Isaac McMahon, Band Teacher & Director at Brookings High School
As a band mom and a Band Booster, I am a bit biased when it comes to evaluating the musical talent of my son and his classmates: I think they are wonderful! But what really motivated me to write this nomination was the quality of instruction that so evidently went into preparing for the November 24th 8–12th Grade Band Fall Concert.
This performance was truly transcendental and transformational. What I saw and heard was way more than just a group of students making music. Those students made meaning. They made connections. They made a difference. This could not have been achieved without the leadership and vision of Isaac McMahon.
I have been part of the high school band program as a parent for the past six years, first with our daughter and now with our son, and for the last five years, I have had the distinct pleasure of watching both of our children become better versions of themselves as a direct result of the band program at Brookings High School under the direction of Mr. McMahon.
I have been saying for years that there is no better community than the Brookings High School band community, and that is a testament to the culture that Mr. McMahon creates with and among these kids. This performance was a tangible example of his influence and his talent to inspire young people to go beyond merely playing music to understanding the role that music plays in their lives. Mr. McMahon doesn’t just teach his students how to be better musicians; he teaches them how to be better human beings. This is what every educator should aspire to, and I had the privilege of watching this play out on a grand scale.
After what I saw and heard, I can say with the utmost confidence and sincerity that there is no one at Brookings High School who is teaching my son more important lessons than Isaac McMahon. No one. There are many great teachers in our district and at our high school. Isaac McMahon is a virtuoso.
I know Mr. McMahon would be quick to point out that these students come to him having had some wonderful music instruction in elementary and middle school, and our district is blessed indeed to have some fabulous music teachers. (Last year, both Hillcrest and Dakota Prairie awarded Teacher of the Year honors to their music teachers!) Without any discredit to these teachers, I will insist that Mr. McMahon takes some rather raw talent and shapes it into something spectacular. If you are able to make time to watch the recording of the concert, I think you will agree that perhaps he is worthy of being named the B.E.S.T.
Samantha Turnquist, Online Resources & Communications Assistant at Brookings School District
Since joining the Brookings School District, Samantha Turnquist has taken on an incredible amount of responsibility—balancing her role as District Registrar while stepping into a brand-new position as Communications Specialist. From the start, she’s hit the ground running, learning district procedures, training staff, and taking on projects that have strengthened how we connect as a district and community.
Samantha’s work has already made a lasting impact. She led the rollout of the Bobcat Bulletin Board, giving staff, families, and community members a simple way to share events, highlights, and announcements. She also took the initiative to research and assist in launching the Bobcat App, now the primary alert system for parents, staff, and students—providing timely updates, weather notices, and safety information right at their fingertips.
Behind the scenes, she continues researching new software and programs to improve efficiency and communication districtwide. Her efforts have made our systems faster, more reliable, and more user-friendly, all while managing the detailed work of student enrollment, transfers, and record-keeping that comes with the registrar role.
Samantha’s energy, attention to detail, and commitment to serving others show in everything she does. She has gone above and beyond to make the Brookings School District stronger, more connected, and better equipped to serve our families and community.