2020 Outstanding Student Nurses
Due to convention being cancelled this year, we have decided to honor each finalist from the schools participating in the Outstanding Student Nurse award!
These finalists were chosen by faculty for demonstrating going above and beyond
in their student nurse role and for their service and leadership qualities.
Melanie Nabity: Presentation College
Melanie is a great student with a positive attitude who always puts 100% into her learning. She is hardworking, has a positive attitude, is a team player, and dedicated to learning. Melanie was chosen because of the positive attitude and dedication she has shown during her courses at Presentation College. She serves on Presentation College’s SNA and is a player on the soccer team.
Cassidy Stratman: South Dakota State University Brookings
"Hi everyone, my name is Cassidy Stratman, and I am from New Underwood, SD! I am a 5th semester nursing student and have accepted a post-grad job at Avera McKennan 1West- Surgical/Trauma! Throughout my time at SDSU, I have been involved in quite a few organizations including SNA that have given me the opportunity to meet so many new faces. I currently serve as the state president of SDSNA as well as the SDSU SNA 1st Vice President and have been a Co-fundraising Coordinator in the past. Within the College of Nursing, I have been a semester representative, served on the Dean’s Development Council, and am currently apart of the IMPACT-RNs program. Outside of the CON, I am member of Alpha Xi Delta where I have served as Membership Vice President, Ritual and Fraternity Appreciation Director, Social Media Chair, and Honor Board member. I have also had the opportunity to be a member of both Order of Omega and Mortar Board Honor Societies and an anatomy intern. Within the Honors College, I have been a peer advisor and peer mentor as well as had the opportunity to travel to Indonesia! My passion for nursing and all that this journey entails has grown significantly in the time that I have been an SNA member. Both SDSU and the CON have given me endless opportunities to grow and develop as an individual and for that I will always be thankful!"
Mya Hanisch: University of Sioux Falls
"My name is Mya Hanisch. I am grateful for the nomination of this award, for the presence of a strong South Dakota Student Nurses’ Association Chapter and for South Dakota State University for hosting this year’s convention, and for the University of Sioux Falls. My journey at the University of Sioux Falls is coming to an end in the next few months, and then I begin another journey in a new state, Minnesota. I will be moving to Rochester, Minnesota to practice my nursing skills at Mayo Clinic. I am eager, nervous, and excited all at once, but right now I am going to take it day by day and step by step. Who says a journey needs to be a sprint, right?"
Hannah Selan: University of South Dakota Rapid City
"Leadership is an important aspect of who I am and how I want to develop my professional identity. When I was working on my pre-nursing classes at Black Hills State University, I was the Student Advisory Board president. This was a role that I held for two semesters. It was a fun way of engaging with the student body and organizing fundraisers and events. While in nursing school at the University of South Dakota I have served as secretary for the local and state SNA. It is a role that I immensely enjoy. I love to be involved in brainstorming events and projects that engage the student body and the community. Outside of school I am a science tutor at BHSU. Although this is not a direct leadership position, I am able to use my position to help students struggling with science concepts. I am also a leader for the local Rapid City CloverBuds 4H group. As I graduate in May, I look forward to my new role as an RN and anticipate the new leadership opportunities that will be presented."
Kasara Pollema: University of South Dakota Vermillion
"My name is Kasara and I am a senior nursing student at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. I am originally from Brandon, SD. I have enjoyed my time at USD by participating in USD’s Student Nurses Association, Special Olympics College Club, travelling to Guatemala with the nursing program, and participating in intermural basketball. My favorite things to do are to spend time with my nephew, hangout with my friends, and travel. I have accepted a RN position in the Sanford Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I am very excited to see what the future holds for me and all my fellow nurses!"
