Ella Perman

Ella Perman Wins Best of Show at Dakota Student Art Exhibition!

Michelle Knecht

April 25, 2025

Ella Perman Wins Best of Show at Dakota Student Art Exhibition!

Selby Area School is proud to announce that our very own Ella Perman took home the Best of Show award — along with a $300 cash prize — at the prestigious Dakota Student Art Exhibition (DSAE)! Ella was also nominated for the coveted Rising Star Award, recognizing her outstanding potential and dedication to the arts.

Each year, the DSAE invites top art students from across the region to participate in an educational, hands-on experience under the mentorship of professional artists. Students attended three engaging workshops and a gallery session, where they received personalized feedback and encouragement to help them grow as young artists.

Representing Selby Area School this year were:

Middle School:

  • Ella Perman

  • Brynnly Huber

High School:

  • Joshua Chambers

  • Gabriella Sykes

  • Noelle Rau

  • Holly Rau

At the end of the event, an awards ceremony celebrated the talent and hard work of students across 19 participating schools. Honors included 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards across seven media categories, Best of Show, Best School Team, Middle School Honorable Mention, Rising Star Awards, and daily Student Choice Awards.

We are also excited to share that Noelle Rau earned 3rd place in the Painting media category, another impressive achievement for our team!

Participating Schools:

  • ACSS Roncalli-Aberdeen

  • Groton High School

  • Mitchell High School

  • Milbank High School

  • Northwestern Area School

  • Holgate Middle School-Aberdeen

  • Webster Area High School

  • Great Plains Lutheran High School-Watertown

  • Aberdeen Central High School

  • Simmons Middle School-Aberdeen

  • Selby Area School

  • Hitchcock-Tulare School

  • Ipswich Public

  • Trinity Lutheran School 7th & 8th-Aberdeen

  • Britton-Hecla School

  • Mount Vernon School

  • Aberdeen Christian School

  • Frederick Area School District

We are incredibly proud of our students for their hard work, creativity, and professionalism throughout this experience. Congratulations to all participants — and a special shout-out to Ella and Noelle for their outstanding accomplishments!