At the end of the year, they leave with a pocket Constitution, a deeper appreciation for U.S. history and the confidence that they can help shape the future.

Wright, a 2018 graduate of the University of South Dakota’s secondary history education program, teaches advanced social studies for students in grades 6-8 at Harrisburg South Middle School. In this role, Wright leans into her passions while creating a space where learners can thrive.

“I’ve always had a desire to help people, and teaching felt like the perfect way to combine that passion with my love of learning and history,” Wright said. “Teaching gives me the opportunity every single day to make a difference, even if I do not immediately see the results.”

Paige Wright stands in her classroom in front of a white board. To her right is the American flag and to her left is the whiteboard that says, "Welcome to the first day of school."

In the classroom, Wright strives to make history engaging, meaningful and relevant to her students—such as by collaborating with the Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls to bring dramatic Civil War and World War I reenactments into the learning experience.

Beyond the classroom, she is focused on promoting opportunities for students to connect history to real-world experiences and service. She voluntarily organizes her school’s annual Veterans Day Program and previously led the school’s Veterans Club. Projects like a donation drive to benefit deployed troops provide students with tangible ways of practicing service.

For Wright, this work is about more than meeting curriculum requirements; it is about empowering students to become active citizens in their communities.

“I believe teaching civic responsibility and service is one of the most important parts of being a social studies teacher. It is essential that students understand not only how our government works, but also the role they play as engaged citizens in our society,” Wright shared. “In my classroom, I want students to recognize the importance of their rights, responsibilities and freedoms, as well as the sacrifices made by those who fought—and continue to fight— to protect them.”

Paige Wright stands with her parents for a photo in front of a door. They are all smiling at the camera.

Wright’s impact in this area was recognized most recently when she received the 2026 South Dakota Veterans of Foreign Wars Middle School Teacher Award—a reflection of her passion, dedication and commitment to students.

“This recognition means so much to me because supporting and honoring veterans has become a central part of who I am as an educator,” Wright said. “Whether it is through classroom lessons, our Veterans Day Program or service projects with students, I see it as a small way to give back to those who have given so much for our country. Knowing that those efforts are making an impact on students and being recognized by the VFW makes this award especially meaningful to me.”

Wright’s passion for honoring veterans and confidence in teaching were nurtured during her time at USD. Faculty members like Jing Williams, Ph.D., professor of social studies, and Kurt Hackemer, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs and professor of history, were among those who shaped Wright’s educational journey.

“Dr. Williams helped instill in me a passion and appreciation for the Armed Services that directly inspired programs and projects I now lead,” Wright said. “Dr. Hackemer also continually encouraged and supported me throughout my time at USD, making me feel valued not just as a future educator, but as a person. Those professors invested in me well beyond the classroom, and I think that is what makes USD so special.”

The long-standing impact of that community has inspired Wright to give back by supporting the next generation of educators. Wright regularly visits Williams’ classroom as a guest speaker, and this past fall, Wright served as the keynote speaker at an Educators Rising event held on USD’s campus. At this event, more than 100 high school students with an interest in teaching heard Wright’s story and gained insight into the teaching profession.

Through her involvement with the university, Wright is continuing a tradition of support that was instilled in her during her time as a student.

“I choose to stay connected with the USD School of Education because the relationships and support I found there had such a meaningful impact on my journey as an educator,” Wright said. “USD introduced me to incredible friends, peers and professors that I still stay connected with today, and many of those individuals continue to encourage and support me in my career. The sense of community within the School of Education is something that truly stays with you long after graduation.

“I want current students to know they have people in their corner rooting for them, just like I did,” Wright continued. “If I can encourage even one future teacher to get involved, pursue opportunities or believe in themselves a little more, then I feel like I am giving back a small piece of what USD gave to me.”

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