Thank You For Attending the Class of 2024 Honors Ceremony and 50th Anniversary Celebration
The Class of 2024 Honors Ceremony was an unforgettable celebration, marking both the induction of 10 remarkable individuals and the 50th Anniversary of our organization. This milestone weekend was filled with pride, inspiration, and moments that exemplified what it means to champion excellence in South Dakota. We extend our deep thanks to everyone who joined us in honoring the newest members of the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
Friday’s Grand Opening
The festivities kicked off on Friday evening with the Public Grand Opening, where the Class of 2024 Inductees received their medallions, formally commemorating their induction. A particularly touching moment came when Sheila Hazard accepted the medallion on behalf of her late husband, Jeff Hazard (1955-2019). This official welcome into the Hall of Fame was a powerful reminder of the inspiring legacies of these 10 new members, who have helped shape our great state. The evening also featured heartfelt video testimonials congratulating the new inductees, which are now available for viewing online. The celebration of everyday excellence continued as we honored the 2024 Acts of Excellence recipients, and attendees were treated to a beautiful harp performance by Miss South Dakota, Joelle Simpson—a moment of pure artistry that added a special touch to the evening.
Saturday’s Inspiring Events
Saturday was a day dedicated to recognizing and discussing the meaning of a culture of excellence. The morning began with our second annual Inductee Panel Discussion at the Honors Ceremony Brunch, sponsored by First PREMIER Bank & PREMIER Bankcard. Attendees had the unique opportunity to hear firsthand from the new inductees, engaging in meaningful conversations that were as inspiring as they were enlightening.
The celebration continued with Inductee meet and greets, followed by the Anniversary Reunion and 50-Year Anniversary Celebration, sponsored by Sands Wall Systems. This event provided a wonderful opportunity for past inductees to reconnect and welcome the newest class into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. A standout moment was 2024 Inductee Bryan Akipa’s soul-stirring performance of an original flute composition, created especially for this celebration. It was a breathtaking experience that captured the spirit of the Honors Ceremony Weekend.
A Fitting Finale
The weekend concluded with the Honors Ceremony Banquet, featuring powerful speeches from each of the Class of 2024 Inductees and their representatives. Their words, filled with wisdom and passion, highlighted the incredible life’s work and legacies that define what it means to be a champion of excellence. For those who couldn’t attend, these speeches will be available to view online next month. The night began on a high note with a captivating saxophone performance by Inductee and Board Director Shantel Krebs, setting the stage for an inspiring evening. Her performance was followed by the exciting Live Charity Auction featuring some fantastic bidding opportunities.
The Weekend’s celebration concluded with lively music by Second Opinion of Watertown, creating a perfect ending to a remarkable weekend.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We are deeply grateful to our incredible sponsors, donors, and partners who helped make this memorable weekend possible. Your support is invaluable in helping us continue to celebrate and champion excellence across South Dakota. To see a full list of our supporters, click here.
We also want to thank our dedicated staff and Board of Directors for helping this event come to fruition year after year.
As we reflect on this milestone 50th Anniversary, we are reminded of the power of community and the lasting impact of honoring those who embody excellence in all of its forms. Thank you for being a part of this unforgettable celebration.