The “Warrior of the Month” award was created as a way to recognize students involved in athletics, fine arts and other extracurricular activities at T.F. Riggs High School. This award is presented to students in partnership with the South Dakota National Guard. All individuals nominated are then voted on by the Pierre School Riggs Staff by taking into consideration the students’ character, citizenship and grades.
Congratulations to Emily Mertes for being chosen as October’s “Warrior of the Month.” Here is her nomination:
Emily Mertes (Band): Emily is the first student in 40+ years to represent Pierre in the South Dakota High School All State Orchestra. This will be her second year as a member of the elite group on violin.
She is originally from Rapid City, where they have a strong strings program. She moved here over the summer – where we have a budding program outside of school, but not what she was used to. She met early with Moriah Gross, area teacher, to come up with a plan to prepare for All State Auditions this fall. We ran into a hiccup because students auditioning for any SDHSAA High School instrumental group must be a member of an instrumental group in their school….but we don’t have an orchestra! So, Emily and I came up with a plan for her to be in band while still making it worth her time. Emily joined and volunteered to play upright bass – which is totally OPPOSITE of what she already plays!
She jumped right into band, although I’m certain it was very outside her comfort zone. She’s made fast friends of the other students and has picked up upright bass quickly. She’s a wonderful addition to our program.
