The Howard Wood Dakota Relays Board of Directors is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Dakota Relays Gold Medal scholarship.  The winners are chosen by a scholarship committee comprising members of the Board of Directors, all of whom carefully review each application prior to making a final and very challenging decision.  This year’s winners are:

• High School Girl’s Winner: Ellie Maddox, Sioux Falls Christian High School (Sioux Falls, SD)
• High School Boy’s Winner: Mikah Peters, Brandon Valley High School (Brandon, SD)

These winners were selected from amongst a group of outstanding young student athletes, all of whom have successfully competed at the highest level in their sport while maintaining a GPA of 3.2 or higher, demonstrating leadership in their roles both on and off the track, and choosing to continue to participate in track & field at the collegiate level. The Gold Medal Scholarship was established in 2000 and consists of a one-time award of $1000 awarded to each athlete.

Girls Winner: Ellie Maddox

Ellie Maddox has been a cornerstone of Sioux Falls Christian athletics, competing in varsity track and field from grades 7–12 and varsity cross country from grades 8–12. A multiple-time state champion and All-American, Ellie holds Class A state meet records in the 1600 and 4×400 and school records in the 1600, 3200, 4×800, and 4×400. She was the 2025 Class A individual state champion in the 1600 and cross country, a Nike Indoor Nationals All-American in the 2 mile, and a key contributor to four state championship teams in both track and cross country. Ellie anchored three state championship 4×800 relays and helped her team place sixth nationally at the 2025 Nike Cross Country Nationals. She is ranked among South Dakota’s all-time best in the 1600 and 3200 and has earned 12 individual state medals along with multiple Howard Wood Dakota Relays records.

Beyond athletics, Ellie is Vice President of the Student Body at Sioux Falls Christian, a National Honor Society member, and a leader in service organizations including SALSA and the Mayor’s Youth Council. She has completed over 375 hours of community service, served as a South Dakota House of Representatives Page, and held a summer internship in human resources. Ellie will continue her academic and athletic career at Duke University. She is the daughter of Brandon and Megan Maddox.

Boys Winner: Mikah Peters

Mikah Peters has been a standout competitor for Brandon Valley High School, lettering in varsity track and field and cross country every year since seventh grade. A dominant distance runner, Mikah is the 2025 Class AA State Cross Country Champion, a Brooks Cross Country Nationals All-American, and the South Dakota Gatorade Runner of the Year for cross country. On the track, he won the 3200 meters at the Howard Wood Relays in 9:01, anchored the state-record-setting champion sprint medley relay, and earned multiple podium finishes at the 2025 State Track Meet, including runner-up in the 3200. Mikah holds school records in the 1600, 3200, and sprint medley relay, with performances ranked among the top ten in South Dakota history, and also owns the Class AA state 5K record in cross country.

Beyond athletics, Mikah maintains a 3.97 GPA, is a two-year member of Student Council and National Honor Society, and serves as a student leader for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is actively involved in Best Buddies and Special Olympics, using his platform as Gatorade Athlete of the Year to give back to the community, and was honored as a member of Homecoming royalty. Mikah will continue his academic and athletic career at Iowa State University, with aspirations of pursuing education and coaching. He is the son of Jonathan and Anne Peters.