Seven honored as all-ESD for Kernel cheer, dance

Oct. 22—MITCHELL — Four Mitchell High School dance athletes and three Kernel cheer standouts have been honored by the Eastern South Dakota Conference as all-conference selections for the 2026 cheer and dance seasons.

For Kernel dance, Mitchell's selections include junior Theo Briggs, junior Kenzleigh Griffin, junior Madi Moon and senior Brooklyn Schlimgen. All three are first-time all-ESD picks, although Moon was an all-state selection in 2025 from the South Dakota Dance Coaches Association.

For MHS cheer, the Kernel selections include sophomore Jozel Kok, eighth-grader Hannah Werkmeister and senior Cetia Wright. All three are first-time all-ESD selections.

Both Kernel teams will be in action on Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Summit Arena in Rapid City for the Class AA state competition.