SOUTH DAKOTA — The South Dakota Hall of Fame is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the Acts of Excellence Award, recognizing individuals and organizations across South Dakota who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to community, compassion, and positive impact. The Acts of Excellence program, sponsored by Sanford Health, is dedicated to acknowledging these unsung heroes. South Dakota is a rural state, and these Acts of Excellence improve the human condition. We are thrilled to honor the transformative impact of individual and collective efforts that contribute to the betterment of our communities.
These six honorees exemplify what it means to turn everyday moments into meaningful change. From building beds for children to cultivating leadership in youth, each recipient has created a ripple effect of excellence through their work. Meet the recipients below.
Coteau Prairie Master Gardeners
Cultivating Community, One Seed at a Time
In Watertown, these SDSU-trained volunteers partner with the Boys & Girls Club to teach gardening to over 50 children each summer. Youth learn to grow, harvest, compost, and share food through a free produce stand, building healthy habits and leadership along the way.
Country Tractor Run
Turning Horsepower into Hope
This annual 50-mile tractor ride in New Effington, led by Mike Ceroll and volunteers, has raised over $500,000 for Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana. The event brings together rural neighbors to grant wishes for critically ill children, turning community spirit into life-changing support.
Hyde County Parks and Recreation
Diving into Community with Heart
Through consistent weekly fundraisers and grassroots involvement, Hyde CPR raised $1 million in two years to build a new public swimming pool in Highmore. Their focus on food, fun, and fellowship created not only a recreational hub but a deeper sense of community pride.
Promising Futures Fund
Transforming Poverty into Possibility
Founded by Steve Hildebrand, this Sioux Falls-based initiative supports students in 19 high-poverty schools through book programs, summer camps, college visits, and more. The organization has helped thousands of children dream bigger and build pathways toward a better future.
Rapid City Central High School Class of 1977
Reunions with Purpose, Legacy with Heart
Instead of simply celebrating milestones, this alumni group has built a Habitat home, planted community gardens, and constructed over 200 beds for children in need. Their ongoing acts of service have inspired other alumni classes to give back in meaningful ways.
Volunteers of America, Dakotas
Camp POSTCARD: Building Bridges, One Badge at a Time
Launched in 2022 in partnership with the Sioux Falls Police Department and Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Camp POSTCARD (Peace Officers Striving To Create and Reinforce Dreams) is a free, weeklong summer camp designed to build trust between law enforcement and middle school students facing adversity. Through shared activities, leadership development, and quarterly reunions, the program fosters lasting trust between youth and police, strengthening community relationships in Sioux Falls.
“These honorees show us what’s possible when passion meets purpose,” said Laurie Becvar, CEO of the South Dakota Hall of Fame. “Their stories are a reminder that acts of excellence come in many forms—and every one of them makes South Dakota stronger.”
To learn more about the 2025 recipients and the Acts of Excellence program, visit www.sdexcellence.org.
