Thank You For Attending the Class of 2025 Honors Ceremony
The Class of 2025 Honors Ceremony was a landmark event, celebrating the induction of 10 inspiring individuals alongside the Hall of Fame’s first-ever historical figure. The entire weekend was filled with stories and moments that reflect the spirit of excellence in South Dakota. We are so grateful to everyone who shared in this celebration and helped us welcome the newest members of the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
Friday’s Grand Opening
The festivities kicked off on Friday evening with the Public Grand Opening, sponsored by First Dakota National Bank, where the Class of 2025 Inductees received their medallions, formally commemorating their induction. This official welcome into the Hall of Fame was a powerful reminder of the inspiring legacies of these 10 new members, who have helped shape our great state. This year marks the first time the South Dakota Hall of Fame has honored a special 11th Inductee, the Historical Figure, Dr. Valentine McGillycuddy, M.D. (1849–1939). Dr. McGillycuddy was celebrated, with his great-grandchildren, siblings Mark and Grace, in attendance.
The evening began with a beautiful version of God Bless America, sung by Miss South Dakota, Jamee Kattner! It was a special moment to welcome the current Miss South Dakota to our Visitor & Education Center, where we have a Miss South Dakota exhibit. The evening also featured heartfelt video testimonials congratulating the new inductees, which you can view online here. The celebration of everyday excellence continued as we honored the 2025 Acts of Excellence recipients with the reveal of their exhibit at the Visitor & Education Center.
Saturday’s Inspiring Events
Saturday was a day dedicated to recognizing and discussing the meaning of a culture of excellence. The morning began with our second annual Inductee Panel Discussion at the Honors Ceremony Brunch, sponsored by First PREMIER Bank & PREMIER Bankcard. Attendees had the unique opportunity to hear firsthand from the new Inductees, engaging in meaningful conversations that were as inspiring as they were enlightening.
The celebration continued with Inductee meet and greets, followed by the Homecoming Social for Current and Former Inductees. This event provided a wonderful opportunity for past Inductees to reconnect and welcome the newest class into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. South Dakota Hall of Fame Visitor & Education Manager, Shawn Martin, was on site to foster relationships with past Inductees and to preserve their stories. This event served as a catalyst to update the legacies of many past Inductees, ensuring their stories continue to inspire generations. A standout moment from the Homecoming Social was 2024 Inductee Bryan Akipa’s soul-stirring performance of an original flute composition, created especially for this celebration. It was a breathtaking experience that captured the spirit of the Honors Ceremony Weekend.
A Fitting Finale
The weekend concluded with the Honors Ceremony Banquet, which serves as the culmination of this special annual weekend. It was profound to hear powerful speeches from each of the Class of 2025 Inductees and their representatives. Their words, filled with wisdom and passion, highlighted the incredible life’s work and legacies that define what it means to be a champion of excellence. For those who couldn’t attend, these speeches will be available to view online next month. The night began on a high note with the exciting Live Charity Auction, featuring some fantastic bidding opportunities, and concluded with full hearts and memories we won’t soon forget.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We are deeply grateful to our incredible sponsors, donors, and partners who helped make this memorable weekend possible. Your support is invaluable in helping us continue to celebrate and champion excellence across South Dakota. To see a full list of our supporters, click here.
We also want to thank our dedicated staff and Board of Directors for helping this event come to fruition year after year.
As we reflect on another amazing Honors Ceremony, we are reminded of the power of community and the lasting impact of honoring those who embody excellence in all of its forms. Thank you for being a part of this unforgettable celebration.