Jeff Rykhus, Retired Custodian at Brookings High School
It is an honor to nominate Jeff Rykhus for the Bobcat B.E.S.T. Award. Jeff recently retired after 17 years of dedicated service as a custodian for the Brookings School District. He poured exceptional pride and care into his work, always striving to make BHS look its absolute best. Despite the challenges the building presented, Jeff faced every task with an unwavering smile and a positive spirit. He was a friend to all—students, staff, and visitors alike—always there with a friendly conversation or his contagious smile that could brighten anyone’s day. Whenever a question or concern arose, Jeff was the first person many of us at BHS turned to, always eager to help in any way he could. His outstanding commitment to the building, the district, and the community has left a lasting impact, and his service does not go unnoticed. Thank you, Jeff, for everything. Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat.
McKenzie Millar, Preschool Teacher at Hillcrest Elementary
I had the pleasure of spending time in McKenzie's preschool class a few weeks ago. I was just so impressed with how she runs her preschool classroom. She was organized, had the curriculum planned, and the students were engaged and learning vital preschool "things." Her students were being set up for a successful school career. She was focusing on the early reading interventions, sounds, rhyming, etc. The kids were calm; they knew the routine; they knew what was expected of them. McKenzie and her team were amazing. It was an absolute joy to be in her class and to see her students thrive. Her students will be more than ready for kindergarten, and I cannot give her enough praise. I would recommend McKenzie’s class to anyone!