South Dakota’s Greats: The Legends & Learning Program
The South Dakota Hall of Fame is dedicated to sharing the stories of excellence that have shaped our state. Through the revitalized Legends & Learning program, led by Dr. Michelle Hovland, EdD, students and teachers alike are discovering new ways to connect with South Dakota’s rich history of leadership, innovation, and impact.
With over 20 Legends represented and more added annually, the program is offered free of charge and brings inspiring role models into classrooms while meeting state learning standards for grades K–5 in social studies, reading, writing, and educational technology. By weaving real stories of South Dakotans who made a difference into lesson plans, Legends & Learning helps students see the possibilities of leadership in their own lives.
How Legends & Learning Works
The program was specifically created keeping the busy schedules of teachers in mind and strives to present resources in a coherent and organized manner so teachers can easily access and implement the lessons.
The program has two components:
An in-depth and inspiring article for each Inductee.
Leadership-focused lesson plans aligned with South Dakota content standards for K-5 classrooms.
Currently, the teacher resources are intended for K-5 teachers and students. Teachers of other grades are welcome to adapt the lesson plans to fit their needs.
Supporting South Dakota’s Teachers
The Legends & Learning program not only serves as inspiration for our state’s youth, but also stands as an opportunity for continued education for elementary school teachers across the state.
Now in its third year, the Legends & Learning Graduate Leadership Course in partnership with Dakota State University is an independent study course that helps teachers familiarize themselves with the program.
Key Benefits Include:
Engage with the South Dakota Hall of Fame Legends & Learning Program.
Explore 22 Inductees and standards-based lesson plans.
Participate in hands-on learning at the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
Study real-life stories of leadership, resilience, and overcoming obstacles.
Download the informational flyer here.
Your Support Matters
The “Lifting the Legacy of Excellence” campaign has officially entered its last year and is aimed at preserving and elevating the South Dakota Hall of Fame’s invaluable work in ways that will leave a lasting impact on South Dakota’s future.
As we embark on the final and most critical year of this campaign, we invite you to be part of something truly meaningful. Help us cross the finish line and cement a legacy that will inspire generations to come. Your support now has never mattered more.
Your Investment Will:
Allow us to build more Legends & Learning Curriculum, expanding the Program regularly.
Collaborate with the teachers throughout the State to embed Legends & Learning into their coursework.
Acquire a Learning Management System to house the Program.
Hold an annual educational institute for teachers using the Program.
Fund Legends & Learning in perpetuity through a special endowment.
Offer more graduate-level classes for teachers in partnership with select institutions of higher education.
Why does this matter?
Legends & Learning transfers the knowledge, wisdom, and life lessons of our Legends to the next generation. Through the Program, our youth in South Dakota can set their own life goals, complete with a road map on how to achieve them. Our youth can realize that they can be successful right here in South Dakota.
Any donation is appreciated. Consider supporting the Lifting the Legacy of Excellence campaign today.