2023 Acts of Excellence Spotlight
The South Dakota Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization designed to Honor, Inspire, and Educate. The South Dakota Hall of Fame’s mission is to Champion a Culture of Excellence and as an organization we live out this mission through our programming, including the Acts of Excellence Program. This program is having an exciting year with 15 distinguished awards given (10 awards given out to date) to individuals, groups, and organizations exemplifying excellence throughout the state of South Dakota.
“One of the major ways we live out our mission is through the Acts of Excellence Program, where we recognize the stellar work of organizations, individuals, and community projects,” said Laurie Becvar, CEO of the SD Hall of Fame.
The Acts of Excellence program was originally sponsored by Sanford Health and includes six categories: General, Education, Historical, Industry, Professions, and Inspiring Youth.
Applications for 2024 awards will be available on the South Dakota Hall of Fame’s website in January and February of 2024, with recipients selected and awarded in May and June of 2024.
Learn more about our 2023 Acts of Excellence recipients, and stay tuned for more to come.
Quilts of Valor, Flag Mountain Honor Guard
On Saturday, April 22, 2023, the South Dakota Hall of Fame granted an Acts of Excellence Award to Quilts of Valor, Flag Mountain Honor Guard in Pierre, SD. The award was presented to the organization by Laurie Becvar, CEO of the South Dakota Hall of Fame, and Board Director Gerry Likness of Watertown, SD.
The Flag Mountain Honor Guard presents over 20 quilts each year. The South Dakota Hall of Fame paid special tribute to Ardys Roseland for her long-standing membership in the group and for making the most quilts, as well as recognizing co-leaders Barb Vankeerbrook and Charlene Sundstrom.
The Flag Mountain Honor Guard receives Acts of Excellence Award from the SD Hall of Fame. Pictured (left to right): Barb Vankeerbrook, Ardys Roseland, SD Hall of Fame Board Director Gerry Likness, and Charlene Sundstrum
SD Hall of Fame Board Director Brad Haupt of Rapid City (right) presented the 2023 Acts of Excellence Award to Scott Miller, owner of Rock School Music Program (left).
Rock School Music Program
On the afternoon of Thursday, March 30, 2023, the South Dakota Hall of Fame took delight in honoring the Rock School Music Program in Rapid City with an Acts of Excellence Award for its work for over 20 years in music. Board Director Brad Haupt of Rapid City presented the award to Scott Miller, owner of the Rock School. The program started as a part-time, afterschool program for students ages 8–18 and has since grown into a year-round program.
Moose Lodge of Rapid City
On the evening of Thursday, March 30th, South Dakota Hall of Fame Laurie Becvar and Board Director Brad Haupt (Rapid City) presented the Moose Lodge of Rapid City with its prestigious Acts of Excellence Award for their work with bringing Hot Wheels fun to people of all ages and donating proceeds to other great causes in the community. Mr. Tim West, President of the Moose Lodge Board of Directors accepted the award on behalf of the Moose Lodge, and Mr. Buck Nelson and his wife were recognized and thanked for spearheading the project.
SD Hall of Fame Board Director Brad Haupt (left) and CEO Laurie Becvar (right) present Mood Lodge of Rapid City Board President Tim West (center) with a 2023 Acts of Excellence Award.
On behalf of the community of Newell, Tara Tennis (left) and Deb Steele (center), administrative assistants at the Irrigation District, accepted the Acts of Excellence Award from South Dakota Hall of Fame CEO Laurie Becvar (right).
Community of Newell
On Tuesday, April 11, 2023, the South Dakota Hall of Fame awarded the community of Newell with an Acts of Excellence Award for rallying around a victim of a house fire. When Dave Nuenke lost his home to fire on a cold, February morning, the community of Newell came to his rescue. An outpouring of care came from neighbors and friends, which included getting Dave into a new home promptly with heat, stove, and a refrigerator. People brought food and supplies and ensured his needs were met.
Veterans Honor Guard of Spearfish
The South Dakota Hall of Fame recognized the Veterans Honor Guard of Spearfish with a 2023 Act of Excellence Award celebrating the stellar work of the group. This past year, the Guard provided honors at 85 funerals and 28 additional events. The Guard also provides services to five area cemeteries on Memorial Day. Total volunteer time for the group this past year equaled 1,945 hours. The Veterans Honor Guard of Spearfish has been providing services five days per week, oftentimes multiple services per day, at the Black Hills National Cemetery and at other locations—rain or shine. It was noted that Mr. Arne Koski is 94 years old and fully active with the Honor Guard.
The Spearfish Honor Guard currently has 18 active members. Pictured, front row, left to right: Dan Carlstrom, Jack French, Ron Gibson, Pete Larson, Spearfish Honor Guard Commander Tim Wetz, Doug Henwood, Assistant Honor Guard Commander Larry Haglund, George Ashmore, and Skip Johnson. Back row, left to right: Marvin Freidt, Randy Lyons, Michael Schneringer, Gary Dettman, Arne Koski, Kevin Klunder, Joe Miller, and Patrick Lewellen. Joining the group photo in the back row was American Legion State Commander Doug Feltman and SD Hall of Fame ceo Laurie Becvar. Honor Guard member not in attendance is Carol Howitz who is working in Saudi Arabia this year.
Back Row (left to right): SD Hall of Fame CEO Laurie Becvar, American Legion State Commander Doug Feltman, Honor Guard members Bill Ateyo, Darrell Pulscher, and Sturgis Honor Guard Commander Craig Sanderson.
Front Row (left to right): Honor Guard members John Usera, Bill Cudmore, Bud Kopp, Gordon Kotab, and Arvid Meland.
Guard members not in attendance include Martin Earl, Ken Sabers, Steve Westendorf, and David Jewkes.
Veterans Honor Guard of Sturgis
The South Dakota Hall of Fame recognized the Veterans Honor Guard of Sturgis with a 2023 Acts of Excellence Award celebrating the exceptional work of the group. The organization was established in 1948 and has been active ever since. As of 1995, the Guard has provided honors for 5,365 funerals.
“This is over 190 funerals each year which is simply amazing,” said Laurie Becvar, CEO of the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
In addition to providing honors at the funerals of veterans, the Guard offers flag etiquette classes for schools, assisted living centers, and other organizations as requested.
Mr. Matt Collins
(Kennebec & Lyman communities)
Mr. Matt Collins is currently the leader of the Kennebec Telephone Company, a company that is deeply rooted in serving the community beyond their daily business activities. The company, and Mr. Collins, as its leader, believes in giving back and he encourages the same behavior of his staff. Service to others comes naturally to Mr. Collins—it is never a forced action; service comes straight from the heart, and it is done with a smile, giving nothing less than 100% of himself.
Acts of Excellence award recipient Matt Collins (left) pictured with SD Hall of Fame Board Director Erica Peterson (right) while receiving his award.
Acts of Excellence award recipient Keith Patrick (left) pictured with SD Hall of Fame Board Director Erica Peterson (right) while receiving his award.
Mr. Keith Patrick
(Vivian, South Dakota)
Mr. Keith Patrick’s service to his community goes back over 40 years, and he has been giving back to the Vivian area regularly ever since. Mr. Patrick’s extensive volunteerism and contribution of his personal talents made him most deserving of a 2023 Acts of Excellence Award. He has been known to share his talents with individuals, businesses, and organizations whenever he is called upon–rain or shine. Mr. Patrick has built a reputation of “being a man who can fix anything, anytime.”
Hope, Healing, and Hoofprints Ministry
On May 3, 2023, the South Dakota Hall of Fame recognized Jo Vitek, President of Hope, Healing, and Hoofprints (Triple H) Ministry at Joy Ranch in Florence for her work in helping children in South Dakota heal from sexual abuse through equine experiences. Laurie Becvar, CEO of the South Dakota Hall of Fame, and Board Directors Gerry Likness and Mike Cartney presented the organization with a 2023 Act of Excellence Award at Joy Ranch. A special tribute was also paid to Joy Nelson, founder and owner of Joy Ranch.
Photo (left to right): SD Hall of Fame CEO Laurie Becvar, SD Hall of Fame Board Director Gerry Likness, President of Hope, Healing and Hoofprints Ministry Jo Vitek being presented an Acts of Excellence Award by SD Hall of Fame Board Director Mike Cartney, Triple H Board Director Julianne Endres, Communications Director of the Watertown Community Foundation Kristen Henderson, and seated on the horse Brandy (not pictured) is Joy Nelson, owner and founder of Joy Ranch.
Photo (left to right): Stavig House Museum Board Director Jane Rasmussen, SD Hall of Fame Board Director Gerry Likness, Stavig House Museum Board President John Rasmussen, and Stavig House Museum Board Directors Yvonne Hippen and Kay Nikolas.
Stavig House Museum
On May 3, 2023, South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Director Gerry Likness and Chief Executive Officer Laurie Becvar presented an Act of Excellence award to the board of directors of the Stavig House Museum for their historical venue.
“We are here today to make a very important award for preserving an extraordinary history,” said Becvar.
The house combines elements of Victorian-era and Arts & Crafts-style architecture, and is listed on the National Historic Register. The museum tells the story of a Norwegian immigrant family through three generations—from fishermen in Norway, to homesteaders on the Dakota prairie, to main street entrepreneurs in the new town of Sisseton.
Lance Christensen
On June 13, 2023, the South Dakota Hall of Fame recognized Lance Christensen, a champion in golf, for his work in introducing both youth and adults to the sport on Pine Ridge Reservation. Laurie Becvar, CEO of the SD Hall of Fame, presented the New Mexico State University student with a 2023 Act of Excellence award at the Red Rocks golf course in Rapid City.
Lance Christensen of Kyle, SD (left) receives his Acts of Excellence Award from SD Hall of Fame CEO Laurie Becvar at the Red Rocks golf course in Rapid City.
Photo (Left to Right): South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Director Gerry Likness, Clark Sinclair, Connie Sinclair, Eric Sinclair, Neala Sinclair, and South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Director Dr. Loren Tschetter.
Montgomery Furniture
On Saturday, July 22, 2023, South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Directors Gerry Likness and Dr. Loren Tschetter presented Montgomery Furniture with an Act of Excellence Award.
Acts of Excellence awards are reserved for those extraordinary individuals and organizations who are serving their communities in meaningful ways. Montgomery Furniture was considered worthy of the prestigious award for its long history of business in South Dakota and its excellent service.
Paul and LaVerne Olson
On August 12, 2023, Paul and LaVerne Olson (both 97 years old) of Presho, South Dakota were honored with an Acts of Excellence Award at the community’s Music ‘N’ More event held at the Presho City Park. Presho Mayor Ehler introduced South Dakota Hall of Fame CEO Laurie Becvar where she then proceeded to recognize the Olsons for their lifetime of extraordinary service to their community. he life stories of Paul and LaVerne were shared, as well as a list of their numerous awards and community contributions.
LaVerne Olson surrounded by family receiving the 2023 Acts of Excellence Award from SD Hall of Fame CEO Laurie Becvar.
Photo (left to right): Beef Bucks Inc. board member Eileen Moller of Mitchell, SD Hall of Fame Board Director Gerry Likness of Watertown, Beef Bucks Inc. board member Joanne Hillman of Sioux Falls, Beef Bucks Inc. board member Judy Blindauer of Mitchell, and Beef Bucks, Inc. founders and Board Directors Bob and Nancy Montross of De Smet. Other Beef Bucks, Inc. board members not in attendance include: Jim Woster of Sioux Falls and Todd Olinger of Woonsocket.
Beef Bucks Inc.
On August 22, 2023, South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Director Gerry Likness presented an Acts of Excellence Award to the Board of Directors of Beef Bucks, Inc. in Madison, SD for their extraordinary work in the South Dakota beef industry.
Bob and Nancy Montross, the founders of Beef Bucks, Inc., have spent their lives raising beef cattle on their Kingsbury County farm near De Smet, SD, tirelessly promoting their industry. In 1997, they were an instrumental duo in creating Beef Bucks, Inc.—a nonprofit group organized to both promote and educate consumers about beef.
Mustang Seeds
On August 22, 2023, South Dakota Hall of Fame CEO Laurie Becvar and Board Director Gerry Likness presented Mustang Seeds CEO Terry Shultz and the Mustang Seeds team with an Acts of Excellence Award at the Dakota Prairie Playhouse in Madison, South Dakota.
The Ray Schultz family founded Mustang Seeds in Madison in 1963. Their mission was to provide high-quality, small-grain seed to area farmers.
Pictured (center): Mustang Seeds CEO Terry Schulz is awarded with an Acts of Excellence Award from SD Hall of Fame Board Director Gerry Likness and CEO Laurie Becvar surrounded by the Mustang Seeds team.