Spirit of Dakota seeks nominations

HURON — Nominations for the 31st annual Spirit of Dakota award, one of the premier women’s award in the state, are being accepted for this year’s ceremony, set for Oct. 7 at the Huron Event Center.
This award is presented to an outstanding South Dakota woman who has demonstrated vision, courage and strength in character and who has made a significant contribution to the quality of life in her community and state. The nominee does not need to be a native of South Dakota, but must be a living resident of the state. There is no age criterion for this award.
Past recipients have included community leaders in business, government and civic organizations and have been described in newspaper articles as “the cream of the crop in terms of South Dakota’s best.”
The original Spirit of Dakota nine-foot bronze statue stands in front of the Event Center. It was created by internationally known sculptor Dale Lamphere of Sturgis, and is the inspiration for this award.

The 2017 Spirit of Dakota Award honoree will be chosen by a state-wide Selection Commission including First Lady Linda Daugaard of Pierre; Glenna Fouberg, Aberdeen; Julie Garreau, Eagle Butte; Jean Hunhoff, Yankton; Tona Rozum, Chair, Mitchell; Suzette Kirby, Sioux Falls; Marsha Sumpter, Kodoka; Ginger Thomson, Brookings; Judy Trzynka, Watertown; and Bev Wright, Turton.
The nomination process is open to all interested individuals or organizations who wish to recognize an outstanding woman in their community.
Nomination forms are available by contacting the Huron Area Chamber of Commerce, 1725 Dakota Ave S, Huron, SD 57350 (1-800-487-6673) or online at www.spiritofdakota.org.

Louise Van Poll/Plainsman file photo
Last year’s recipient, Susan Delaney Kary is presented the framed rendition of the award by Ginger Thomson, left, a member of the Spirit of Dakota selection committee and Marilyn Hoyt, right, the Spirit of Dakota Award chair.