RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Rapid City Public School Foundation honored the district’s top educators and staff during the annual Excellence in Education recognition ceremony held at the Performing Arts Center. Katey Swank, a teacher at Meadowbrook Elementary, was named the 2026-2027 Rapid City Teacher of the Year.

The ceremony, held Tuesday night at the Performing Arts Center, brought together community leaders and school officials to celebrate nominees from every building in the district. The event was hosted by the Rapid City Public School Foundation, led by Executive Director Sara Hornick and a board of directors including President Lara Roetzel, Vice-President Matt McCormick, Secretary Michael Birkeland, and Treasurer Laura Neumann. Other board members include Dave Swank, Travis Frederickson, Beth Kenney, Angela Rafferty, Katy Urban, Gretchen Burke, Mary Ann Slanina, Timmi Bubac, and Oliver Hasse.

Swank was selected from a competitive pool of educators following a rigorous process involving applications and interviews with a committee comprised of local organizations, including Monument Health and Elevate Rapid City.

“I’m excited to represent my colleagues,” Swank said. “I think that it’s about the community of our education system and we all work together to elevate the next era of teachers and students.”

Swank spoke of being overwhelmed while watching the recognition of staff for their years of service and the importance of retaining teachers within the Rapid City district. In addition to the title, Swank was gifted $1,000, with $500 designated for her personal use and $500 for her classroom.

Matt McCormick, chair of the selection committee and board member of the Rapid City Area School Foundation, praised Swank’s impact on her students.

“Katey Swank is a wonderful example of innovative instruction that meets students where they are and setting them up for success,” McCormick said. “This year’s Teacher of the Year selection was a reminder that there are so many educators doing incredible things inside the classroom giving students a head start on growing into life long learners.”

The evening also recognized years of service for Teachers from 5 to 40 years. Onstage the 30+ years category had 1,337 years of service dedicated to the Rapid City Public School District.

The event also recognized a Support Person of the Year from each school building and honored more than 300 staff members for their years of service to Rapid City Area Schools.

One family of educators had a years of service award, and two support persons of the year awards.

The celebration continued the morning of Feb. 11 with an all-school assembly at Meadowbrook Elementary. The event served as a surprise celebration for Swank and provided a platform to recognize the district’s Bus Driver of the Year, John Hammond.

Katey Swank
John Hammond

Hammond, who has never had an accident, was honored for his dedication to the district. He frequently takes on extra routes and field trip requests, and on cold days, he ensures several buses are operational for the fleet.

As the district winner, Swank will move on to compete for the Regional Teacher of the Year award. Success at the regional level would make her a candidate for South Dakota Teacher of the Year and potentially the national title.

SchoolTeacher NomineeSupport Person Nominee
Black HawkTeresa LeiteCrystal Moulton
Central High SchoolCallum DewarTeresa Sherrill
Corral DriveKatie BishopLinda Pietz
East Middle SchoolDavin BurrusMichael Pekas
General BeadleSamantha RayCodi Wright
GrandviewMichelle JacksonLarry Schmoll
Horace MannKristina TlustosMike Olson
Knollwood HeightsJulie WesolickRebecca Leeds
MeadowbrookKatey SwankLindsey Jaime
North Middle SchoolMartin WennblomDeb Goodart
PinedaleAverie GeorgasShane Cox
RC Alternative AcademyJacob RiggeKim Kringen
Rapid ValleyMacKenzie HeimDarren Pekas
RobbinsdaleKellie SaboJulie Babbe
South CanyonKeira HarrisGary Windle
South Middle SchoolNicole FennerPam Red Willow
South ParkRichard RedetzkeRose Hawkins
Southwest Middle SchoolLisa LyonsAmanda Olson
Stevens High SchoolPeggy BiasJason Grant
Valley ViewKiriana ParsonsSheila Frizzell
West Middle SchoolHeidi PetersonHeather Dietrich
WilsonAngie JelinekKim Weaver