.

One of these new additions to the awards was the CTE: Visual Arts & Design Award, in which Central High School’s Kennedy Block, a photographer, was awarded this year. We asked her what the award means to her as a senior. She responded, “I’m so honored to get this award. Roxanne Rathbun nominated me, and I’m incredibly thankful that she was my visual arts teacher and helped guide me through my high school years in photography and anything business-related. I can’t emphasize how much I’m going to miss my Central High family, especially the Photo Club family. Everyone who got an award truly deserved it. They are all amazing people.”

The event was led by Master of Ceremonies, Lara Roetzel. Closing remarks were made by Sara Hornick, who is the Executive Director of the Rapid City Public School Foundation. Her leadership continues to support and elevate educational opportunities throughout the district. Under her guidance, the foundation has played a key role in celebrating student success and fostering strong connections between schools and the community.