About Our Scholarship Donors

Established by siblings Anna Lind and Paul Lind, life-long residents of the Alcester area, this scholarship is one of five awards established to benefit graduating high school seniors from the Alcester community.

Known as a trustworthy caregiver, Anna looked after her brother on the family farm for many years after his failing health forced him into retirement. Even before that, Anna cared for her ailing father and later provided a loving home for niece Kristi when Kristi’s parents’ declining health forced them to find her an alternate caretaker.

Family and friends have fond memories of visiting the Lind farm where visitors were always welcome for picnics, dances, suppers, or just a cup of coffee and a friendly chat. Alcester was always Paul and Anna’s home, and thanks to their foresight, it’s where their scholarship will make a difference — for good, for ever.

Scholarship Criteria

Awarded to an Alcester-Hudson High School senior based on need and other criteria.

Established by Arthur O. Moe, this scholarship benefits graduating seniors of Baltic High School who plan to attend an accredited college, university, vocational, or technical school.

Arthur “Art” Moe’s life changed forever when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor two weeks before his 28th birthday.

A short time later, Moe climbed aboard one of the first trains outbound from Sioux Falls, freshly enlisted in the U.S. Army and ready to do his part.

After the war, Moe returned to Sioux Falls and worked for John Morrell & Company.

Later, after his parents died, Moe stayed on at the family farm near Renner, determined to hold onto the land where he and his eight siblings had been raised.

West Nidaros Lutheran Church in rural Crooks was a big reason why Moe’s ties to the area were so strong.

Doing things for his church was a big part of his day-to-day life. In addition to teaching Sunday School, Moe launched a series called “Our Neighbor’s Faith” to explore world religions. He served on a task force to plan for the church’s future needs and even created a one-third scale replica of the original Nidaros church by hand.

Scholarship Criteria

This award benefits graduating seniors of Baltic High School who plan to attend an accredited college, university, or technical school. Applicants must have financial need.

This scholarship was established in 1998 in honor of Bill Barlow, who retired after 30 years as president of the Sioux Empire United Way. More than 300 Sioux Falls area individuals and businesses contributed to this scholarship fund, which is intended to offer encouragement and support to a young man or woman who endeavors, after a bad start, to make the most of his/her potential.

A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Bill often spoke of how education shaped his life. After exhibiting many traits of what some might call an “at risk” adolescent, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee and earned a B.S. in sociology. Bill began his professional career as an executive with the Boy Scouts of America in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and later served as associate director of the United Way of Brown County in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

In his role with the Sioux Empire United Way, Bill emphasized the support of programs that build and advance a caring community, encourage and provide positive environment for young people, and emphasize character development and service. He also insisted on high standards of leadership for himself and agencies supported by the United Way, emphasizing professional leadership, broad volunteer participation, accountability, and solid results for the community’s investment.

Bill’s service to Sioux Falls extended far beyond his work with the United Way. He was involved in activities as diverse as marriage mentoring and service on the Board of the Master Singers. He is considered the “Godfather” of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation. He was active in the First Presbyterian Church, many professional and service organizations, and frequently taught courses and workshops in subjects such as board development, fundraising, and nonprofit management. Bill never stopped learning, among his many development credits is the United Way of America’s Executive Management Program at Harvard’s Graduate School of Business.

Bill passed away in 2009, but his passion for education continues on through this scholarship.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship provides an award for the first year of higher education at an accredited college, university, vocational, or technical school for students from the Sioux Falls area who have a financial need. Applicants must be graduating seniors of an alternative school, or of a Sioux Falls area public or private high school, or have earned a GED. Applicants graduating from a public or private high school must have a cumulative GPA of no greater than 3.0. There is no GPA requirement for applicants graduating from an alternative school or for those who have earned a GED. This scholarship offers multiple awards.

This scholarship was created by the local Chapter of Certified Property and Casualty Underwriters in memory of Martin Cogley and Richard Buffington, who selflessly gave their time and energy to teach insurance and business courses to professionals in the Sioux Falls area. The two were instrumental in establishing the Sioux Empire Chapter of Certified Property and Casualty Underwriters (CPCU).

The scholarship benefits a graduating high school senior from the Sioux Empire who wishes to pursue an academic degree from an accredited institution and who demonstrates an interest in business.

The Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter professional designation, conferred by the American Institute for CPCU, sets a standard of excellence for men and women in the property and liability insurance business.

Scholarship Criteria

To be eligible for this award, applicants must be graduating seniors from high schools throughout South Dakota, Southwest Minnesota, and Northwest Iowa who plan to attend an accredited, four-year college or university. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need; have a GPA of 3.5 or higher; participate in extra-curricular and community activities, and demonstrate an interest in and understanding of the role of business in American society.

This scholarship was created by the Dakota Gold Soccer Association to promote a positive soccer environment in the Sioux Falls area and to assist the Sioux Falls soccer community at large. In 2009, the Dakota Gold Soccer Association and the Sioux Falls Soccer Association merged to form the Dakota Alliance Soccer Club.

Annual awards are made by an independent panel of community leaders appointed by SFACF.

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants who benefit from this award must be graduating high school seniors from the Sioux Falls area who have participated in the Dakota Alliance Soccer Club, or in Sioux Falls high school soccer programs. Additionally, they must plan to attend an accredited college or university, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and demonstrate leadership through his or her role on a soccer team. Excellence in athletics or other extracurricular activities within the community will also be evaluated by the selection panel. This scholarship offers multiple awards.

This scholarship was established in 1989 by members of the Minnehaha County Deputies Association, comprised of members of the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Department who share a common belief in the importance of being active in the community in which we live.

Scholarship Criteria

Successful candidates for this award must be graduating from a Minnehaha County public or private high school and planning to attend a South Dakota college or university. Additional criteria includes participation in extra-curricular and community activities and a desire and ability to succeed in a chosen career field.

Established by Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP., this scholarship honors the academic achievement and community involvement of area students.

Founded in 1939, Davenport Evans is one of South Dakota’s oldest, largest, and most highly respected law firms. There are now more than 30 Davenport Evans lawyers serving clients in the Great Plains, across the nation, and around the world. Davenport Evans serves clients in the areas of corporate and business law, financial services, litigation, labor and employment law, workers’ compensation, taxation, and estate planning and probate and trust administration.

Scholarship Criteria

To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must be graduating seniors of high schools in Brookings, Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha, Moody, or Turner counties of South Dakota. They must also have high academic achievement as demonstrated by cumulative GPA, class rank, and ACT score; plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university in South Dakota; and be involved in school and community activities. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate a desire to pursue and meet educational goals. Children and immediate family members of the firm's partners and employees are not eligible for the award. This scholarship offers multiple awards.

This scholarship was created in memory of David Jay Schmidt. Born in 1953 as the sixth child in a family of 10 children, David grew up on a farm near Dell Rapids and, following his high school graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy hoping to earn enough money to put himself through college. His dream was to attend Georgia Tech to study engineering and play football.

In 1973, he was stationed at Oak Harbor Naval Station on Whidbey Island, Washington. During a long weekend with friends on the Olympic Peninsula, David went missing. After three days of searching, the pilot of a search plane spotted David’s body on the shore. Apparently, he had rounded a dangerous point and was caught in the surf as the tide came in. He was 19 years old.

David’s older siblings didn’t receive many scholarships toward their collegiate studies, and because of that, the group came up with the idea of establishing this award. Over the years, it has grown through memorial gifts given by the Schmidt family and other contributors.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship is open to graduating seniors of Dell Rapids Public High School who plan to attend an accredited college, university, or vocational or technical school. Applicants must also be ranked in the lower 90 percent of their graduating class and demonstrate financial need. The selection panel gives preference to qualified applicants who have not received other scholarship awards.

This scholarship was established in 2000 by Rosemary Skluzak in loving memory of her husband, Delmar, on the 20-year anniversary of his death. Delmar graduated from Kimball Public High School in 1938 and served as a noted insurance agent in the Kimball area for nearly 40 years.

Rosemary grew up in Woonsocket, South Dakota. She and Delmar married in 1958 and made their home in Kimball, where they raised three children, Shelly, Dell and Cory.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship is open to graduating seniors of Kimball Public High School who plan to attend an accredited college, university, vocational, or technical school. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens, rank in the top 50% of their class, and have participated in extra-curricular and community activities. Preference will be given to students who plan to enroll in a South Dakota educational institution.

This scholarship honors the life of Delmer Scott, a 1966 graduate of Alcester High School.

Delmer had a special affinity for agriculture and enjoyed being part of the Future Farmers of America organization as a student. Sadly, a car accident took Delmer’s life in June 1966, shortly after his graduation from high school. In celebration of his life and his passion for agriculture, the Scott family designated this award to benefit an Alcester senior who has showed outstanding effort in agriculture courses or in the local FFA chapter.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship is open to graduating seniors of Alcester-Hudson High School who have participated in agriculture courses or Future Farmers of America and who demonstrate financial need.

Established by the Bly family, this scholarship is intended to support lifelong learning. The family believes that education and success are not just about the ability to earn, but are also about giving back and endeavoring to make the community and world a better place to live.

Education actually brought Duane and Bonnie together. Bonnie was teaching at Jefferson Elementary in Sioux Falls when she met Duane, a farmer from the Brandon area. A graduate of Summit High School, Bonnie graduated from Northern State University with a two-year teaching degree. Duane attended twelve years of school at Brandon before enrolling at Augustana College. After two years in college, his love of farming and the livestock industry brought him back home to the farm.

Bonnie and Duane married and made their home on the farm in the Brandon area. Bonnie completed her education degree at the University of Sioux Falls and taught for three more years in the Brandon Valley School District before “retiring” to raise their family of three children.

After several years, Duane’s two younger brothers, Bill and Jon, joined him in a business partnership, which now included three families. Hard work, cooperation, and lifelong education from others in the agriculture and business communities have helped them to progress in their farming business.

As an elementary classroom teacher, Bonnie always had empathy for the struggling reader. After several years, she returned to the Brandon Valley Schools as a Title 1 reading teacher. She continues to volunteer at REACH by teaching literacy skills to adult learners.

Their three children, Tanya, Jeff, and Mark, graduated from Brandon Valley High School. They earned their degrees and advanced degrees at various universities. Duane and Bonnie have also been blessed with four grandchildren.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship is open to graduating seniors of Brandon Valley High School who plan to attend an accredited South Dakota college or university. Students must also demonstrate financial need.

Born on March 23, 1997, Emily Groth was a beacon of creativity, kindness, and resilience. Emily found expression in her art from an early age, whether through the unique pieces she crafted out of sticks, rocks, and leaves as a toddler, or in the paintings and pottery pieces she later sold on Etsy. Emily's artistic gift extended to the fashion world, as she designed and created her own clothing, hats, and accessories.

Emily was also an extraordinary athlete, her gymnastic journey starting during preschool and lasting throughout high school, leading to a notable collection of medals. Her athletic prowess was further proven in competitive cheer and track.

Emily's talent in the arts led to her receiving an art scholarship to the University of South Dakota. Her unique paintings were not just beautiful expressions of her creativity; they were a testament to her dedication, discipline, and vision as an artist.

Sadly, Emily's promising life was cut short at the tender age of 21 in May of 2018, due to fentanyl poisoning. Emily's family channeled their sorrow into a meaningful cause: honoring Emily's spirit, memory, and passion for art. Part of their mission led to the creation of the Emily's Hope Art Scholarship, a fund dedicated to supporting graduating seniors in South Dakota who are pursuing a degree or field of study in art, especially visual art. The scholarship serves not only as a tribute to Emily's artistic talent but also ensures her legacy as a prolific painter continues to inspire, motivate, and provide opportunities for future artists.

Scholarship Criteria

To qualify for this scholarship, students must emulate Emily's determination, desire to succeed, and ability to work well with others. They should also be prepared to go beyond what is expected to help and inspire others. While financial need is a criterion
considered only in the event of a tie between two qualified applicants, the scholarship gives preference to students who have actively participated in extracurricular and community activities maintained a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and plan to attend an accredited college, university, vocational, or technical school.

Through the Emily's Hope Art Scholarship, Emily's family is committed to nurturing the next generation of artists, encouraging them to set ambitious goals, reach for their dreams, and impact the world in their unique way, just as Emily did. Emily's passion
for art continues to live on, shaping the future of art, one scholarship at a time.

The Equitable Sioux Empire Scholarship (formerly AXA Sioux Empire Scholarship) is a permanent endowment of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation. The scholarship is awarded to high school students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their school, community, or workplace activities.

In making this award, primary consideration is given to the applicant's submission of an essay that describes a nonacademic activity or project that he or she has undertaken and what he or she has learned from the experience. The essay is supported by a recommendation from an adult who is familiar with the applicant's work on the project.

Consideration is also given to other extracurricular activities in school and community, work experience, and the applicant’s academic record over the past four years.

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants must be graduating seniors at an accredited public or private high school in the Sioux Falls area and must plan to attend an accredited four-year academic college or university. Equitable employees, associates, immediate family members of employees, and associates of the Donor are not eligible for the award. Successful candidates will demonstrate diligence, determination to overcome challenges, and willingness to undertake unusual responsibility in pursuit of a worthy, nonacademic personal achievement.

This scholarship was established in honor of 10 Teton Lakota young men who, in 1862, risked their lives to save a group of white women and children who had been taken captive during the Dakota Conflict.

The men traded their own horses, guns and other goods for the release of the captives. They then transported the women and children over more than 100 miles of rough terrain and through frigid weather to safety.

These 10 young men, who were never compensated for their goods used in ransom, nor fully recognized for their heroism, became known as the Fool Soldiers.

This scholarship was established for descendants of the Fool Soldiers by relatives of the captives they rescued.

Scholarship Criteria

Eligible applicants must be able to prove their ancestry; have a GPA of 2.0 or higher; be planning to attend an accredited college, university, or vocational or technical school; and have financial need. This scholarship offers multiple awards.

Established to honor the memory of Fred and Marie Christopherson and their love for South Dakota, this scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors from across the state.

Married on February 13, 1926, Fred and Marie both worked in the newspaper business. Fred became editor of the Argus Leader in 1928 and held that post for 33 years until his retirement in the early 1950s. Marie was a reporter throughout her career and wrote a Sunday column for the Argus Leader during the 1930s and 1940s. In 1995, the Center for Western Studies published the columns she wrote during World War II in a book entitled "Driftwood.”

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants who plan to attend a four-year college or university in South Dakota, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.9 after seven semesters, and have a minimum ACT score of 28 are eligible for this award. It is available to seniors graduating from South Dakota high schools. This scholarship offers multiple awards and is renewable.

This scholarship celebrates the life of Gordon Ingwersen. Gordon attended Longfellow Elementary School and graduated from Washington High School in 1940. He attended the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City and graduated with a B.S. degree in Metallurgical Engineering.

Gordon went on to work for the Carburundum Company in Niagara Falls, New York, where he applied and was given a commission in the U.S. Navy. He was assigned to Harvard University where he studied cryptographic analysis. This was followed by duty in the South Pacific and Japan where he was in charge of coding and decoding messages for a supply command.

After WWII, Gordon spent three years working for the Aluminum Company of America in Gaswood, New Jersey and Hillside, Illinois. He finished his working career with Honeywell, Inc. as principal metallurgist for the Defense System Division.

Gordon passed away in 2013 leaving behind two daughters and grandchildren.

Scholarship Criteria

Graduating high school seniors from Doland High School are eligible for this award. Applicants must plan to attend an accredited college, university, or vocational or technical school; demonstrate financial need; have a GPA of 2.0 or higher; and demonstrate the desire, motivation, and ability to succeed in his/her chosen field. This scholarship offers multiple awards.

This scholarship was established in 2000 in loving memory of Kellie Harrison and Ashley Joslyn. These two best friends were inseparable, both in life and death. They enjoyed participating in activities together whether it be school, church, or community. After their graduation from Canton High School in 1999, the two remained friends until they died in a tragic car accident on their way home to Canton. Both girls were considered community leaders

Kellie participated in band, choir, drill team, the yearbook and newspaper staff, basketball, and volleyball. Kellie was the leading lady in the 1999 production of South Pacific. She also took an interest in T.E.C. (Teens Encountering Christ). At the time of her death, Kellie was finishing her freshman year at Augustana College as a theatrical marketing major. Always one to look on the bright side, friends counted on Kellie for inspiration.

Ashley was an outgoing individual who loved to help people. During her years at Canton, she was involved in band, wind ensemble, B.U.D.S., National Honor Society, yearbook staff, drill team, and was a cheerleader for basketball, football and wrestling. She was also editor of the school newspaper. Like Kellie, she took a particular interest in T.E.C. Following high school, Ashley attended the University South Dakota and was working on a business degree.

This scholarship means different things to different people, depending whether they knew Kellie and Ashley. It represents what Kellie and Ashley stood for. They wanted people to reach out to others. They wanted people to accomplish things and live their lives to the fullest. The friends and family of the two girls hope this scholarship inspires the recipients as much as these two girls inspired them.

Scholarship Criteria

Graduating seniors who have attended Canton Public High School for a minimum of two academic years are eligible for this award. Further criteria include attendance at an accredited post-secondary educational institution in South Dakota and involvement in school, community, and church activities. This scholarship offers multiple awards.

This scholarship honors the life of Harry Lee, Alcester’s long-time pharmacist, and is designed to benefit graduating high school seniors from the Alcester community.

Harry Lee was born at the turn of the century in Minnesota, but his love for science led him to the Babcock Institute of Pharmacy in Des Moines, Iowa, where he earned the credentials necessary to work with pharmaceuticals. Following graduation in 1920, Harry moved to Alcester so he could work in the local drug store, which he bought in 1923. Harry practiced his trade there for nearly 30 years. His only break came during World War II when he served in the U.S. Navy for nearly four years.

In 1947, Harry sold his store when he joined the state’s Department of Agriculture as the director of the plant division. He later became the department’s inspector, and in 1959 made his final career move to the state’s Board of Pharmacy where he also worked as an inspector until he retired in 1972.

However, Harry’s retirement didn’t quite take. He could often be found filling in for local pharmacists in Alcester, Beresford, Elk Point, and other area communities.

Harry was also heavily involved in the affairs of his community. He was a charter member of the Alcester Lions Club, a member of the local commercial club and volunteer fire department, and a past city council member, just to name a few. During his lifetime, Harry received numerous awards and recognition for his community service.

Scholarship Criteria

Awarded to an Alcester-Hudson High School senior based on financial need and interest in pharmacy, medicine, nursing, laboratory science, chemistry, physics, or other sciences.

This scholarship honors the lives of Herman and LaVerne Griller.

The couple met during the Great Depression. Herm was a native of Sioux Falls. He grew up in the “Northend” and attended Cathedral High School. Upon graduation, he secured a position with the “Milwaukee Road,” selling tickets at the depot at Fourth and Phillips.

LaVerne was born in Eagle and graduated from Kimball High School. She moved to Sioux Falls in 1933 and got a job at Henry Field Store to earn money for beauty school. The store was a few blocks south of the depot, a place where Herm sometimes stopped to get lunch. After he met LaVerne, he stopped more often!

The young couple courted and made plans for the future. Herm, skilled in lettering and penmanship, left his job and joined a local signmaker. The work suited him. In 1937, wanting to improve his technique, he decided to head for California and asked LaVerne to join him. Their first stop was Murdo, where they got married.

Herm’s talent and LaVerne’s faith in him paid off. He became “Herm the Sign Man” with a shop at Eighth and Franklin. His services were in demand statewide. LaVerne eventually left her position with Fantle’s Department store to run Herm’s office from their home.

Partners in all they did, the Grillers had been married 67 years when Herm passed away in 2004. LaVerne lived another seven years and made provisions in her will to create this scholarship through the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation.

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants must be graduating seniors of an accredited high school in the Sioux Falls area who plan to attend an accredited college or university and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need. This scholarship offers multiple awards.

This scholarship was established by Deloris Hopps Dow in honor of her family who farmed near Groton for many years.

A 1952 graduate of Groton High School, Deloris married Raymond in 1979 and the couple enjoyed more than 20 years of marriage until his death in 2002. Deloris always appreciated the opportunities she received at GHS. Helping young people pursue their dreams of higher education is her way of honoring the community that got her off to the right start in life.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship benefits graduating seniors of Groton High School who plan to attend an accredited college, university, or vocational school in South Dakota. To be eligible, applicants must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher, demonstrate financial need, and have the desire and ability to succeed in their chosen field of study. This scholarship offers multiple awards.

Established in 1989 by Helmer and Clifford Hovik, this scholarship honors the memory of their parents, Sigrid and Kristian. Sigrid and Kristian emigrated from Norway, farmed near Canton nearly all their lives and were active in the local Lutheran church.

Sigrid and Kristian believed strongly in the value of higher education, and they worked hard to provide their sons with the opportunity to pursue college degrees. Helmer graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of South Dakota in 1935, and Clifford went on to earn his degree at South Dakota State University in 1940.

Because their college careers — particularly Helmer’s — spanned the Great Depression, the brothers’ appreciation for their parents’ support runs especially deep. Sigrid and Kristian’s example made them sensitive to the financial strain students and their families often face in providing for college educations. It is with that in mind that the Hoviks established this award.

Scholarship Criteria

To be eligible for this award, applicants must be graduating high school seniors who live in Lincoln County, South Dakota, and are members of the Lutheran faith with plans to attend accredited four-year colleges or universities that are affiliated with the Lutheran church. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need and have the ability to achieve academic success.

This award was established in memory of Christian T. and Anna (Barnes) Hovland.

Established by Eunice and Howard Hovland, this scholarship is funded for the express purpose of promoting and encouraging students of Norwegian descent to pursue education beyond high school, anticipating purposeful and professional employment as well as possible cultural exchange.

Eunice and Howard were employed in the field of education for a combined total of 68 years, and since they recognize the value of education as a means to achieve professional occupational goals, they encourage education beyond high school for academic as well as technical skill advancement.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship is open to students who will be entering their junior year in college in the fall. Students must be enrolled at an accredited college or university and of Norwegian descent, with preference given to applicants from the Bomlo Community of Norway. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.

Established by the Independent Insurance Agents of Sioux Falls, an association of local insurance agencies that share a common belief in the importance of active community involvement, this scholarship was established to recognize and support Sioux Falls students who understand the importance of continuing their education beyond high school.

Scholarship Criteria

Successful applicants for this award must be graduating seniors of Sioux Falls public or private high schools who plan to attend a South Dakota college, university, or vocational or technical school. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need, which is the key factor in selecting a winner for this award. Additional criteria includes a GPA of 3.0 or higher and an ability to succeed in a chosen field of study.

Established by James and Bernice Kopperud in 1994, this scholarship is designed to enable students from Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to attend college.

The couple’s children, Jean and Royal, both graduated from Lincoln High School. James and Bernice appreciated the educational opportunities their children received.

In establishing this scholarship, the Kopperuds wish to help other graduating seniors continue their education.

Scholarship Criteria

This award benefits graduating seniors of Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls who plan to attend a four-year accredited college or university. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, demonstrate financial need, and have the desire and ability to succeed in his or her chosen field of study. This scholarship offers multiple awards.

This scholarship honors the lives and contributions of two passionate educators.

Education was central to James and Vera Sadler’s lives no matter where they made their home.

James, an Arizona native, graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1938. That same year he and Vera, a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University and a high school teacher in her hometown of Callaway, Nebraska, were married.

The Sadlers’ union was the beginning of an adventure that spanned more than 64 years. Both enrolled in Pennsylvania’s Crozer Seminary were Vera studied Greek under a professor who didn’t believe women were capable of studying such a difficult language. Her sharp mind won him over. She became his assistant, tutoring her male classmates and taking charge of the classroom when her instructor was away. Jim received a Bachelor of Divinity Degree in 1941, and so did Vera — the first woman to do so from that seminary.

In 1961, the couple moved to Sioux Falls. Dr. James Sadler had been hired to chair the Psychology Department at Sioux Falls College, now USF. Vera taught English at Washington High School, a position she held for 22 years. Vera went on to earn her master’s degree from Augustana College in 1965 and occasionally taught summer classes at Augustana and Sioux Falls College. The year Vera turned 65, the Sioux Falls School District repealed its mandatory retirement policy, and Vera, by then chairwoman of the WHS English department, opted to teach five more years.

James passed away in 2002; Vera in 2004. Both were 91 years old.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship benefits graduates of Washington High School in Sioux Falls, who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in education at an accredited four-year college or university. Eligible applicants must have completed enough credit hours to be classified as an incoming junior or senior, and must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better in their major and overall.

This scholarship honors the lives and contributions of two passionate educators.

Education was central to James and Vera Sadler’s lives no matter where they made their home.

James, an Arizona native, graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1938. That same year he and Vera, a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University and a high school teacher in her hometown of Callaway, Nebraska, were married.

The Sadlers’ union was the beginning of an adventure that spanned more than 64 years. Both enrolled in Pennsylvania’s Crozer Seminary were Vera studied Greek under a professor who didn’t believe women were capable of studying such a difficult language. Her sharp mind won him over. She became his assistant, tutoring her male classmates and taking charge of the classroom when her instructor was away. Jim received a Bachelor of Divinity Degree in 1941, and so did Vera — the first woman to do so from that seminary.

In 1961, the couple moved to Sioux Falls. Dr. James Sadler had been hired to chair the Psychology Department at Sioux Falls College, now USF. Vera taught English at Washington High School, a position she held for 22 years. Vera went on to earn her master’s degree from Augustana College in 1965 and occasionally taught summer classes at Augustana and Sioux Falls College. The year Vera turned 65, the Sioux Falls School District repealed its mandatory retirement policy, and Vera, by then chairwoman of the WHS English department, opted to teach five more years.

James passed away in 2002; Vera in 2004. Both were 91 years old.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship benefits graduates of Washington High School in Sioux Falls who plan to major in education at an accredited four-year college or university. Successful applicants must demonstrate financial need and must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Established by Lennard Stenholtz, this scholarship honors the life of his son, James.

James Stenholtz was a junior at Lincoln High School with interests in hunting, fishing, wrestling and football when he tragically passed away due to a rare form of meningitis in 1971.

Even though Lennard and his wife, Margaret, outlived their only child by many years — she until 1980 and he until 1989 — the couple never forgot how difficult it was to say goodbye to James. This scholarship is their way of celebrating his life and how much he meant to their family.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship goes to a graduating senior of Lincoln Senior High School who plans to attend an accredited college, university, or vocational or technical school. Eligible applicants must also demonstrate financial need and have participated in extra-curricular and community activities.

This scholarship was established in 2000 in memory of Jeremy Baum, who died July 25, 1999, by suicide. He was 20 years old.

Growing up, Jeremy excelled at all he tried, often stunning people with his ability to pick up a new hobby and surpass others’ expectations with his own unique flair. He had a quick wit, great sense of humor, and his accomplishments on the basketball court and in track were enjoyed by all who witnessed him in action. He was also known for standing up for those being bullied.

Jeremy also had a very sensitive nature and struggled with depression and anxiety, which he kept mostly to himself. In his late teen years he began drinking and using drugs, most likely to mask his depression.

Four months before his death he quit using and moved home. He was making a great effort to turn his life around. He had a dream of going to SDSU that fall. It remains a mystery why he chose to end his life, but through this scholarship, his family hopes to keep his dream of rising above adversity alive.

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants must be a graduate or a graduating senior of a Dell Rapids high school or a person who has earned a GED or equivalent and resides in Dell Rapids. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and plan to attend an accredited college, university, or vocational or technical school.

This scholarship was established in 2006 in loving memory of Gerald (Jerry) Orville Hoftiezer. Jerry graduated from Castlewood High School in 1964 and furthered his education at Dakota State University, graduating in 1968 with a degree in education. After graduating from DSU, Jerry began his teaching career at the Dell Rapids High School, where he taught mathematics for 35 years. During his time at DRHS, Jerry was also actively involved in athletics, serving as assistant athletic director and coach for football, basketball, and track.

Throughout his tenure at DRHS, Jerry was always committed to his students and athletes. His passion for teaching and educating young people was apparent to both his students and colleagues. He experienced a genuine sense of excitement and joy through teaching his students and sharing in their success. His greatest satisfaction came not from his own accomplishments, but from the achievements of his students.

Jerry was committed to making a difference in his community, school, and church. In addition to his teaching career, Jerry was also active in his community. He was a member of the Dell Rapids Community Fund and The Reformed Church.

Jerry touched generations of students, and this scholarship allows his legacy live on. It was his wish to establish this scholarship, not for his benefit, but for the benefit of students. He appreciated the importance of math and education, and it was his desire to help students to do their best and pursue their goals.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship benefits graduating seniors of Dell Rapids High School who plan to attend a four-year college or university and are involved in school and community activities. Special consideration is given to students who maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale and who have taken five math courses, including A.P. Calculus. Applicants are not required to pursue a math-related college major to be eligible for this scholarship. This scholarship offers multiple awards.

Commemorating the lives of Jim and Fran Foss, this scholarship benefits students graduating from Sioux Falls public high schools who stand in need of financial support in order to carry out their dreams of furthering their educations.

Frances Helen Coppla married James Foss in 1947. The two relocated to Sioux Falls where they lived throughout their lives. Jim is remembered as one of the hardest-working electricians around, and Fran for her fun-loving nature and lively sense of humor.

After Jim’s death in 1993, Fran went on to live another 20 years. While putting together her will, she left the bulk of her estate the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation with instructions to set up a scholarship fund.

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants must be graduating seniors of a Sioux Falls public high school who plan to attend an accredited college or university. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and demonstrate financial need. In addition, applicants must have completed their FAFSA and received their Student Aid Report before applying. This scholarship offers multiple awards.

This scholarship honors the careers of two passionate educators.

On the surface, Jim and Pat Croston may seem like opposites — he loves numbers and she adores language — but the pair couldn’t be more compatible, particularly where education is concerned. Their shared belief in the importance of lifelong learning and its value for young and old alike has always drawn them to the place they’re most comfortable — school.

In fact, that’s where they spent their careers. Jim earned his education degree thanks to the GI Bill and found his niche in math, a subject that — despite an occasional science course or two —would serve as the mainstay of his 18 years of teaching at Edison Middle School. Jim went on to earn his master’s degree and a specialty degree in administration, which eventually led to a new challenge — becoming principal of Axtell Park Middle School. He retired in 1993 after 35 years as an educator.

Pat began her tenure earlier than most. At just 17 years old and with only one semester of college under her belt, she stepped into her first classroom. She finished a two-year degree and returned years later for her elementary certification. Her specialty is English, which she taught for 13 years at Patrick Henry Middle School. Pat also earned her master’s degree, which led to administrative roles for her as well. She served as an interim assistant principal at Patrick Henry Middle School and later as principal at Lowell and Hawthorne elementary schools. Pat retired in 1995 after 31 years in education.

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants must be graduates of a Sioux Falls high school majoring in education and enrolled as full-time students entering their junior or senior year at an accredited, four-year academic college or university in South Dakota. Preference will be given to those who are pursuing degrees in elementary or secondary education or who plan to work in a middle school setting.

Established by the family of Joe and Norma Rahm, this scholarship is designed to honor their lives and assist highly motivated young people to pursue their educational goals.

Joe E. Rahm was born April 11, 1927, in Turton to George and Amelia Rahm. He graduated from Turton High School in 1945 and served in the Army during World War II. During his lifetime, Joe was a member of the Doland School Board, the Knights of Columbus, and the VFW of Redfield.

Norma Jean Rahm was born April 7, 1928 in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Allen and Kathryn Richards. She moved to Aberdeen in 1945 to attend the Cadet Nursing Program at St. Luke’s Hospital. She worked at Conde Hospital until her marriage to Joe in 1949.

In 1956, the couple purchased a farm north of Doland. There, they raised four children, George and Larry, who remain in the Doland area, and Deanna and Judy, who live with their families in Minnesota and Georgia.

Joe passed away August 30, 1997. Norma died April 20, 2004.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship supports graduating seniors of Doland or Redfield high schools who plan to attend a South Dakota accredited college, university, or vocational or technical school. Successful applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, be involved in school and community activities, and be highly motivated self-starters. This scholarship offers multiple awards.

This scholarship was established to honor Joe Foss and perpetuate his legacy by providing financial assistance to students graduating from South Dakota accredited high schools.

Joe Foss was born and raised in South Dakota. Because of his ideals and qualities of bravery, in addition to his patriotism and determination, Joe overcame adversity in his youth and eventually became a national figure and hero as one of America’s greatest World War II fighter pilots.

Scholarship recipients will be leaders among their peers, will be honorable and courageous, will possess qualities of a humanitarian, and will demonstrate love for God and country. Above all characteristics to be measured is the student’s ability to have accepted a challenge that tested his/her value system (principles by which he/she lives his/her life).

Scholarship Criteria

To be eligible for this award, applicants must plan to attend an accredited college or university or vocational or technical school; have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better and a minimum ACT score of 21; and demonstrate characteristics of an American patriot. Available to seniors graduating from South Dakota high schools. This scholarship offers multiple awards.

This scholarship was established by the Lennox Ducks Unlimited chapter and family members to honor the life of Jon Richter.

Jon was born and raised in Lennox. In school, he was active in 4-H, FFA and football. After graduating from Lennox High School, Jon stayed active in community activities and events. He coached junior football for many years, owned and operated 44 & Main, a small town café, and was an active member of the Lennox Ducks Unlimited, serving as president and on the planning committee.

Jon was a self-taught guitar player who played and sang in a number of bands, including That One Band, featuring many classic country songs. Jon also shared his musical talents in the Chancellor Reformed Church praise band and helped with youth group activities. Jon was the happiest when riding his horse and having a good time with friends and family.

In February of 2015, Jon’s life was cut short by a work place tragedy. Although Jon’s life ended far too soon, family and friends hope his legacy will live on through this scholarship. The successful candidate of this scholarship should share Jon’s passion for community and service.

Scholarship Criteria

Open to graduating seniors of Lennox High School who plan to attend an accredited college, university, or technical school. This scholarship offers multiple awards.

Honoring the lives and contributions of Julius and Dorothy Jacobsen, this scholarship benefits graduating seniors from Tri-Valley, West Central, and Montrose high schools who plan to pursue higher education at an accredited South Dakota school.

Julius and Dorothy believed in keeping things simple. Married for more than 50 years, their life together centered around hard work, concern for others and their friends' well-being, and a deep respect for nature and its creatures.

Dorothy, who passed away in 2002, outlived her husband by six years. The legacy gifts they devised reflect much of what they valued. Dorothy's will established this award — among the largest of SFACF's scholarships to date — to honor the couple's ties to rural Sioux Falls.

Julius and Dorothy's paths didn't cross until adulthood. Julius was born in Chicago, but moved to South Dakota with his family as a youngster. On the open prairie, he and his five brothers and one sister helped operate a series of family farms. Julius eventually made his way to the Sioux Falls area where he and brother Raymond owned and operated Sioux Falls Farm Equipment.

In contrast to Julius, Dorothy Jackson was an only child. Born near Hartford, she graduated from Nettleton Commercial College and pursued a career in bookkeeping. As luck would have it, she went to work for Warrior Oil Company, an enterprise where Julius regularly purchased merchandise. It wasn't long before the couple's business transactions gave way to courtship, and they were married in 1944.

The couple made Sioux Falls their home, spending the balance of their lives here. They shared a love for animals — faithfully feeding the birds and squirrels that chanced into their backyard — and they were devoted to their two house cats. They were members of First United Methodist Church, Sioux Empire Gem and Mineral Society and the Center for Western Studies at Augustana College.

Scholarship Criteria

To be eligible for this award, applicants must be graduating seniors from Montrose, Tri-Valley, or West Central high schools in South Dakota. Applicants must also plan to attend an accredited, bachelor degree-granting, four-year college or university in South Dakota; excel in citizenship, work, extra-curricular activities, or other endeavors; and have distinguished themselves academically as demonstrated by an ACT score of 26 or higher and a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Notes: $5,000 scholarships available to students pursuing education at a public institution; $10,000 scholarships for students pursuing education at private institutions. This scholarship offers multiple awards and is renewable.

This scholarship was established by the Junior League of Sioux Falls, Inc. (JLSF), an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants for this scholarship must be female; reside in Minnehaha or Lincoln Counties of South Dakota; be a graduating senior from an accredited high school or a home school program; and plan to attend an accredited college, university, community college, vocational school, or technical school (excluding institutions whose academic programs are conducted primarily online or via correspondence). Additionally, applicants must have a minimum ACT score of 23 or a minimum SAT score in the math and critical reading components of 1060.

Friends and family established the Justin Lake College Scholarship Fun to benefit graduating high school seniors who plan to pursue higher education.

Justin was born in Sioux Falls. He graduated from Huron High School.

Justin went on to Black Hills State University majoring in Business and playing football for the Yellow Jackets where he anchored the offensive line. Justin was inducted into the Hall of Fame at BHSU in 2018.

After college, Justin began his career with Vern Eide Motorcars in Sioux Falls, SD for 20 years. He was very passionate about his career and always said it wasn’t about selling cars but rather, it was about taking care of people.

On September 19, 2008, Justine was united in marriage with Amy Otten in Tea, SD. Justin and Amy made their home in Tea and this is where they raised their son, Austin Lake. Outside of work, Justin was an active community volunteer, serving Trinity Lutheran Church, Junior Achievement, coaching junior football teams, and mentoring area kids. He also volunteered for many charities within his career for Vern Eide Motorcars.

Justin enjoyed traveling and his true passion was family. He loved hunting, grilling, listening to music and hanging out with his many friends. Justin’s favorite place to relax was at his family’s hunting lodge at Lake Byron. Justin lived in the moment and everything he did was “the best!” He had a true love for life.

Following his unexpected death on April 24, 2021, his friends and family established the Justin Lake College Scholarship Fun to benefit graduating high school seniors who plan to pursue higher education.

Scholarship Criteria

Awarded to graduating high school seniors from Tea Area High School and Huron High School or James Valley Christian High School. An additional award is available to graduating seniors who attend any South Dakota high school. Applicants must plan to attend an accredited college, university, vocational or technical school and must demonstrate financial need. This scholarship offers multiple awards.

This scholarship celebrates the love we all have for our hometowns.

Karen Bates Trimble spent 55 years in Sioux Falls and established this scholarship as a way to give back.

As a student at Washington High School, Karen developed lasting friendships and happy memories. She especially enjoyed her experience as a majorette leading the marching band in parades, at basketball games and on the football field. Following graduation in 1962, she enrolled at the University of Nebraska as a business major. After college, she began a successful career in management within the insurance industry.

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants must be graduating seniors of Washington High School in Sioux Falls who plan to an accredited college, university, vocational, or technical school. Successful applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a GPA of 3.5 or above.

This scholarship honors the life and career of Katherine A. Larson.

Coaching gymnastics and teaching biology were not jobs to Katherine Larson. Known as “Kathie” to friends and family, she often left unsigned notes of encouragement for her students and co-workers, inspiring them to do their best. Her dedication to her students’ success was without limits — if there was a concept Kathie thought a student didn’t understand, she was sure to follow-up, even calling after school hours to offer instruction. Those random acts of kindness were what made Kathie a respected and admired teacher, mentor, and friend.

After graduating from Augustana College in 1978, Kathie attended graduate school at the University of North Dakota where she was the head gymnastics coach for two years before returning to her alma mater — Lincoln High School — this time as a teacher and coach. Under Kathie’s leadership, the Patriot gymnastics team earned four state titles, numerous regional titles, and several individual championships.

Kathie’s love for coaching extended beyond LHS. She was a member of the National High School Coaches Association, a member and board member of the South Dakota High School Coaches Association, a member and past president of the South Dakota Gymnastics Coaches Association, and a member of the South Dakota Gymnastics Judges Association. She was also a cheerleading adviser.

Kathie believed in her students and because of it, she taught them to believe in themselves. Through this annual award, her family hopes to inspire young people to set goals and reach for the stars just as Kathie did.

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants for this award must be graduating seniors of Lincoln High School who have participated in extra-curricular and community activities; plan to attend an accredited college, university, vocational or technical school; have a GPA of 2.5 or higher; and demonstrate traits such as determination, desire to succeed, ability to work well with others, and to go beyond what is expected to help and inspire others. Scholarships awarded through this fund are renewable.

This scholarship was established by family and friends to honor the life of Kent Hegge. Kent passed away in 2005 at age 49.

A lifelong member of the Baltic community, Kent graduated from Baltic High School in 1974. He was a fourth generation family farmer, and one of his priorities was promoting community involvement and youth development. He dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to improving his community and was a long-term member of the Baltic Volunteer Fire Department.

Kent valued education, serving on the Baltic School Board for several years and as a volunteer coach of various youth athletic teams. It was his desire to inspire youth to pursue their dreams, maximize their potential, and commit to continued community development.

Family and friends hope recipients of the Kent Hegge Memorial Scholarship will demonstrate values similar to those which Kent lived by, including civic responsibility with a focus on community service and youth development.

Scholarship Criteria

This award benefits graduating seniors of Baltic High School who plan to attend an accredited college, university, vocational school, or technical school. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

This scholarship was established in 1997 to honor the memory of 11-year-old Kimberly Rose Means, who died in a tragic car accident in June 1981 on her way to participate in the annual Freedom Run at the South Dakota State Penitentiary.

Kimberly lived on the Pine Ridge Reservation and attended the Little Wound School. She was a sweet, laughing child with a pure spirit that held an unrestrained faith in the hopes and dreams of herself and her people. The intensity of her belief is legendary among the proud people of the Great Sioux Nation — she died a young girl who believed in freedom and commitment to one’s dreams.

Among the Sioux people, Kimberly symbolizes all that is good and honorable. She knew that the price of a dream worth having is the cost of seeing that dream realized.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship benefits graduating high school seniors who are enrolled members of a South Dakota Native American tribe or South Dakota tribal members who are returning to school after an absence. Applicants must plan to attend an accredited college, university, or vocational school; have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher; have participated in school and community activities (only applies to high school seniors); and have the desire and ability to accomplish his or her goals.

This scholarship was established in 1988 through donations from the five Kiwanis clubs in Sioux Falls.

Kiwanis is a worldwide volunteer service organization founded in Detroit, Michigan. Today there are nearly 9,000 Kiwanis clubs found in more than 80 nations. More than 300,000 men and women are Kiwanians.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship is open to graduating seniors from a Minnehaha or Lincoln County high school who plan to attend a South Dakota college, university, community college, or vocational or technical school. Additionally, successful applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, an ACT of 21 or higher, show financial need, and show commitment to, and participation in, community service. Preference will be given to applicants who are children, grandchildren, or stepchildren of a Sioux Falls Kiwanis Club member.

This scholarship honors the life of Landon Wulf.

Sometimes the youngest among us cast the brightest light. That is certainly true in Landon Wulf’s case.

As a sixth-grader at Brandon Valley Middle School, Landon was known for his love of music. He played the trumpet in the school band, sang in the choir, and was involved in the Singing Boys of Sioux Falls.

Landon excelled in school, too, and was always looking for a good challenge. In early elementary school, his math and reading scores were four to five grade levels above average for his age. As a sixth-grader, he was a finalist in the annual school-wide geography bee. Landon was also involved in Destination Imagination as a way of utilizing his creativity, team work, and critical thinking skills to solve problems.

The legacy Landon left behind inspired his parents, Arnie and Myra, and sisters, Monica and Tanya, to establish this award to honor his memory. It's a fitting tribute to a young man who, at only 11-years-old, was grateful for his talents and taught others how to be thankful for the people and opportunities in their lives. Landon willingly and humbly shared his many talents with family and friends, but at the same time, respected others as individuals with their own ideas, strengths, and desires. Landon achieved excellence in all he did and is an example for all Brandon Valley High School students.

Scholarship Criteria

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be graduating seniors of Brandon Valley High School who have completed at least two academic years at Brandon Valley. Additionally, applicants must have participated in both school-sponsored choir and band for at least three high school academic years, plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Dr. Louis H. Shoraga, an Alcester physician who passed away in 1976. The award benefits graduating high school seniors from the Alcester community.

Established by Louis’ wife, Geraldine Bovill, and sister, Amelia Talsma, this award places emphasis on a student’s financial need and worthiness. Academic achievement and future career goals are considered lesser criteria for this award.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship is open to graduating seniors of Alcester-Hudson High School. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate financial need, as opposed to those who demonstrate academic excellence.

This scholarship honors Mark Bielen’s contributions to our community and his example of creativity, caring, and excellence.

Blessed with a creative mind and unbelievable business talents, Mark Bielen was at the startup of three companies, with his last position being president and executive director of ReliaMax Insurance Company.

As a mentor to many, Mark was an example of thoughtful leadership, but his talent went far beyond his successful business career. He was a carpenter able to build anything from scratch. In his workshop, he spent countless hours designing and building furniture pieces that were beautiful pieces of art. Each of his grandchildren has a dresser with secret compartments for treasures that Mark handcrafted with meticulous precision.

His love of nature and the land reflected the special time he spent as a child on his grandparents’ farm. Getting back to nature was restorative for Mark. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and hiking in the great outdoors throughout our country.

Mark was devoted to his family and his community. Mark and his wife, Cathy, were supporters of the Heartland House, a transitional housing program administered by Inter-Lakes Community Action, Inc., which fosters self-sufficiency for homeless families.

Mark died October 8, 2015. Because Mark believed that “helping students helps us all,” this scholarship was established by his family and ReliaMax colleagues to honor his contributions to our community and his example of creativity, caring and excellence.

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants must be graduating seniors from an accredited high school in Minnehaha or Lincoln County, South Dakota. Applicants must plan to attend an accredited college or university or vocational or technical school. Financial need, participation in school and community affairs, and motivation to pursue goals is also a must.

This scholarship honors the life of Mary Scott, a 1989 graduate of Alcester High School. Mary’s life ended tragically in December 1994 following a car accident.

Mary’s family — parents James and Kathleen and younger sister Susan — established this award to celebrate her life. As a student, Mary was most enthusiastic about her courses in family and consumer sciences and was actively involved in the school-sponsored chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, an organization that aims to expand students’ leadership potential and life skills.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship is open to Alcester-Hudson High School seniors who have participated and excelled in Family and Consumer Science or Family, Career, and Community Leadership of America and demonstrate financial need.

Education and Canton C Hawks have been a lifelong passion for Murray and Helen Rowe. Building a strong community of faith and love is their legacy.

Murray was born on September 2, 1932. He grew up in Canton, S.D., and graduated from Canton High School in 1950. He attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois for three years and then transferred to the University of South Dakota graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1954.

In 1954 Murray was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as a specialist in electronics. In 1956 Murray returned to Canton to join the family business at Canton Block and Tile Company. In 1962, Murray formed Bid-Well Corp. after entering a partnership with S.P. (Tex) Bidwell. This company manufactures concrete paving machines and
continues to pave bridges, airports, and canals in over 40 countries, including paving the underwater Chunnel between England and France in 1994. Murray was also very proud to be a founding member of The Ramkota Companies (1965), Kelly Inns Ltd., and Regency Hotel Management company.

Murray's entrepreneurship and ingenuity did not go unnoticed. In 2004, he was honored in Washington, D.C. as one of America's Top 100 Private Sector Transportation Design and Construction Professionals of the 20th Century. In 2005, Murray was also inducted into the South Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor in Pierre, S.D., and in 2006 he was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in Chamberlain, S.D. Helen Irene Long Rowe was born in Rock Valley Iowa June 15, 1935. She was very involved in music and basketball as a Rock Valley Rocket, graduating in 1953. She
attended Flint Junior College for one year and then transferred to Iowa State University, graduating in 1957 with a Home Economics Degree. While attending college Helen was very active in many organizations, including Alpha Gamma Delta and cheerleading. She was voted Most Outstanding Senior Student by Iowa State University Mortar Board.
After graduation, Helen went on to teach school in Cheyenne Wyoming, and then 7th grade for several years in Canton, SD.

Murray and Helen were married on Aug 11, 1958, and raised their family in Canton SD. Throughout the years, Helen and Murray belonged to and impacted many organizations in Canton, striving to support and build a healthy community. In 1979, Helen was honored as the Canton Chamber Citizen of the Year and in 2013 Murray and Helen were selected as Canton Chamber C0-Citizens of the Year.

Murray passed away on November 5, 2020, and the Murray and Helen Rowe Scholarship was established. Any game night, no matter what the sport or activity, Murray and Helen could be found watching the C-Hawks. He will always be remembered as a huge C-Hawk Booster. Helen continues to be an active C-Hawk booster and champion for Canton, South Dakota.

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants must be graduating seniors of Canton High School who plan to attend an accredited college/university or technical college. Successful applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and must have participated in extracurricular activities and community service.

Established by family and friends of Myrtle and David Blomquist, this scholarship honors their generosity and their belief in the value of education. The award is designed to benefit graduating seniors of Sisseton High School.

Myrtle and David Blomquist both received their formal education in the rural schools where they finished the eighth grade. Although neither had the benefit of a high school education, they insisted that their children complete high school and encouraged them to pursue college degrees. More importantly, they taught them to be open to life and to learn from it.

For years the couple lived in a white frame house on the edge of town, providing rooms to students who came to Sisseton High School from rural areas. They became house parents to these students and felt a personal pride in the accomplishments of each one who lived in their home.

They shared generously from a huge garden and welcomed family and friends into their lives. Dave beguiled children and adults alike with his tales and jokes.

Both Myrtle and Dave spent many years working at the school — Myrtle in the lunch room and Dave as custodian. They loved their work and took pride in doing the job well. No child ever left school hungry because Myrtle provided huge cookies at the end of the day. They enjoyed this extended family, claiming that "they knew everyone in the school." Their interest continued even after they retired as they continued to attend athletic events and plays.

Scholarship Criteria

This award benefits graduating seniors from Sisseton High School who plan to pursue a post-secondary course of study of at least two years duration, have maintained a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 grading scale for the final three years of high school, and demonstrate financial need.

This scholarship was established to celebrate the life and legacy of Norman Walter Ranschau.

Norman was born in 1951 and raised on a farm in Lyon County, Iowa. While in high school he was actively involved in Future Farmers of America. After college, he worked in the insurance field. Whenever he could, Norman would assist his father and brother with planting and harvest. In his early 40s, due to an unexpected turn of events, Norman had an opportunity to begin assisting his father with farming on a part-time basis. He would spend evenings and weekends helping with a cow-calf operation and corn and soybean crops. He did this for 16 years and was preparing to go to part-time work at his day job so he could spend more time doing what he loved — farming. Unfortunately, at the age of 61, Norman died in an accident while working on the farm.

Norman had a passion for farming. He valued the importance of continually learning and expanding his knowledge in all aspects of farm management. This inspired him to expand the farm operation, implement improvements and efficiencies, and make it possible to continue a farming legacy.

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants for this scholarship must be students who plan to pursue a degree in an agricultural-related field and who attend school or reside in Lyon County, Iowa; Sioux County, Iowa; Rock County, Minnesota; or the state of South Dakota. Applicants must be first-time students with financial need who have participated in agricultural extra-curricular activities.

Established by Allan and Adeline Osmann in 1998, this scholarship is designed to help high school graduates of Native American descent pursue higher education. The Osmann’s had many community interests, but they were most enthusiastic about supporting children and education. This scholarship is one way they can do both.

Allan and Adeline enjoyed more than 50 years of marriage. They had two daughters — Kathryn and Susan — whom they raised in Sioux Falls. A World War II veteran, Allan worked for the United States Postal Service for 36 years. The couple served at St. John American Lutheran Church where they were members.

Allan passed away in January 2004. But the words he wrote when he and Adeline established this scholarship fund expressed a heart-felt thanks for the community he and his family called home.

“We established this endowment in appreciation of having spent most of our lives here and having raised our family here. We plan to benefit future Sioux Falls area generations,” he wrote.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship benefits graduating South Dakota high school seniors who are enrolled members of a Native American tribe. Applicants must plan to attend a college in the South Dakota university system or a vocational or technical school in Sioux Falls, Watertown, Mitchell, or Rapid City and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher after seven semesters of high school. Applicants must also have the desire and ability to succeed in further academic study and have participated in extra-curricular or community activities. Scholarships awarded through this fund are renewable.

This scholarship was established by Ralph Wallin, the former owner of Mailway Printers, and his wife, Doris, to celebrate the community they loved and that had for supported their business for 30 years.

Born in Zimmerman, Minnesota, Ralph later moved to St. Paul and attended Baker Grade School and Murray High School. He enlisted in the Navy in 1944 and served on the USS Cheleb, AK138 until May 1946. After graduating from the Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis, Ralph took a job at Mailway Printers in Sioux Falls in the mid-1950s. He later purchased the business and oversaw operations until his retirement in 1987. Wallin was a believer in technical education. He wanted his scholarship to support local technical schools.

Doris was born in Huntington, West Virginia and later moved to St. Paul, Minnesota. After graduating high school, she took a job as a switchboard operator with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. Later, she worked at the American Legion and the Elks Club.

Ralph and Doris were married for 57 years. Ralph passed away in 2014 and Doris passed away in 2020.

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants must be residents of Minnehaha or Lincoln County who are 25 years old or younger and are enrolling for the first time at an accredited vocational or technical institution in South Dakota or within 250 miles of Sioux Falls. Applicants must have maintained at least a 2.5 GPA for the last three years of the student's high school study. This scholarship offers multiple awards and is renewable.

Established in honor of Raymond E. Eddy, a South Dakota native who lived a life of service, this scholarship aims to provide motivated students with resources to pursue their dreams of higher education.

As a young man, Raymond Eddy served his country with the Atomic Energy Commission during the Korean War. He then completed his education and became a teacher and later a principal at Robert Frost Elementary and Cleveland Elementary schools in Sioux Falls. As educators, both he and his wife, Janis, encouraged their students to learn.

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants must be graduating seniors of Sioux Falls Public Schools who plan to attend an accredited college or university in South Dakota. Financial need is a must. An outstanding GPA is not a distinguishing criterion for the award. The scholarship may be renewed for a second year.

This scholarship was established by Regina “Grandma” Evans in gratitude to the hundreds of Dell Rapids students who have touched her life. The award benefits graduating Dell Rapids seniors and is designed to encourage students to pursue their dreams through higher education.

Born in 1920, Regina grew up on a farm during the depression. She attended a small country school through the eighth grade when she was forced to quit school and help on the family farm. Unfortunately, with only an eighth-grade education, Regina was unable to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. In 1940, Regina married Harry Evans. The couple had seven children. Over the next 40 years, Regina and Harry raised their children and farmed east of Dell Rapids. Since Regina was unable to further her own education, she worked, encouraged, and provided her children the opportunity to pursue theirs.

Upon retirement, Regina drew back to her childhood dream to be a teacher. She immediately volunteered at St. Mary School in Dell Rapids. For the next 25 years, Regina not only helped in the cafeteria, but also the classroom. She accumulated over 24,000 hours of documented volunteer hours, earning her the South Dakota Jefferson Award.

Regina truly loved being around the students. Most importantly, she enjoyed their humor and enthusiasm.

While in the classroom, she really was “living her dream.” Even though she was happy in the classroom, it still bothered her that she had never obtained a high school diploma. In 2006, at the age of 86, St. Mary High School presented her with an honorary diploma.

Throughout these years, Regina “Grandma” touched the lives of many students. Most importantly, they also have touched hers. This scholarship is her way of giving back to those students and her way of teaching children that “it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.”

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants for this scholarship must be graduating seniors of a public or private high school located in Dell Rapids, South Dakota, who plan to attend an accredited technical school or four-year academic college or university. Applicants must also have a GPA of 2.0 or higher. This scholarship offers multiple awards.

This scholarship reflects the value Judy and Robert Nissen place on education.

Judy’s own life experiences have made her sensitive to the challenges women face in the workplace. At age 29, the former teacher found herself a widow raising two young girls on her own.

She took a job at Marshalltown Community College where she became the director of the school’s Small Business Development Center. Knowing that a master’s degree was critical to her career, Judy went on to enroll at Northeast Missouri State, a 300-mile round trip from her home.

Unfortunately, tragedy struck in 1983 when Nissen’s teenage daughters were killed in a car wreck. “My Ph.D. gave me something to focus on,” she says.

Her degree complete, Nissen and husband Robert came to Sioux Falls in 1995 when she accepted the directorship at the Center for Public Higher Education. Under Nissen’s leadership, the Center emerged as USDSU, now USD Community College for Sioux Falls.

Scholarship Criteria

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be 24 years of age or older and pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree at University Center with a minimum class load of six credit hours per term. Applicants must also have completed at least one semester at University Center. A minimum 3.0 GPA and financial need are also criteria for this award.

This scholarship was established by Betty Best to honor her husband’s dedication to family and community.

Robert W. Best was born and raised in Sioux Falls. He was a graduate of Washington High School and a World War II veteran where he served in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of first lieutenant. He earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

In 1949, the young entrepreneur purchased a small typewriter store he named Best Business Products. The enterprise grew to include copiers, computers, and related office equipment and opened satellite offices throughout South Dakota and western Minnesota.

During his career, Best invested his time and talents in the Sioux Falls community. He is a past president of Children’s Care Hospital and School board, McKennan Hospital Advisory Board, and the Sioux Falls Community Playhouse board. He volunteered with the Sioux Empire United Way and was a member of the Downtown Rotary Club, Masonic Unity Lodge #130, the Scottish Rite, and El Riad Shrine.

Scholarship Criteria

This award is available to graduating seniors of Sioux Falls Christian High School or a Sioux Falls public high school. Applicants must have a C average or higher and plan to attend an accredited college, university, or vocational or technical school. Financial need and potential to succeed through involvement in community or school are also criteria for the award. This scholarship offers multiple awards.

This scholarship was established to benefit employees of North American Truck and Trailer and their children. North American Truck and Trailer is a premier heavy and medium duty truck and trailer dealership with locations throughout the Great Plains.

Scholarship Criteria

This award is available to graduating seniors of any South Dakota high school who are children of full time employees of North American Truck & Trailer, Inc. Graduating seniors who are not children of full time North American Truck & Trailer employees may also apply, however must be graduating from high schools in Lincoln, Minnehaha, Turner or McCook Counties. Successful applicants must plan to pursue a degree in business or teaching (if attending a four-year college or university) or a degree in fields related to transportation (if attending a vocational or technical school) and must show a record of participation in school activities, volunteerism and employment.

This scholarship was established in loving memory of Sally Bertina Meyer, a 1972 graduate of Washington High School. Sally went on to earn an associate degree in Animal Technology from Florida’s St. Petersburg Junior College in 1977.

Sally had a special way with pets and animals of the wild. Her favorite hobby was backpacking in the Cascade Mountains and she enjoyed clear lakes, wild flowers and all God’s creatures. She passed away on May 23, 1987, in Tacoma, Washington.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship benefits high school seniors who attend a Minnehaha County high school in South Dakota. Applicants must plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, show an interest in the out-of-doors, and have the desire and ability to succeed in further academic study.

This scholarship honors the life of Shon Trimble.

In only 37 years, Shon lead a full life and touched so many hearts. He had a rare capacity for joy, making the most of every day. Shon knew that to do good in this life was its own reward, so he measured his every action against what he believed to be right and decent.

Shon had a broad appreciation for music, enjoying jazz, pop, soft rock, synthesized and classical. As a Brandon Valley High School student, he was proud to be the Alto Sax soloist in the Jazz Band, and to lead the Marching Band in parades and on the field as Drum Major. Band Director Bob Goheen shared this memory of Shon, "Trimble was a leader and a role model. A few years after his 1983 graduation, Shon came back to say thanks. He was mature, congenial, and not hesitant to talk to me as his former teacher and a friend. As a teacher, that's one of the nicest perks."

While his primary interest during high school was auto racing, he was also active in the Civil Air Patrol, preparing himself for enlistment in the South Dakota Air National Guard immediately upon graduation. During his 19 years with the Guard as an Intelligence Analyst, Shon was deployed to Belgium, Panama, England, Kuwait, Curacao, Alaska and Singapore as a Master Sergeant.

In college at USD, he studied Computer Science and Math, resulting in his position as a Senior Computer Analyst at Citibank for 13 years.

Shon believed life was only as fulfilling as one makes it and he was excited to go off to work each morning and to serve his country in the SD Air National Guard. He spent many happy hours motorcycling, bicycling, computer-simulated racing, spending time with family and friends, and closely following the Formula I racing circuit throughout the world.

His mother, Karen Trimble, is proud to honor Shon’s love of BVHS and the music department with this annual scholarship.

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants must be graduating seniors of Brandon Valley High School who plan to attend a four-year college or university. Applicants must also have actively participated in the BVHS band program for at least two academic years and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

This scholarship was established by the Sioux Falls Area Retired Teachers Association to recognize and support collegiate upperclassmen who demonstrate a commitment to the field of education.

The Association is comprised of retired teachers from public, private, and parochial schools, as well as office personnel who share a common belief in the importance of education.

Scholarship Criteria

This award benefits students majoring in education at an accredited South Dakota college or university who will be entering their junior or senior year. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, have participated in school and community affairs, and demonstrate motivation and commitment to the teaching profession.

Established to support graduating high school seniors who wish to pursue an academic or technical degree in construction, this scholarship was established by the Siouxland Chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA).

CFMA is a national organization that is dedicated to bringing together construction finance professionals and those partners serving their unique needs. The organization’s members represent all types of contractors—including general contractors and specialty trades—as well as developers, construction managers, architects, engineers, principals, and material and equipment suppliers. Associate members include professionals in the accounting, insurance, surety, software, legal, and banking industries, as well as any other specialist who serves in the construction industry.

The Siouxland Chapter formed in 2004 and includes members primarily in Eastern South Dakota, Southwest Minnesota, and Northwest Iowa.

Scholarship Criteria

The Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) is a national organization that is dedicated to bringing together construction finance professionals and those partners serving their unique needs. The Siouxland Chapter created this scholarship to promote and award graduating high school seniors who wish to pursue an academic or technical degree in construction. Applicants must plan to attend an institution of higher learning within a 100-mile radius of Sioux Falls. This scholarship offers multiple awards.

This scholarship was established by more than 100 businesses and individuals to honor David Berkeland, Angus Anson, and Roger Hainje, prominent Sioux Falls business leaders who lost their lives in a plane crash April 19, 1993. Former Governor George Mickelson and four others were also killed in the crash.

This scholarship is designed to support college and vocational or technical school students who are pursuing a degree in business. A panel of business and education leaders from the Sioux Falls area selects the winners.

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants for this award must live in or maintain residency in Lincoln or Minnehaha County of South Dakota — even though they may attend a school outside the area, or they must attend school in one of these two counties. Applicants must also attend a school accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in business and be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role of business in American society. A motivation and ability to succeed, academic excellence, and community involvement are also criteria for this award.

The Tea Area School District opened its doors in fall 2003. As a new district, community leaders saw the need to develop scholarship opportunities that help students continue their education beyond high school graduation, and in 2005 they began partnering with Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation to make annual scholarship awards.

To make sure these awards continue for good, for ever, local residents established the Tea Area Community Scholarship as a permanent endowment. The endowment is growing through the generosity of area families, former residents, and businesses that serve Tea. Annual fundraisers such as the Cut-A-Thon and MusicFest are also building the fund.

Scholarship Criteria

Graduating seniors of Tea Area High School, including home-schooled students in Tea who plan to attend an accredited college, university, or technical school are eligible for this scholarship. Students must also have a GPA of 2.5 or higher over the most recent three years; demonstrate leadership ability through participation in extracurricular, community, church, or work activities; and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship offers multiple awards.

This scholarship was established in 1997 to recognize the achievements of youth golfers from The Country Club of Sioux Falls.

In 1996, the Club was selected to host the Girls U.S. Junior Golf Championship. In recognition of that honor and its ongoing commitment to youth through the Junior Golf program, this scholarship was created.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university and are youth golfers with two years participation in the CCSF junior golf program. Eligible applicants must be a child of a member who has been a member of the CCSF for two years. They must also be ranked in the top half of their class.

Established by Trent-area community leaders, this scholarship supports graduating seniors of Trent-area high schools.

The Trent School District graduated its last class of high school seniors in 1966. Since then, children in the area have gone to neighboring towns for their education.

In 1982, community leaders decided to fund a scholarship program for children whose families live in and around Trent. They began holding events — an "Ag Fest", auction sales, lunches, raffles, soup and pie dinners — to raise money for the program.

To make sure these scholarships continue for good, for ever, Trent area neighbors established the Trent Area Scholarship Fund, a permanent endowment of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation.

Scholarship Criteria

Graduating seniors who live in the Trent area benefit from this award. Organizers have defined the Trent community as the area bounded on the south by the Moody County line, on the north by SD Highway 34, on the east by the South Dakota state line, and on the west by the Colman Road, also known as 470th Avenue. Eligible applicants must be of good moral character and plan to attend an accredited, post-secondary educational institution. They must submit a written application and official high school transcript or equivalent.

Established by Verne and Ardith Forbes, this scholarship is designed to encourage motivated students with strong work ethics and solid, not necessarily perfect, academic records to pursue their vocational or technical studies.

Verne Forbes was born in Huron, but moved with his family to Aberdeen, South Dakota, and completed school in Claremont.

Ardith Olson was born in Dell Rapids, but because her family had business interests in both communities, she was raised in Huron and was graduated from Huron Business College.

As an adult, Verne pursued a career in construction, principally in the oil and atomic energy industries. Ardith worked for the Standard Oil Company, now Amoco.

They got married in 1959 and lived in Minneapolis for 10 years and in Kansas City for another 10. Ardith retired from Amoco with 35 years of dedicated service. When Verne retired from the Missouri Highway Department in 1978, the Forbes moved back to Dell Rapids.

The Verne and Ardith Forbes Scholarship is available to graduating seniors of high school programs in Dell Rapids or the public high school program in Huron who plan to attend an accredited vocational or technical school.

In Ardith's words, the legacy that established this scholarship endowment is "a nice thing to do" for young people growing up in the communities most dear to the Forbes' hearts.

But the scholarship is more than that. And, because preference is given to students who might not otherwise have the financial means to continue their education, the Forbes scholarship is a tribute to the sacrifices their own parents and other families make to help their children pursue their dreams.

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants must be graduating seniors of any high school program in Dell Rapids, South Dakota, or a graduating senior from a public high school program in Huron, South Dakota. Applicants must also plan to attend an accredited vocational or technical school and have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

The family of Vince Beck established this scholarship to honor the memory and values of a kind and gentle soul whose life was cut short unexpectedly in the spring of 2005.

Vince was a son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was always available to help those in need, and his infectious laugh quickly brought smiles to the faces of everyone around him. At only 17 years old, Vince took over the duties of running the family farm and caring for his mother and younger sister. Even though the responsibility was thrust upon him, he rose to the challenge and spent the next 26 years transforming a struggling operation into a prosperous enterprise.

Vince had a strong sense of personal and civic responsibility and believed that everyone should do what they could to make their community a better place to live and work. He was also a steward of the land, a conservationist who treasured nature and enjoyed working with kids. He helped lead many efforts to establish organizations in these fields and was actively involved in their activities.

Vince’s family hopes that the values he lived by will be instilled in the recipients of this scholarship to create a legacy of caring, kindness, and understanding.

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants must be graduating seniors of Canton High School who plan to attend an accredited college, university, or vocational or technical school. Successful candidates must be involved in school and community activities and demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to students planning to pursue a career in agriculture, wildlife conservation, veterinary medicine, law enforcement, or youth counseling.

This scholarship was established in 1997 by Viola Lingo Watson of Sioux Falls to honor her family, to benefit the community of Canton, and to encourage young people to pursue higher education.

The daughter of Jay and Luella Lingo, Viola grew up on an acreage in Iowa however, she and her siblings attended Canton High School. She was Canton High School homecoming queen in 1940 and she graduated in 1941.

Following graduation, she worked at John Morrell & Co. in Sioux Falls and later for Lewis Drug. She moved to Vancouver, Washington, and worked at Kaisers Shipyard during World War II, eventually going back to work at John Morrell.

In 1944 she married Lynn Clair Watson, who worked at Morrell’s for 42 years. The Watsons had three children — Terry, Susan, and Sandra. Clair and Viola moved to an acreage on the west side of Sioux Falls, where they have named five streets — Marion Road, Watson Avenue, Susan Street, Terry Avenue, and Viola Circle.

Viola was a 4-H leader, County extension member, an active leader in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, started the Wayne Township Fire Department Auxiliary, and initiated the Parents Teachers Association at Hayward Elementary School. In 1967, The Argus Leader named Viola “Citizen of the Week.”

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship is open to graduating seniors from Canton High School who plan to attend an accredited college or university, are in the upper 50% of their class, have actively participated in extra-curricular school activities, and have financial need.

This award celebrates the life of a true community servant.

Waneta Drake Miller Edmison moved to Sioux Falls in 1952 and worked at the Sioux Falls Public Library as a secretary and bookkeeper. She later attended Sioux Falls College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1980. She continued her education at South Dakota State University where she received her Master’s Degree in guidance and counseling in 1985.

Waneta went on to work as a counselor for Southeastern Mental Health in 1982 and later worked as a counselor for the South Dakota Penitentiary West Farm in 1983. She was also a counselor at McCrossan Boys Ranch. From 1983 until her retirement, she was a caseworker and counselor for the Salvation Army in Sioux Falls.

Waneta was active in several areas of the community. As a member of First Congregational Church, she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, served on the church council and served on the mission board. She also chaired an all-church drive to raise money for black colleges.

In the mental health profession, Waneta started the REACH program in South Dakota in 1980. She served on the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army and became a member of the Sioux Falls College Women’s Board in 1975, serving three years as chairman of the luncheon annual fund-raising project. Waneta was also a member of the Sioux Falls College Foundation.

In recognition of Waneta’s service to the community she received many honors, including the Governor’s Volunteer of the Year Award in 1984, and the Gayle Fisher Award for service to the mentally ill in January 1987.

Waneta had a passion for writing and had several works of poetry and drama published, receiving statewide and national honors.

To encourage others to pursue a lifetime of learning, Waneta provided for this scholarship to assist students in obtaining a post-secondary education.

Scholarship Criteria

Applicants of this scholarship must be graduating seniors of an accredited high school in the Sioux Falls area who plan to attend an accredited college, university, community college, vocational school, or technical school. Additionally, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and have participated in school and community activities. This scholarship offers multiple awards.

This award celebrates the life of a true community servant.

Waneta Drake Miller Edmison moved to Sioux Falls in 1952 and worked at the Sioux Falls Public Library as a secretary and bookkeeper. She later attended Sioux Falls College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1980. She continued her education at South Dakota State University where she received her Master’s Degree in guidance and counseling in 1985.

Waneta went on to work as a counselor for Southeastern Mental Health in 1982 and later worked as a counselor for the South Dakota Penitentiary West Farm in 1983. She was also a counselor at McCrossan Boys Ranch. From 1983 until her retirement, she was a caseworker and counselor for the Salvation Army in Sioux Falls.

Waneta was active in several areas of the community. As a member of First Congregational Church, she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, served on the church council and served on the mission board. She also chaired an all-church drive to raise money for black colleges.

In the mental health profession, Waneta started the REACH program in South Dakota in 1980. She served on the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army and became a member of the Sioux Falls College Women’s Board in 1975, serving three years as chairman of the luncheon annual fund-raising project. Waneta was also a member of the Sioux Falls College Foundation.

In recognition of Waneta’s service to the community she received many honors, including the Governor’s Volunteer of the Year Award in 1984, and the Gayle Fisher Award for service to the mentally ill in January 1987.

Waneta had a passion for writing and had several works of poetry and drama published, receiving statewide and national honors.

To encourage others to pursue a lifetime of learning, Waneta provided for this scholarship to assist students in obtaining a post-secondary education.

Scholarship Criteria

The Waneta Drake Miller Edmison Non-Traditional Student Scholarship is available to students 24 years of age or older who are residents of Minnehaha, Lincoln, Turner, or McCook counties of South Dakota. Applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of six credit hours in a course of study in a degree-granting program and be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours per academic term at an accredited educational institution.

This scholarship was established in 1993 by the Washington High School All-School Reunion Committee to assist graduating high school seniors from Washington High School to pursue higher education.

Scholarship Criteria

Graduating seniors from Washington High School in Sioux Falls who plan to attend an accredited college, university, or vocational or technical school can apply for this award. They must also demonstrate financial need, have maintained a "C" average or higher, and be committed to their educational goals.

Established in 2022 by Kristi and Dennis Worden, this scholarship is designed to help people going into Christian youth ministry have less debt coming out of school so that they can concentrate on ministry instead of working a second job to pay school debt. Dennis went through Tentmakers Youth Ministry and in 1991, started his youth ministry career at Hope Lutheran Church and served there until 1995. Dennis and Kristi were married in 1992 and the church said, "When we hired Dennis, we didn't realize we were getting 2 for 1", as Kristi helped out in many aspects of the youth ministry also. In 1997-2000, Dennis and Kristi worked with the youth at Harvest Covenant Church (now Church at the Gate). After retiring from actual employment in youth ministry, Dennis continued to work as a volunteer with the youth at Church at the Gate for the next 18 years. In 2019, the couple was called to Central Church to volunteer, Kristi with young adults and Dennis in youth ministry.

Since 2011, Dennis has believed that God called them to create a scholarship for people like them who are called to reach youth for God in the Sioux Falls area. Now that they have become debt-free, they would like to help others in Christian youth ministry be freed from debt to be able to go where God calls them to serve youth.

Their goal is to have all young people in a meaningful relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, where they can learn the word of God and make Him known to others. To do this, youth pastors and workers need to be uninhibited by finances.

Scholarship Criteria

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide a scholarship for students entering their junior or senior year at an accredited college or university pursuing a career in youth ministry with preference given to applicants who plan to serve the Sioux Falls area. Awarded to a student based on financial need, participation in school activities, volunteer projects, and employment, and how closely the student honors the spirit of the scholarship.

This scholarship honors the memory of Wyatt Ammon by helping others get closer to their dreams — however unpaved the path to those dreams might be.

A 2000 graduate of Dell Rapids High School, friends and family note that Wyatt was always hard to get a handle on. Little snippets of his life describe him best. He loved making art, talking with people, eating candy, and thrift store shopping. He was a talented athlete and student.

He craved adventure and new experiences. He could drive a person bananas with his obliviousness and then touch them with his intense thoughtfulness. He absolutely loved life and pushed every day to make living the most fun that he could. You can think of these things and imagine him, but you can’t know what a force of life he was.

A professor of Wyatt’s once said that he was a true sociologist. He was acutely interested in what made everyone around him tick, and you could sense that right upon meeting him. He could get down to what a person was all about very quickly. He helped people discover what was really important to them, and then encouraged them to realize that dream.

Wyatt took his own advice. He studied what he wanted — though his dad teased him that a dime and a sociology degree would get him a cup of coffee. He traveled far and wide, and made friends wherever he went. His compassion and deeply-felt connection to humanity, along with a disdain for the use of violence for any reason, led him to join the U.S. Peace Corps in Zambia, Africa in August 2005. In letters home, he described how happy and at home he felt there. He was excited to be doing what felt so right to his soul.

Wyatt died November 18, 2005, in Zambia while serving in the Peace Corps. His path to that place was one of the ways he followed his dreams, and his family and friends established the scholarship to help others get closer to their dreams — however unpaved the path to those dreams might be.

Scholarship Criteria

This award benefits graduating seniors from Dell Rapids public or private high schools. Eligible applicants must plan to attend an accredited college, or vocational or technical school, and demonstrate originality and interest in seeking personal challenges. Applicants may also be evaluated according to special circumstances, motivation to pursue goals, and the inspiration for those goals.

This scholarship was established by Anson Yeager in 1997 in appreciation of the opportunities that Faith High School provided him and his family. This award honors Anson, Iver and Robert Yeager and Richard, George and Larry Afdahl.

In 1935, Anson Yeager went to work for the Faith Independent. He graduated from Faith High School two years later and was named salutatorian of his senior class. He worked for the Faith Gazette 1936–1938 and attended South Dakota State University. Military service put his journalism career on hold. He served four years in the U.S. Army during World War II, followed by service in the South Dakota Army National Guard and two years’ active duty in the Korean War.

Following his military service, he started as a reporter at the Argus Leader in 1947, became its Executive Editor (1961-1977), and retired as Associate Editor in 1984. He is a retired lieutenant colonel, U.S. Army.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship goes to the applicants with the highest class ranking among graduating seniors of Faith High School, traditionally the valedictorian and salutatorian. Applicants must plan to attend a college, university, or vocational or technical school. This scholarship offers multiple awards and is renewable.