2025 Spirit of Volunteerism Awards

Aiden Snyder

Aiden has been involved in 4-H since he was 8; he is now 15 and has been actively serving his community that entire time. He has led a service effort to create Birthday Cake Kits for the local food pantry, shopped for Toys for Tots, donated supplies to the local animal shelter, helps the PTA, has helped collect donations during the annual Kiwanis food drive for the past 4 years, has volunteered his time to help the choir camp in Sturgis during the summer. Aiden is a remarkable young man.

Amelia Schaefbauer

City of Rapid City Youth City Council & Minneluzahan Senior Center

Amelia is dedicated to service, demonstrated through her two years on the Youth City Council (YCC) and committee work. She’s led projects like the Boredom Bag, “Tough Enough to Wear Pink,” and mental health Easter egg initiatives. Amelia also helped create the Minneluzahan Senior Citizen Prom. With over 319 community service hours, she is a consistent presence, inspiring others with her energy, leadership, and advocacy. Amelia is a true role model in our community, always ready to serve and encourage others to join her efforts

Brody Gill

Rapid City Area Schools - Food Pantry

Brody serves as the Student Manager of the RCAS Feeding South Dakota Food Pantry. His commitment to the pantry goes beyond typical volunteer tasks; Brody takes responsibility for checking temperatures, leading stocking efforts, keeping accurate records, training new volunteers, and warmly welcoming each guest. In addition to his role at the pantry, Brody serves on several aspects of the Rapid City Youth City Council, bringing an open and positive attitude to each initiative.

Deacon Griffin

National Honor Society

Deacon is a regular volunteer at Special Olympics, in many sports but I noticed his great attitude and ability to include and relate to volunteers and participants alike. Lately, I’ve so appreciated Deacons willingness to jump in and volunteer on the fly. We needed ushers at our recent NHS induction ceremony and he was the first to say, “I’ll be there!”

Deacon is great at time management and keeps up beautifully with school and extracurricular activities.

Euana Matute

City of Rapid City - Youth City Council

Euana is chair of the Youth City Council, supporting youth-led initiatives and serving on the National League of Cities Youth, Education, and Families Council. She has volunteered at events like the Harvest Festival and helped with the school food pantry, Municipal League Welcome Night, a community Night Out, and the “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” campaign.

Hayley Cunningham

RCAS - Stevens Tutoring Program

Hayley has been an amazing jump start to our Peer Tutoring program. She has recruited volunteers that staff a booth in the library every day, so students know there is someone to help them consistently. Teachers and counselors now have solid help they can offer to struggling students. She also has fun and creative ideas for helping the community and recently partnered with Horace Mann Elementary to host a book drive. Hayley is motivated and inspiring so others follow her lead.

Mikaela Stephens

West Middle School Builders Club

Mikaela has been a member of the West Middle School Builders Club for 3 years, this year serving as President of the club. She regularly volunteers to make the school better through fundraising and donating to the Live Like Lilly Foundation, Feeding South Dakota, and Children’s Home Society. She is currently making and selling bracelets to donate funds to the Children’s Home Society. She’s a prime example of a student making the world a better place through her volunteering.

Sage Beutler

Central JROTC/Pep Band/National Honor Society

Sage Beutler has dedicated her time to a variety of volunteer service activities, currently totaling nearly 65 hours. Many of these hours come from participation in the CHS Pep Band through performances at school assemblies, athletic events, Veterans’ Day activities, and city festivals. She also helped to make the holidays more special through food drives for local families and by staffing Storybook Island during their annual event. He selfless commitment have improved the lives of many.

Tyler Barker

Central JROTC & NHS

Tyler Barker has participated in more than 25 separate volunteer activities that total nearly 60 hours of service. He has helped staff athletic events, supported Rapid City’s Red Ribbon Week, participated in food and toy drives, supported the VFW’s Boots on the Ground clothing drive, raised money for nursing scholarships, and staffed Storybook Island’s Christmas Nights of Light. He also helps with audio and technology needs at his church and at the RC Fire Dept.

Will Boen

The Salvation Army

Will and his family volunteered for The Salvation Army during Christmas. Will was entrusted with the task of sorting and organizing toys into age appropriate groups. He demonstrated exceptional skill in ensuring that each toy was meticulously selected and presented to children of the appropriate age. Thank you Will!

Rapid City Catholic School System

Junior Achievement

The Rapid City Catholic School System is an amazing and dedicated partner of Junior Achievement (JA). Each year, RCCSS welcomes community volunteers into their classrooms to deliver Junior Achievement programs that equip students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the real world. RCCSS has been a consistent financial supporter of JA. Over the past 22 years of partnership, more than 4,200 students have been positively impacted by the efforts of 90 volunteers.

Midco Communications

The Salvation Army

Midco Communications generously provided several volunteers during the Christmas season to assist with our Christmas distribution. The team of volunteers was incredibly dedicated and enthusiastic. We are truly grateful to Midco for their support in spreading Christmas cheer to numerous local families

Vitalant

Black Hills Works Foundation

The staff at Vitalant have been wonderful supporters of Black Hills Works through their participation in our annual Putt-n-Pub fundraising event. Every year, staff willingly sign up to spend the day with people we support and encourage interactions with the “Celebrity Putters” and event participants. Their participation every year makes the event a success! Thank you!

Prouty Pottery

Volunteers of America Northern Rockies

Prouty Pottery offered to Host “paint for a Cause” at their business to raise additional funds for our Empty Bowl event that raises critical funds for our services here in the Black Hills to help our community outreach programs like Mommy’s Closet.

Alexys Schille

Black Hills Works

Alexys has been volunteering with the Black Hills Works’ Special Olympics delegation for a year now and has been a wonderful asset to the Rapid City Storm! She has coached and been a unified partner for every sport offered. She even obtained certifications in sports that she knew nothing about! She is currently coaching 21 people in the Fit5 fitness program. Thank you, Alexys, for all you have done for the Rapid City Storm!

Emily Heilman

Literacy Council of the Black Hills

Emily has dedicated countless hours to tutoring, empowering her student with essential literacy skills that open doors to a brighter future. As vice president of the board, she provides strong leadership while also driving vital fundraising efforts, ensuring the council’s continued impact. Her unwavering commitment has strengthened both individual lives and the community, making literacy more accessible to those in need.

Hannah Brink

Lutheran Social Services

This young lady has been actively presenting and spreading awareness across the state. She uses her experience in foster care to uplift others and create lasting change in the foster system. She has shown immense growth in her professionalism and public speaking.

Hannah Colgan

Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons

Hannah has made a significant impact over the past year by eagerly stepping into new challenges and roles, always striving to provide her Girl Scouts with fun and meaningful experiences. She has also been a valuable mentor to new leaders, offering guidance and support to help them succeed. As a Girl Scout leader, Hannah serves as a wonderful role model, inspiring the girls she works with through her dedication and commitment.

Jennifer Fuhs

CommonBond Communities/The Radiant

Jennifer has impacted the residents and youth at The Radiant by CommonBond by volunteering her own time to assist with establishing a youth program for residents and their children. This is in addition to her 40 hour a week job working as a preschool teacher. Jennifer is truly passionate about helping youth and future generations, which is evident by the passionate work for youth and adolescents, and the residents as a whole. Jennifer has become a staple that residents sincerely look forward to.

Jessica Potter

Meals on Wheels Western South Dakota

Jessica Potter has been a substitute volunteer with Meals on Wheels Western South Dakota since November 2022. Jessica graciously volunteers whenever she has an open Friday. Jessica is always happy and willing to deliver any route that is asked of her. Our senior participants always enjoy Jessica delivering their meals with a friendly smile.

Kristina Jurgensen

Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons

Kristina, affectionately known as “Nurse Betty,” has made a lasting impact as a volunteer camp nurse at numerous Girl Scout camps. She is beloved by the girls, always encouraging them to try new things and making every event or station more fun. Kristina’s willingness to help at events and her positive attitude have made her an invaluable part of the community, creating a safe and exciting environment for all involved.

Amanda Dahl

Literacy Council of the Black Hills

As board president, Amanda provides strong leadership by organizing and facilitating meetings, guiding the council’s vision, and supporting the program coordinator. Beyond her leadership, she invests directly in students through dedicated tutoring, changing lives through literacy. Her passion and commitment have strengthened both the organization and the community, ensuring greater access to literacy resources.

Ann More

Love INC

Ann is a volunteer in the Connection Center at Love INC. Ann spends 2 days a week long past closing hours to speak with our participants here at Love INC. Her gentle, kind and caring voice brings hope and joy to each individual she speaks or meets with. Her kindness knows no bounds, she gives those whose spirits may be at their lowest moments words of encouragement. She stays later to assist me in paperwork and follow up calls. She gives much of herself to help Love INC in its mission.

Annette Saylor

Journey On LOSS Team

Nettie is a true beacon of hope and support in our community, embodying the spirit of compassion through her dedicated volunteer work for the Journey On LOSS Team. Nettie’s ability to lend a listening ear and offer guidance to those grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide is a testament to her deep compassion. Her efforts not only impact the lives of those she assists but also inspire all of us to embrace the strength that comes from community support.

Brad Hovland

Meals on Wheels Western South Dakota

Brad Hoveland began volunteering with Meals on Wheels Western South Dakota in March 2022. Brad is always willing to help when we are short delivery drivers and deliver an extra day when needed. Brad volunteered an impressive 134 hours in 2024!

Candice Bruns

Monument Health Hospice House

Candice volunteers at the Hospice House and is the decorator at Hospice House. Candice also keeps the Hospice House floor stocked with all of the items staff need to provide excellent care to our patients and families. Candice is the friendly face that greets guests at the Hospice House and helps them to feel welcome and as comfortable as possible.

Carolyn Ellington

Humane Society of the Black Hills

Carolyn & her hubby have taken photos of adoptable dogs for at least a dozen years.
She created a Facebook group, Dogs at the Humane Society of the Black Hills, where she posts dogs weekly. She updates when they’re adopted. She’s also transported dozens of rescue dogs to new homes.

Carolyn Krausch

South Dakota Right to Life and Rapid City Area Right to Life Chapter

Carolyn Krausch is a faithful volunteer of both South Dakota Right to Life and the Rapid City Area Right to Life Chapter. She is a remarkable lady with a passion for protecting all innocent human life from conception to natural death. Carolyn’s tasks as a volunteer are always accomplished with a flare of excellence. She is grace-filled and loving to all whom she meets and as a result is highly respected by all who are fortunate enough to call her their friend.

Claudia Wieland-Randall

Flutter Productions - Black Hills Works

Claudia volunteers with both Flutter Productions & Suzie Cappa Art Center. She primarily works with weaving and enjoys teaching participants how to use a variety of looms and different weaving techniques. Claudia was instrumental in the weaving of over 137’ of material for Flutter’s “Rumpelstiltskin” production last summer. She’s also volunteered to be a partner for FashionABLE for several years and helping designs become a reality for the designers supported
by BHW. Thank you Claudia!

Deanna Schmidt

Suzie Cappa Art Center - Black Hills Works

Deanna works with a handful of artists at SCAC on a variety of fiber art projects involving looms and sewing machines. With her support & instruction, the artists have become incredibly independent with their crafts. She has built genuine and lasting relationships with the artists. Her consistent ability to push the artists she works with a little more each day is really incredible. Because of Deanna, artists have become more confident in their respective mediums! Thank you, Deanna!

Erv Nesheim

The Salvation Army

Erv has dedicated many, many hours to The Salvation Army this last year, helping with the Spearfish Advancement project. We are so grateful for his donated time and expertise with overseeing this project.

Gail Millard

Life Inc Ministry

Gail consistently serves each week in or Kids Ministry while parents attend our Life Inc classes. She creates an atmosphere filled with fun, laughter and creativity and intention. She plans activities that show children the love of Jesus. She serves selflessly and with kindness and the parents are so grateful for her.

Jeanette Nilson

Birthright of Rapid City

Jeanette was part of a group of others interested in starting a Birthright Chapter here in Rapid City in 1973. 53 years later she continues to serve our Birthright Chapter as our Treasurer. As Treasurer she leads the way with many important decisions for Birthright of Rapid City.

Jerome Van Zee

Love Inc Thrive Adventure Store

Jerome has been a bike mechanic for us for many years. He helps fixing up and tuning up bikes that are used in our ministry to help get our participants a mode of transportation. He fixes up over 100 bikes every year.

Joanie Mantei

Literacy Council of the Black Hills

As treasurer and executive board member, Joanie has dedicated countless hours to managing the budget, grants, payroll, and accounts payable, ensuring the literacy council’s financial stability. Her expertise and commitment have enabled the organization to thrive, expanding its reach and impact in the community. Through her behind-the-scenes work, Joanie has played a vital role in making literacy programs possible for those in need.

Jody Grubb

Special Olympics South Dakota

Jody has been a very important part of our SOSD events. He is often the voice of SOSD at Opening Ceremonies and is so encouraging to our athletes. No matter the task, working the fields, hauling coolers of water to keep our athletes and volunteers hydrated, to announcing awards, Jody is always there with a smile and excitement to greet our athletes.

Kelly Thayer

Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons

Kelly is the quiet yet creative force behind the success of our cookie program, ensuring everything runs smoothly. She has a special way of helping the youngest Girl Scouts come out of their shells, fostering confidence and growth. As a role model to other leaders, Kelly exemplifies the importance of volunteerism within Girl Scouts and inspires others through her dedication and service.

Kelly Wrede

Feeding South Dakota

Kelly is an incredible pillar in our volunteer community. She is always willing to help, whether that is braving the elements helping to check in our guests, or bringing a smile to the room at the distribution center. Kelly is a volunteer that we could not imagine life without.

Lori Thomasson

Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons

Lori exemplifies the values of a true Girl Scout, always modeling what it means to be a sister to every Girl Scout. Her passion and dedication have helped countless girls achieve their goals, earning higher awards and having enriching experiences both locally and internationally. Lori’s infectious sense of humor and mentorship have made her a beloved figure, bringing joy to both girls and adults.

Myra Klein

Monument Health Hospice House

Myra plays a vital role in the journey of a hospice patient. She puts together the admission binders for our staff to use to admit patients to hospice services.  Myra also provides spiritual care to our Roman Catholic patients when requested.

Regan E. McClurkin

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Regan E. McClurkin, U.S. Air Force, with 37 years of military service and an unwavering dedication to her community, Regan donates over 1,800 volunteer hours annually, supporting veterans, building homes, feeding families in need, and mentoring others in financial literacy. Her selfless service continues to impact thousands, making her the most deserving candidate for this honor.

Roger Lewis

Life Inc Ministry

Roger consistently serves each week in our Kids Ministry while parents take classes at Life Inc. Roger interacts with the kids, engaging with them deeply and drawing them in. One of our older kids in the Life Inc ministry now wants to volunteer because of the role model that Roger is. He inspires and serves selflessly and with kindness. Parents are grateful for the safe place and that their kids look forward to coming to Life Inc classes because of the love that Roger shows to their kids.

Ryan Becker

Love INC

Ryan is a volunteer in the Connection Center at Love INC. He meets with and speaks with individuals in the community who are in need, and he does so with a kind, compassionate grace that brings hope to the individual. He gives freely of his time to assist Love INC in its mission, no matter the task, and he does it with great skill and humility. Ryan is beyond a blessing here at Love INC, and I am honored to work alongside him.

CenterSpace

The Salvation Army

Center Space Homes allowed several of their employees to take a day off and volunteer for the Salvation Army during Christmas. Each day, they provided multiple volunteers to assist with the Christmas distribution. We are grateful to each volunteer for their efforts in helping to provide Christmas to many local families in need.

Militiamen VMC

Black Hills Works Foundation

The Militiamen VMC group have been wonderful supporters of Black Hills Works through their participation in our annual Putt-n-Pub fundraising event. Every year, they willingly sign up to spend the day with people we support and encourage interactions with the “Celebrity Putters” and event participants. Their participation every year makes the event a success! Thank you!

Pam & Jan

Meals on Wheels Western South Dakota

Pam May and Jan Frank have been delivering a route every Monday since September 2022. Whenever we are short volunteers, they are willing to help. In 2024 they delivered their route 57 times!

Seventh Circuit CASA Board of Directors

The CASA board of directors continuously supports staff, volunteers and the children that CASA advocates for. The board supports with their professional expertise as well as their passion for supporting all children in foster care. By showing up, offering support, sharing the mission and bringing snacks the board offers support and builds community resilience. Together we can break cycles of abuse and neglect!