ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Aberdeen Central High School Library is putting a literary spin on March Madness—and displaying almost a century’s worth of Golden Eagle trophies.
Book Madness at the CHS Library started with 16 award-winning books. Each week, students and staff vote online for their picks, with winners advancing.
The books are on display inside the library, with the winners moving up each week. Currently, the Elite Eight are: “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” “All the Light We Cannot See,” “Crossover,” “Fighting Words,” “Gone with the Wind,” “New Kid,” “The Hate U Give” and “Wonder.”
Students and staff were also able to fill out a bracket at the beginning of the month to guess which books would receive the most votes. At the end of the month, the student, staff member and super study with the best bracket will be named winners. (The individual winners will receive a gift card; the super study will get a pizza party.)
CHS Librarian Mikayla Arechigo said that Book Madness is her favorite activity—it raises more excitement around reading and sparks conversation about books.
“It’s fun to hear the teachers and the students discover books that they wouldn’t have, but then also talk about books they have previously read and have that common ground,” Arechigo said.
There is also a Book Madness display located outside the library. This year, they decided to include trophies. With the help of Gretchen Sharp and Lynn Hanson of the Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation, Arechigo placed more than 20 trophies inside the case. They span almost 100 years, dating back to 1927.
Below is a complete list of trophies on display:
· 1927 SDHS Big 8 Basketball League
· 1927 State High School Track and Field Meet
· 1934 Northern Music Contest
· 1938 Pierre Relay 2 Mile Relay Champs
· 1943 SDHSC Champs
· 1943 Conference Football Champion
· 1947 Class A HS 880 Yard Relay
· 1948 Champs ESDHSO
· 1950 Howard Wood Dakota Relays Class A 440 Yard Relay Champions
· 1961 Class A Boys Basketball Champions
· 1969 Class A CFC Debate Champions
· 1970 Best Actor Recognitions
· 1971 Class A Co-Champs Debate
· 1978 Girls Basketball Section IV
· 1984 Gypsy Day Best Drumline
· 1980 Wrestling Section II Runner-Up
· 1988 Spirit of “Six” Award
· 1988 Central High School Symphonic Band
· 1991 Northern Jazz Swing Choir
· 1995 SD Regional Science Bowl 1st
· 1998 Aberdeen Invitational Volleyball Tournament Champions
· 2000 Class AA State Football Runner-Up
· 2025 Boys Dual Team Wrestling Class A State Runner-Up
About the Aberdeen Public School District
The Aberdeen Public School District provides a comprehensive educational program to approximately 4,200 students in grades K-12, with a mission of empowering all students to succeed in a changing world. Our students receive the knowledge and skills necessary to reach their potential in a global community through high expectations of academic achievement; diverse educational opportunities; and community involvement in a safe, supportive environment. Learn more at aberdeen.k12.sd.us.