New Rockford-Sheyenne Senior Named to Academic All-State Gold Team

Bailey Baumbach recognized for excellence in academics and extracurriculars

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Bailey Baumbach, a senior at New Rockford-Sheyenne High School, has been named to the prestigious Academic All-State Gold Team, an honor awarded to only the top 200 high school seniors in North Dakota based on their outstanding academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities.

Why it matters

Being named to the Academic All-State Gold Team is an exceptional accomplishment that highlights Baumbach's dedication to academic excellence and her positive impact on her school and community. This recognition showcases the high caliber of students in North Dakota's rural school districts and the state's commitment to celebrating student success.

The details

Baumbach was nominated for the honor by her high school principal, Laura Hager, who praised her for exemplifying academic excellence, hard work, and perseverance. At New Rockford-Sheyenne, Baumbach participates in numerous extracurricular activities, including choir, National Honor Society, student council, and academic challenge.

  • On February 10, 2026, Baumbach's selection to the Academic All-State Gold Team was announced at the school board meeting.
  • Baumbach will be presented with a medallion for her achievement at the school's award ceremony this spring.
  • The Class B presentation honoring all the Academic All-State medalists will air on WDAY on Friday, March 6, 2026, between the two afternoon semifinal games of the State Division B Girls Basketball Tournament.

The players

Bailey Baumbach

A senior at New Rockford-Sheyenne High School who has been named to the prestigious Academic All-State Gold Team, an honor awarded to only the top 200 high school seniors in North Dakota based on their outstanding academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities.

Laura Hager

The principal of New Rockford-Sheyenne High School, who nominated Baumbach for the Academic All-State Gold Team and praised her for exemplifying academic excellence, hard work, and perseverance.

North Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals

The organization responsible for selecting the members of the Academic All-State Team, which is based on criteria such as grade-point average, test scores, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and leadership qualities.

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What they’re saying

“Earning the North Dakota Academic All-State Gold recognition is a remarkable achievement that reflects Bailey's dedication to academic excellence, hard work and perseverance.”

— Laura Hager, Principal, New Rockford-Sheyenne High School (New Rockford Transcript)

What’s next

Baumbach will be presented with a medallion for her achievement at the school's award ceremony this spring. Additionally, all of the students named to the Academic All-State Team will be featured in a digital presentation on WDAY honoring the medalists, which will air on Friday, March 6, 2026, between the two afternoon semifinal games of the State Division B Girls Basketball Tournament.

The takeaway

Bailey Baumbach's selection to the prestigious Academic All-State Gold Team is a testament to the exceptional caliber of students in North Dakota's rural school districts and the state's commitment to celebrating academic excellence and well-rounded achievement. This recognition highlights the hard work, dedication, and leadership qualities that Baumbach has demonstrated throughout her high school career, serving as an inspiration to her peers and the broader community.