Noah Felderman likes to stay busy. Between expanding his business, participating in Future Farmers of America, and taking dual credits, he’s definitely keeping busy. At school and in the business world, Noah has been recognized for his dedication and achievements. Noah was named the Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week for April 13.

“I’m always looking for the next opportunity or next thing to get myself into. And sometimes that can put too much on my plate, but I’d rather have too much than have nothing at all,” Noah said.

Since the Scholar of the Week program began, more than $80,000 in scholarships have been awarded to more than 530 students. As Scholar of the Week, Noah was awarded a $250 scholarship from Northern Electric and will have the chance to receive a $1,000 scholarship, or one of two $500 scholarships that will be given away at the annual Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Year banquet. 

A Doland High School senior, Noah was nominated for the Touchstone Scholar of the Week by Bailey Coats, Doland Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor. Noah has been active in FFA since he was in seventh grade.

“There are times I don’t even feel like Noah’s advisor as much as I feel like I’m simply along for the ride,” said Bailey. “His drive, responsibility, and self-motivation speak for themselves.”

The drive to stay busy is why Noah started his ice cream business, Feldy’s Ice Cream, when he was 12. Since then, Noah has been able to expand his business to two mobile units and a permanent location. It helped that he only operated the business during the summertime, Noah said. In addition, he’s been able to incorporate his academics into his business. At FFA career development events, Noah was able to get an in-depth look at milk quality, as well as explore other topics of interest, such as veterinary science.

“A lot of the dual credit classes that I’m in require you to write different papers. I can usually find a way to tie in my business, so I’m kind of doing both things at one time,” Noah said. 

Noah credits FFA as being highly influential on his successes in his personal and academic careers. Through the program, he’s been able to explore different opportunities and grow, he said. 

“I’ve gotten to meet a ton of people through FFA,” Noah said. “If it wasn’t for FFA, I wouldn’t have met the people who led me to participate in different events, such as speaking at the South Dakota Retailers Association and the Big Idea Competition.”

Noah recommends students not be afraid to gain new experiences. Those opportunities can create connections that take you further and gain new knowledge inside and outside the classroom, he said.

“You’re not going to know if you will succeed if you don’t try it. It’s better to fail, learn from that failure, and then start over and build something bigger,” said Noah.

That mentality has helped Noah expand his business, as well as thrive academically.

“What he has accomplished in just 17 years is nothing short of remarkable. Through his business and his FFA work, he has already reached milestones that many adults spend years striving to achieve,” said Bailey.

Noah was featured on Dakota News Now during the 6 p.m. news on Monday, April 13 and again on the Dakota News Now morning news on Tuesday, April 14 at 6 a.m. Visit DakotaNewsNow.com/ to see a replay of Noah’s interview, as well as the other Scholar of the Week winners.