Students Shine at Evening of Excellence

Hayden Holec was one of 19 Stevens students honored at the Evening of Excellence sponsored by the Rapid City Public School Foundation.

The Evening of Excellence is an event for only the top 5% of the senior class. Holec said it felt really good to be in the top of his class and it took a lot of hard work.

He said he had no idea how he stayed motivated throughout high school, but his parents were a big part of it. They helped keep Holec on track.

He also liked the feeling of not falling behind in class. At the Evening of Excellence each student gets to pick a teacherthat has helped them on their journey. Holec, along with seven others, picked Dr. Andrew Smith.

He chose Dr. Smith because he has been super influential in Holec’s learning experience and in his life in general. Holec said Dr. Smith was kind, supportive, and the most genuine person he has ever met. He is the type of teacher who lets the students learn in their own way by giving the students numerous methods to study and learn materials. Dr. Smith influenced how Holec looked at life. He taught Hayden to be kind to everyone and give back more than he takes.