Fourteen distinguished individuals from across the state of South Dakota have been selected to receive the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) Distinguished Service Award for the 2017-18 school year.
Following a nomination process, the recipients of the Distinguished Service Award are selected by the SDHSAA Board of Directors.
The SDHSAA Distinguished Service Award program was established by the SDHSAA in 1976. The Distinguished Service Award is the highest recognition bestowed by the SDHSAA. It is designed to honor individuals who have made significant long-term contributions to the high school athletic and fine arts activities in our state.
Distinguished Service Award recipients are individuals whose contributions have had an impact on high school activity programs.
The Distinguished Service Award is presented to honor administrators (principals, superintendents and athletic/activity directors); Board of Education members; athletic and fine arts activities coaches and directors; contest officials for fine arts and athletic activities; and contributors to statewide high school activities.
The recipients of this award have given outstanding service to the youth of the state through the high school athletic and fine arts activities programs.
The following individuals are the 2017-18 SDHSAA Distinguished Service Award recipients:
Category – Administrators
Dr. Jason Uttermark, Aberdeen Central; Dani Walking Eagle, St. Francis; Galen Drapeau, Marty
Category – Coaches and Directors (Fine Arts)
Helen Mogen, Chester; Sharon Prendergast, Sisseton; Roger McCafferty, Aberdeen Central
Category – Coaches and Directors (Athletics)
Bruce Kleinsasser, Aberdeen Central – Cheer
Marc Murren, S.F. Washington – wrestling
Category – Contest Official
Kevin Brick, Brandon Valley; Kim Bartling, Sioux Falls; Jim Aberle, Lead; Terry Duffy, Brookings; Gene Struck, Montrose; and Dave Dolan, Rapid City.
The Distinguished Service Awards will be presented throughout the 2017-18 school year at various SDHSAA state athletic and fine arts events.
