Watch the Class of 2026 Acceptance Speeches
The Class of 2026 was welcomed into the South Dakota Hall of Fame this September during a weekend dedicated to their achievements. These Champions of Excellence were recognized for the lasting impact they've made in their communities, across South Dakota, and far beyond its borders.
The celebration reached its high point at the Honors Ceremony Banquet, where our newest class of inductees shared in their own words the stories, values, and determination behind lives well lived. Their speeches are a reminder that excellence is built through purpose, persistence, and service to others.
Scroll down to hear from the Class of 2026.
Matt Anderson speaks on behalf of his late wife, Dr. Susan Marie Anderson (1970 - 2024) at the Class of 2026 Honors Ceremony.
Dr. Hoyme shares, in his own words, what it means to be inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
Jack Kucera shares what it means to him to be inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
Michelle Gross Lavallee shares what it means to her to be inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
Matt Paulson shares what it means to him to be inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
Brian James Bonde, ACFRE shares what it means to him to be inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
Dr. Johnson shares in his own words, what it means to him to be inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
Peter Larson shares what it means to him to be inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
Becky Lust speaks on behalf of her late husband, David Lust (1968 - 2021) at the Class of 2026 Honors Ceremony.
Dr. Petereit shares what it means to him to be inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.