On a recent episode of the David Letterman talk show, a remarkable young woman named April Klein Schmid made an appearance that left viewers in awe. April, the sole graduate of Harold High School’s class of 2002, shared her unique experience with Letterman and the audience.
Harold High School, located in South Dakota, had a total student body of just 15 students spanning grades 9 through 12. April was joined by two other seniors initially, but one graduated early and the other transferred schools, leaving April as the lone senior in her class. Despite the small size of her class, April attended regular classes with the handful of teachers on staff at the school.
In addition to her regular classes, April also had some classes that were delivered via the Vil system, a TV program that allowed her to interact with teachers at another location through live television. This innovative approach to teaching was necessary due to the small number of students.
As the only member of her senior class, April faced unique challenges. The school did not have a football team, and instead, they co-operated with a neighboring town. Similarly, instead of having a senior prom, April and her classmates opted for a senior trip, thanks to the generous help of the junior class who raised the funds for the trip to Hawaii.
Reflecting on her experience, April shared that she believed being the only student in her class provided her with a better education. She had the freedom to ask questions and seek clarification whenever she needed it, without being bound by the pace of the rest of the class. Despite the limitations of a small school, April excelled and was named the valedictorian of her graduating class.
Looking ahead, April plans to attend Black Hill State University in Spearfish, South Dakota, where she will study special education. This career choice aligns with her passion for making a difference in the lives of others. April hails from the town of Herald, South Dakota, which has a population of only 209 people. The area is predominantly agricultural, with her father being a farmer and rancher.
April’s appearance on the David Letterman show showcased her resilience and determination in the face of unique circumstances. Despite being the sole member of her high school graduating class, she has embraced her experience and is looking forward to the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. As she sets out to pursue her college education and career, April’s story serves as an inspiration to us all to make the most of our own circumstances and stand up for what we believe in.
