Thank You For Attending the Class of 2026 Honors Ceremony
The Class of 2026 Honors Ceremony was a weekend to remember, celebrating the induction of 10 extraordinary South Dakotans. From Friday's Grand Opening to the final toast, the weekend was filled with stories, laughter, and moments that captured what makes South Dakota exceptional. Thank you to everyone who joined us in welcoming the newest members of the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
Friday’s Grand Opening
The celebration began Friday evening with the Public Grand Opening, a longtime tradition that draws friends, family, colleagues, and admirers from across South Dakota and beyond. Sponsored by First Dakota National Bank, the Grand Opening marked the moment the Class of 2026 Inductees officially received their medallions, a lasting symbol of their induction.
That moment of recognition offered a powerful reminder of the legacies these 10 individuals have built, legacies that have helped shape our state for generations to come.
The evening also included heartfelt video testimonials honoring the new Inductees, along with the unveiling of the 2026 Acts of Excellence exhibit at the Visitor & Education Center, continuing the celebration of everyday excellence throughout South Dakota.
Saturday’s Inspiring Events
Saturday was devoted to exploring what a culture of excellence truly means, through conversation, connection, and reflection. The day began with the second annual Inductee Panel Discussion at the Honors Ceremony Brunch, sponsored by First PREMIER Bank & PREMIER Bankcard. Attendees had the rare opportunity to hear directly from the new Inductees in conversations that were as candid as they were inspiring.
The celebration continued with Inductee meet-and-greets, followed by the Inductee Reunion, sponsored by the Greg & Pam Sands Foundation. The reunion gave past Inductees a chance to reconnect with one another and welcome the newest class into the fold, while also serving as an opportunity to update the legacies of many past Inductees, ensuring their stories continue inspiring future generations.
A standout moment of the reunion came with a keynote address from 1980 Inductee Billy Mills, who also held a book signing following the event. His remarks were nothing short of inspiring, capturing the very spirit of the Honors Ceremony Weekend.
A Fitting Finale
The weekend reached its conclusion with the Honors Ceremony Banquet, the culmination of this special annual celebration. It was a profound experience to hear powerful speeches from each of the Class of 2026 Inductees and their representatives.
Each speech offered a window into the values, sacrifices, and dedication that define what it means to be a champion of excellence. Some moments brought laughter, others brought tears, but every speech left the room a little more inspired than before. Together, they served as a fitting close to a weekend built entirely around honoring lives well lived.
For those who couldn't attend in person, these speeches will be available to view online soon, offering everyone a chance to experience the wisdom and passion shared throughout the evening.
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.
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.