2026 | Langford Alumni Spotlight: Susan (Frey) Karels

Where is she now?

34th year teaching band at Milbank Middle School/High School

Earned a Bachelor’s of Music Education (instrumental/vocal) from Northern State University (1992), with a Business Education minor

Completed a Master’s Degree from American Band College in 2000

Family:

Husband, Jason, teaches CTE at Milbank High School

Son, William, is a senior at South Dakota State University and will begin his Mechanical Engineering career

Daughter, Hope, is studying Entrepreneurship through Lake Area Technical College and owns HK Cupcakes and Bakery in Big Stone City, SD

Favorite Langford Memory:

“Band and choir—having the opportunity to accompany at contests, concerts, and musicals/plays.”

Activities & Involvement:

Basketball, Band, Choir, Student Council, FHA, Pep Club

Advice for Current Students:

“Be involved in many activities and work hard!”

How did Langford prepare her for life?

“I decided at a young age I wanted to be a teacher. Many opportunities were available throughout high school that gave me the chance to teach, such as accompanying soloists.”