Today, we’d like to introduce you to five high school seniors in the Sioux Falls area who we think are super impressive. That’s right — it’s time to announce our 2025 scholarship winners!

Since 2005, we’ve awarded nearly $100,000 to local students through our scholarship program.

We’re tacking on an additional $5,000 to that total, as we recently awarded five deserving students each with $1,000 to put toward their furthering education.

Meet our 2025 scholarship winners

This year, we asked students to submit a short application and 30- to 60-second video answering the following prompt:

Our FIRST Values are not just words; they are truly felt by our teammates, customers, shareholders, and communities. Review our FIRST Values, and tell us which value you appreciate most and why.

Quickly, we want to thank all of the students who took the time to submit an application. Your hard work and commitment to your future education is commendable, and we have no doubt that you all will do great things.

Now, let’s meet our 2025 scholarship winners and find out how they answered this year’s prompt!

Annika Kvale – Lincoln High School

The FIRST Value that resonated most with Lincoln High School senior Annika Kvale is Teamwork.

“As an actor, I’ve learned a lot about the importance of working as a team,” Annika said. “Actors need to work together within scenes, as well as within the larger company.”

According to Annika, everyone involved in a production needs to do their part for the show to happen. This includes working with fellow actors, as well as with technicians to ensure a safe and comfortable environment.

“Without a strong sense of teamwork, nothing could get done,” Annika said, “which is why I believe so strongly in the power of teamwork.”

Annika plans to attend South Dakota State University for dairy manufacturing, a field that undoubtedly will require a commitment to teamwork. Good luck, Annika!

Carter Smook – Brandon Valley High School

“One of the most important aspects of a bank is to be trustworthy and reliable for customers,” said Carter Smook, a senior at Brandon Valley High School. “Relationships do just that.”

You guessed it: the FIRST Value Carter says he appreciates most is Relationships.

“Building successful and honest relationships enhances the Bank’s reputation, as there are no underhanded or sly activities that customers like myself need to worry about,” Carter said.

Carter also outlined the importance of personal connection, which creates a sense of satisfaction for customers.

This fall, Carter will be attending the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology for chemical engineering. Well done, Carter!

Charlotte Crawford – Lincoln High School

As a tennis player, Lincoln High School senior Charlotte Crawford noticed there were few Spanish-speaking kids playing tennis in Sioux Falls.

“I have earned the Gold Seal of Biliteracy through the Spanish immersion program,” Charlotte said. “Speaking Spanish allows me to connect with others and help others through the connection of language.”

Because of her passion for connecting with fellow community members, Charlotte chose to make a video about our Stewardship value.

Last year, Charlotte started a free tennis camp in Sioux Falls called Jugando Juntos — which is Spanish for “playing together” — for Spanish-speaking kids to learn more about the sport and to bridge cultures.

“The power of the connection through language helped both campers and coaches experience the joy of tennis,” Charlotte said. “It was reinforced that vision and hard work can drive positive change.”

Charlotte plans to study biology and Spanish at Creighton University. You’re crushing it, Charlotte!

Daniel Hobbie – Flandreau High School

“Families support, trust, and respect each other,” said Flandreau High School senior Daniel Hobbie of the FIRST Value that is most important to him.

“Just like William Lafayette (Baker) supported Joseph Bailey and First National Bank when they were going through hard times,” said Daniel, referencing the early days of FNB history, “my family has supported me throughout whatever I do.”

That includes schoolwork, sports, and sports injuries.

“I’ve also always tried to support my family, especially my siblings and their endeavors,” Daniel said. “I love going to watch them play sports.”

The University of North Dakota will add Daniel to its family this fall, where he plans to study air traffic management. Way to go, Daniel!

Nathan Manthey – Harrisburg High School

Choosing the FIRST Value that resonates most with him, Harrisburg High School senior Nathan Manthey says that Innovation drives everything he does.

“Through trial and error, I have learned the fundamentals of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering,” Nathan said, “turning failures into breakthroughs.”

He even designed and built his own remote-controlled submarine using self-taught skills, 3D printing, and electronics.

“As a member of Harrisburg Tiger Robotics, I have helped our team win back-to-back state championships in 2024 and 2025, earning spots at the world championship both years,” Nathan said.

Next, Nathan is ready to take on new challenges when he attends Wichita State University for mechanical engineering, “where I can keep pushing boundaries and shaping the future through innovation,” he said.

Congratulations to our 2025 scholarship winners

Scholarship recipients were selected based on a combination of academics, financial need, and the quality of their video response, yet our five winners still managed to cover all five of our FIRST Values!

Thank you, again, to this year’s applicants, and congratulations to our winners. We can’t wait to see what you do next.