HURON, S.D. – A Rapid City teacher is among four educators being recognized by the South Dakota Science Teaching Association for providing extraordinary opportunities and support for student success in science.
Brenda Mizenko, of St. Elizabeth Seton Elementary School in Rapid City, has been named the SDSTA 2026 Outstanding Elementary STEM Teacher. The award is sponsored by Midwest Dairy, a checkoff organization representing over 3,600 dairy farms across the region.
The awards, which highlight top-tier programs and instructors across the state, were presented this past week at the SD STEM Ed Conference in Huron. Each winner received a 1,000 dollar prize.
The association also recognized three other educators for their specialized contributions to science education:
- Carla Santos, of Sisseton Middle School, received the 2026 Outstanding Earth and Space Science Teacher award.
- Karlene Stabe, of Elk Point-Jefferson High School, was named the 2026 Outstanding Biology Teacher. This award is sponsored by Sanford Promise, the outreach arm of Sanford Research in Sioux Falls.
- Ronald Brillantes, of Pahin Sinte Owayawa, Porcupine Schools, was named the 2026 Outstanding Physical Science Teacher. This award is sponsored by Neiman Enterprises in Spearfish.
This year’s winners were selected from a pool of more than 30 nominated candidates. The annual conference is jointly hosted by the SDSTA and the South Dakota Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
“The Outstanding Science Teacher awards highlight some of the best teachers and programs in our state,” the SDSTA said in a statement. “We are thankful for our award sponsors and sponsors of the conference. Their support of STEM education is a bright spot for our organizations.”
The SDSTA is an organization created by teachers for the advancement and coordination of science education at all levels. Following the conclusion of the 2026 cycle, the organization is encouraging other educators to apply for the 2027 awards.
