Hall of Fame Inductees
Celebrating 800+ Dream Chasers
Since 1974, the South Dakota Hall of Fame has sought to honor, recognize, and distribute the stories of everyday people who have found the strength to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles they faced along the way.
Just as sunflowers chase the sun, these Dream Chasers stand tall and chase their dreams day after day, year after year. The 800+ inductees in the Hall of Fame come from all backgrounds and corners of our state.
These Dream Chasers serve as inspiration for us all to strive for excellence and chase our own dreams today, tomorrow, and well into the future. Thus, our mission to Champion a Culture of Excellence in South Dakota continues. Find the stories of our inductees on our program’s site’s Inductee directory.
Nominate a Champion
Do you know a Champion? Champions can come from anywhere and from any walk of life. We want to hear about anyone who has pursued excellence and contributed to the life we enjoy in South Dakota.
Anyone may nominate an individual, living or deceased, to be considered for induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. Self-nomination is not permitted.
ELIGIBILITY
Nominees must have resided in South Dakota for a portion of their lives, and they must have qualifications, attributes, and achievements resulting in positive impacts statewide and beyond. Nominees remain eligible for selection for three years. Nominators may provide first-time and additional information to strengthen nominations during the annual timeframe when nominations are being accepted—typically from mid-October – January each year. If the individual is not chosen in the initial three years, they have a two-year hiatus before eligible to be nominated again. There is no limit on the number of times a person can be nominated, but individuals are only chosen once for induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
Each year, after the Board of Directors undergoes the rigorous evaluation and selection process, nominators, nominees, and chosen inductees will be notified of their status.
PROCESS & MATERIALS
Summary Biography up to 500 words
(3) Letters of Reference
(5) Pieces of supporting Information (documents, URLs, and video)
Three questions with answers up to 250 words each, showing the nominee’s positive impact statewide and beyond
Awards & Honors, as many that indicate an impact statewide and beyond
Nominations are due yearly by February 1 at midnight CT
Nominations for the Class of 2025 are now closed. Nominations for the Class of 2026 will open in November 2025.