State POY Series - Kelly Messmer (South Dakota) - Rancher Country with Endless Opportunities!

Kelly Messmer - South Dakota's 2025 Secondary Principal of the Year

Kelly Messmer is a dedicated principal in rural South Dakota who is determined to provide his ranching-country students with opportunities that reach far beyond the traditional classroom. Recognizing the challenges of limited access in a rural community, he has brought career education directly to his school through a mobile experience with skilled instructors each semester. Students now have hands-on learning in welding, electrical work, and carpentry—that expose them to skills that not only prepare them for a possible career opportunity but also lifelong applicable knowledge. His vision ensures that, despite geographic barriers, his students have endless opportunities to succeed and thrive

Kelly Messmer is the principal of Harding County High School in Buffalo, SD. Along with his principal duties, he also serves as the district’s activities director. Previously, he was the district’s technology and testing coordinator. He has been teacher and administrator at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. He strives to ensure every student is treated with respect and given every opportunity to succeed academically and socially. He credits his supportive superintendent, amazing staff, hardworking students, school board, and community for working together to help create a safe and successful learning environment.

 

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