The Spirit of Dakota Award is an annual honor given to a woman who has demonstrated vision, courage and strength of character in the development of her family, community and/or state.

The nominees will take part in a Tea Party, art show and a banquet being held at the Huron Event Center on Oct. 12.

The 2024 nominees are Maria Beth Rinehart, Onida; Patricia Helmer Aurand, Belle Fourche; Julie Brookbank, Mitchell; LaVonne Gaspar, Sioux Falls; Gayle Van Genderen, Plankinton; Tiffany Myrum, Sisseton; Miranda O’Bryan, Rapid City; and Sharon Scott, Mitchell.

Gayle Van Genderen
Plankinton

“Gayle’s best quality is her excitement and the positivity she brings to our community helping it to grow and be an excellent community in which to live.” Ed Fett

Gayle A. VanGenderen graduated from Plankinton High School in 1979. Her interest in community service and in South Dakota politics was fostered early and nurtured by her parents who were the owners and co-publishers of the South Dakota Mail Newspaper. This business has been in their family for over 90 of its 130-year existence.

She is a 20-year board member of the Plankinton Preservation Society. The Society was founded for the purpose of saving and rehabilitating the 140-year-old Sweep/VanDyke Motel, believed to be one of the oldest buildings still standing in the original town of Plankinton. The motel was scheduled for demolition.

Gayle was instrumental in initial grant writing, fund raising, and the on-going rehabilitation of this facility. Today, the restored Sweep/VanDyke Hotel is a Railroad Museum and Cultural Center.

Gayle has been in the newspaper business since she began working for her parents. At age 36, she became the publisher.

Gayle has been the co-editor for the past 26 years. She and her husband, J.P. Studeny, were recently inducted into the South Dakota News Media Association’s Hall of Fame.

Gayle was nominated by her husband, J. P. Studeny with support from Ed Fett, Senior Vice President of the Farmers & Merchants Bank.

Julie Brookbank
Mitchell

“Julie has dedicated her life to uplifting her community through relentless commitment, innovative leadership, and compassionate service. Her involvement in nonprofit organizations is a true testament to her character and determination.” Jan Larson

Julie Brookbank was born and raised in Mitchell. Her parents, Ivan and Delores Brookbank served the Church of the Nazarene and taught her the importance of giving back and service. In 1983, Julie graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) with a degree in Speech, Communications and Theatre. During her DWU years, she was a full-time employee and evening DJ for KORN/KQRN Radio in Mitchell. Julie has been “the voice” of the Mitchell Community Scholarship Fund for 25 years, helping to raise over one million dollars for local students.

In 1984, she married Phil Picha. Her love of animals led to helping raise funds for the establishment of the Osterhaus Community Pet Shelter.

In 2017, Julie was named the Mitchell Republic’s Person of the Year. In 2023 she received the DWU Dave and Ann Mitchell Award for Exemplary Service to the Community.

Julie was nominated by Jan Larson, co-worker with letters of support from Hilary Rockwell MD, CEO, Avera Queen of Peace Hospital, and Dr. Joe Childs, superintendent Mitchell School District.

LaVonne Gaspar
Sioux Falls

“LaVonne Gaspar is known for her unwavering patient focus. Every action she has taken as a long-term care leader has been in pursuit of better patient experience and outcomes. Those who have worked under her fondly know her lack of tolerance for excuses that come at the expense of patients. She wants what is best for those she serves, and she expects those around her to show the same dedication.” Sheila Casiello

LaVonne Hamaker Gaspar spent her childhood outdoors, tending to the cows and pigs, and helping with various chores on her parents’ farm in Spencer.

LaVonne earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in nursing at South Dakota State University. After 35 years of success in nursing, she answered the call to serve as Director of Nursing Services at one of the state’s largest retirement communities, Avera Prince of Peace. She is a recognized expert on the specifics given in the 400+ page manual of regulations for resident care. This led her to be called out of retirement to serve at both the Avera Gregory Hospital and at the Hot Springs Veterans Home. These jobs entailed much traveling often on hazardous roads. On one of those evening trips, a derecho had swept across the state just as LaVonne was returning home. The wind had blown a sign onto the road in front of a semi. LaVonne pulled over behind the truck, and at age 81 and in a raging storm, hopped out of her vehicle and went to help the driver pull the sign off the road.

In 1963 LaVonne married Ken Gaspar. In 1970, Ken founded Interstate Office Products in Sioux Falls, and LaVonne and another partner’s wife dedicated their evenings and weekends to working in the showroom.

LaVonne was nominated by her daughter, Sheila Casiello, with letters of support from Curt Hohman, Senior Vice President, Avera, and Steve Statz, Senior Vice President of Business Development, Avera.

Marie Beth Rinehart
Onida

“In the heart of our community, there are individuals whose dedication and service leave an indelible mark on the lives they touch. Beth Rinehart is one such remarkable woman. Her tireless efforts have significantly shaped the fabric of Onida and Sully County.” Patty McGee

Beth Rinehart graduated from Sully Buttes High School and continues her lifelong commitment to service to her community. Beth coached Little League baseball, served as a basketball coach for grade school students and chaired the wrestling program.

Beth is committed to preserving Onida’s history and heritage. Her initiative in fundraising for the Historical Society helped raise over half a million dollars for the restoration of the historic dome..

Her deepest impact may well be on “The Boys of Fall,” members of the inaugural football team at Presentation College. During that first year, she was always on the sidelines congratulating them on yards gained, on defensive stands and on touchdowns.

Beth was nominated by her sister, Nola LaRosh, with supporting letters from Patty McGee and Linda Schueth.

Miranda O’Bryan
Rapid City

“The leadership of Miss South Dakota 2023, Miranda O’Bryan, is not confined to holding positions of authority. It is reflected in her ability to inspire and motivate others. She leads by example, showing resilience in the face of challenges and a steadfast commitment to her goals.” Julia Stanek

Miranda O’Bryan is the oldest of three children born to Mikaela and Chris O’Bryan. She graduated from Mission High School.

She was interested in writing from a young age. She enrolled at South Dakota State University and through a required journalism class she renewed her passion for writing.

At SDSU she discovered the Miss America Organization’s scholarship programs which offered a way to pay for her college tuition. She began competing for the Miss South Dakota title and five years of competition later, she was named Miss South Dakota 2023. During each of those years her community service initiative project, Page Turners Fall in Love with Reading, focused on literacy and grew in strength. She has been instrumental in collecting and donating thousands of books to distribute. She has also authored and self-published a children’s book about journalism, “Jerico, The Journalism Kitty.”

After graduating from SDSU with majors in journalism and history, she began working for NewsCenter1 in Rapid City.

After taking a year off to focus on her Miss South Dakota duties, Miranda has returned to NewsCenter1, and has recently been named the morning anchor. In addition, she is pursuing a master’s degree in journalism.

Miranda was nominated by Julia Stanek of the Miss South Dakota Organization.

Patricia Helmer Aurand
Belle Fourche

“Nothing is routine for Patti. She recognizes that each person is going through this journey for the first time. Patti has the ability to take in these situations—many of them very high-stressed--then deflect the negativity and deal just with the matter at hand and continue to provide care and support for people in their moment of need. No matter how painful it might be, she is there to see it through, and that alone is the prairie and pioneer spirit we should all strive for.” Kelli Werner, former hospice co-worker

A fifth generation South Dakotan, Patricia Aurand inherited the perseverance and quirky sense of humor of her forebears.

Ordained by the United Church of Christ (UCC), this first-career pastor was called to parishes in Beresford and Centerville.

Marriage to Pastor Chuck brought the joy of instant children and the challenges of serving churches in multiple zip codes.

In 2017, the Aurands returned to South Dakota. While Chuck serves yoked parishes, Patti honors her new ministry — helping people find healthy and successful pathways through trauma and grief.

Beginning this journey as a hospice chaplain, she recognized the need for diversified services. Adding a second master’s degree, she became a qualified mental health provider.

Patti was nominated by Jean Helmer with support from colleagues Kelli Werner and Nancy Varick.

Sharon Scott
Mitchell

“Her sons affectionally call her “The Church Lady,” but in actuality, her correct titles should be ‘Comfort Food Coordinator’ and ‘CEO of Special Projects.’ Sharon Scott could spend her retirement years simply relaxing. Instead, she devotes her time to worthwhile projects which positively impact others and demonstrate that people care. These are important qualities, especially in light of this current time where divisiveness is too prevalent.” Joan Anderson and Ruby Pattison

Sharon Scott is a strong, effective pillar of Mitchell’s First Lutheran Church. Sharon believes connections around a meal bring comfort and healing. For 25-plus years, she has been coordinating and serving meals for funerals.

Sharon graduated from St. Olaf College and taught science for four years. She was the public relations department at Scott Supply doing the quiet behind-the-scenes work.

Sharon has shared her leadership qualities with the entire community. A 47-year member of the Mitchell PEO, a philanthropic educational organization, she helps provide scholarship monies to young women. She was instrumental in forming the non-denominational Bible study group Christian Women which provided support and spiritual inspiration to young mothers. Sharon led that group for 25 years.

The majority of Sharon’s service has been through her 58-year membership in Mitchell’s First Lutheran Church.

In the past nine years, her organizational skills and willingness to serve others has enabled First Lutheran Church to supply: 897 quilts, 561 baby care kits, 626 personal care kits, 1428 school kits, and 77 fabric kits.

Sharon was nominated by Joan Anderson and Ruby Pattison with the support of Deacon Kris Wollman.

Tiffany Myrum
Sisseton

“Tiffany Myrum is passionate about keeping her rural community thriving with activities for families and for the betterment of the people living there. She is enthusiastic about the future for the region. She is always willing to go the extra mile.” Teri Gisi

Tiffany Karst Myrum is a fifth-generation South Dakotan. She and her husband Curt are parents to four active young adults, Sidney, Tosten, Valerie, and Brooklyn. While she owns and operates two businesses, she treats each as a “side-gig.” This keeps her schedule flexible enough that she can provide a variety of services. Depending on the season, Tiffany can be found driving grain carts, cooking for harvest crews, substituting in classrooms and providing on-call pulpit supply for area churches.

Tiffany graduated from North Dakota State University with a major in Veterinary Technology. While she worked for two local veterinary clinics, she groomed and boarded animals as a “side-gig” until her youngest child was born. At that time, she opted to be a stay-at-home mother and she opened Pampered Pets which she has operated out of her home for 24 years. Tiffany is also an animal foster volunteer with the Lake Traverse Animal Rescue Center.

In 2002, Tiffany became a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant and has been on the National Queens Court of sales for 12 of her 22 years.

Tiffany is a life-long member of the United Methodist Presbyterian Church in Browns Valley, Minn. She is often called upon to lead Sunday worship services in Sisseton and Wilmont, and in Browns Valley, Minn., as these churches continue their search for a settled pastor.

She enjoys running and is active with a local crossfit/bootcamp/weight training group. Her hobbies include refurbishing old furniture and taking photographs.

Tiffany was nominated by Teri Gisi with the support of Jane Schneider and Mary Carlson.