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Acts of Excellence Spotlight
Every day, South Dakotans do extraordinary things. The Acts of Excellence (AOE) program, sponsored by Sanford Health, recognizes the individuals and organizations who are building a culture of excellence in South Dakota, one act at a time. This year, 15 organizations/individuals have been chosen for their Acts of Excellence.
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QUILTS OF VALOR, FLAG MOUNTAIN HONOR GUARD
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.
Rock School Music Program
The Rock School Music Program in Rapid City received an Acts of Excellence Award for its work for over 20 years in music. South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Director Brad Haupt 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
South Dakota Hall of Fame CEO Laurie Becvar and Board Director Brad Haupt 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.
Community Of Newell
The community of Newell received 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 Acts of Excellence Award celebrating the stellar work of the group. This past year, the Guard provided honors at 85 funerals and 28 additional events. Total volunteer time for the group last year equaled 1,945 hours.
Veterans Honor Guard Of Sturgis
The Veterans Honor Guard of Sturgis received a 2023 Acts of Excellence Award celebrating the exceptional work of the group—providing honors for 5,365 funerals. The organization was established in 1948 and has been active ever since.
MR. MATT COLLINS OF 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, believe 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.
MR. KEITH PATRICK OF VIVIAN
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 the 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
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 through equine experiences from sexual abuse. Laurie Becvar, CEO of the South Dakota Hall of Fame and Board Directors Gerry Likness and Mike Cartney presented the organization with a 2023 Acts of Excellence Award at Joy Ranch. Special tribute was also paid to Joy Nelson, founder and owner of Joy Ranch.
Stavig House Museum
An Acts of Excellence Award was presented to the Board of Directors of the Stavig House Museum for their historical venue. 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.
An exhibit of each 2023 Acts of Excellence recipient will be on display at the South Dakota Hall of Fame’s Visitor and Education Center in Chamberlain this summer. Follow us on Facebook and visit our website as we announce the remaining Acts of Excellence for 2023!
