Spirit of Dakota
South Dakota's Premier Woman's Award

Established October 1987

Statement of Purpose & Criteria
The Spirit of Dakota Award is an annual honor bestowed each fall by the Spirit of Dakota Award Society at a state-wide event at the Crossroads Hotel & Huron Event Center. The Spirit of Dakota award is given to:

  • An outstanding South Dakota woman who has demonstrated leadership qualities and has been successful and admired in her community and state.
  • A woman with roots deep in Dakota whose courage and strength of character have helped develop her family and community.
  • A woman who has represented social, cultural, and education advancement for others.
  • This award is not Mother of the Year, nor Teacher of the Year, nor categorized but rather a recognition of those outstanding women who have been the symbols of all that we are proud of in our Prairie Women.
  • The nominee does not need to be a native of South Dakota, but must be a current, living resident of the state.

History of Spirit of Dakota Award

History of Spirit of Dakota Award
The nine foot bronze sculpture "Spirit of Dakota" which stands at the entrance of the Crossroads Hotel & Huron Event Center, is the source for the state-wide Spirit of Dakota Award. Dale Claude Lamphere, nationally recogonized sculptor and artist, is the creator. This sculpture of a pioneer woman balanced against the wind was unveiled and dedicated in October 1987 by the citizens of Huron and is the unique possession of this community.

 

Spirit of Dakota Award

South Dakota's Premier Woman's Award
This prestigious Spirit of South Dakota award plaque is an outstanding piece of art; each indivually created by renowned sculptor, Dale Claude Lamphere, and treasured by each honoree. A one-foot bronze oval is graced with the pioneer woman sculpted upon its facade. To further illuminate the award, the bronze oval is mounted on smokey black lucite which is etched with the award inscription. The final element of the honor is an 18x20 burnished gold wooden frame which securely hold the cherished woman.

Nominations

Saturday, October 3, 2009

3:00 PM - Nominee Tea

3:00 PM - Art Show Opens

6:00 PM - Social

          7:00 PM - Award Banquet

Nomination forms and informational brochures may be obtained from:

Spirit of Dakota Award Society
PO Box 280
Huron, SD 57350

or

Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau
1725 Dakota Avenue S
Huron, SD 57350

Nominations Close August 1

Please mail nominations to:

Spirit of Dakota Award Society
PO Box 280
Huron, SD 57350

Spirit of Dakota Event

2008 Spirit of Dakota Award Winner        
Elaine Doll-Dunn - Spearfish                         

    Elaine Doll-Dunn has been described as a true "Renaissance Woman" of South Dakota - possessing a unique combination of experiences, abilities, skills and knowledge that have enabled her to handle challenges with grace and opportunities with enthusiasm.  Elaine personifies the Spirit of Dakota Award - a woman of vision, courage and strength of character whose leadership has made a significant impact on her community and state.

   A child of the 1930's, Elaine grew up in northwestern South DAkota, riding her buckskin pony to a one-room schoolhouse.  She grew up learning to ride a horse, tend to cattle, and helping her mother, Sylvia, with household chores.  Her father, Guy, instilled in her the "never give up" attitude, while her mother's encouraging smile inspired Elaine to live every moment and share her passion with others.  In high school, she received the "I Dare You" Award which has held significant meaning in her life.

   At the age of 19, Elaine married her high school sweetheart, moved to France as a military wife, and had four children by the age of 23.  Life seemed perfect and secure but a turn of events left this young mother a widow when her husband, Sam, died of cancer.  She returned to the home ranch where she could work and raise her family.  Even during this difficult time, Elaine was involved in the community, serving as president of the local Cowbelles and an active member of the Stock Growers Association.

   The next chapter in her life included moving her family to Spearfish where she pursued new interests, including obtaining her teaching degree.  Following a second marriage, Elaine's family grew to include three additional children.  A turning point in Elaine's life came when her son, Tim, encouraged her to start running.

   Running changed Elaine's life.  It became her passion - a passion she shares with others - and has culminated with her establishing the Leading Ladies Marathon, an empowerment tool for women that brings nationally acclaimed speakers to Spearfish.  Through the years, Elaine has compiled over 39,000 miles, 113 marathons and three ultra marathons competing in 45 states and five continents.  To mark her 60th birthday, she ran from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean across Panama, a 60-mile trek.  In 1995, she met and married Jerry Dunn, a runner she endearingly calls her "marathon man."

   The former Mrs. South Dakota, Elaine was literally on top of the world when her life took another twist and her faith and courage were called upon as she faced the fight of her life.  She was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Elaine's struggle to survive life's challenges has been an inspiration to many.  Her boldness is unmatched.

   At the age of 65, Elaine completed her Doctor of Philosphy in Psychology, researching the self-efficacy of women who begin running marathons after the age of 40.  In 2000 Elaine finished her book "Gotta Run..." and has been featured in the Runner's World magazine for her accomplishments.  Last year Elaine celebrated her 70th birthday and is enjoying life as a devoted wife, a lving mother to seven children, a proud grandmother to 19, and a great-grandmother in her growing family.

   Elaine Doll-Dunn is the epitome of a leader and role model.  Her approach to life crosses all age barriers.  Therefore, it is with great pride and much honor that we present Elaine Doll-Dunn as the 2008 recipient of the Spirit of Dakota Award - South Dakota's Premier Women's Award.


2008 Nominees

Barbara Cline, Spearfish; Elaine Doll-Dunn, Spearfish; LaVaye Dubro, Iroquois; Irene Hansen, Cresbard; Lillian Hebert, Bonesteel; Vera Hoffman, Redfield; PK Holmes, Vermillion; Emily Jennings, Spearfish; Delores Johnson, Spearfish; Deanna Larson, Hartford; Elizabeth Lewis, Yankton; Ellen Logan, Gettysburg; Jane Maine, Box Elder; Maxine McKeown, Elkton; Tana Nichols, Hill City; Tracey Olson, Parker; Linda Rabe, Rapid City; Brenda Schulte, Alexandria; LaVonne Shields, Pierre; Donna Stewart, DeSmet; Kay Thomas, Alexandria; Clarice Weiss, Colton; Sharon Wollman, Sioux Falls

Distinguished Honorees

Spirit of Dakota Distinguished Honorees

  • 1987 - *Mrs. Winifred Lorentson, Miller
  • 1988 - *Dr. Jeanie K. Sherman, Madison
  • 1989 - *Florence Bruhn, Watertown
  • 1990 - *Jeanette Lusk, Huron
  • 1991 - *Dorothy (D.J.) Cline, Brookings
  • 1992 - No Award Presentaion
  • 1993 - Ruth Ziolkowski, Custer
  • 1994 - Sylvia Henkin., Sioux Falls
  • 1995 - Irene Fisher Coon, Sioux Falls
  • 1996 - Hildreth Twostars Venegas, Sisseton
  • 1997 - Lorraine Huntimer, Oldham
  • 1998 - Mary Lou Tripp, Belle Fourche
  • 1999 - Marsha Sumpter, Philip
  • 2000 - Donna Schipke, Newell
  • 2001 - Phyllis White Eyes DeCory, Rapid City
  • 2002 - Virginia Keil Lardinois, Huron
  • 2003 - Patricia Fawcett, Ree Heights
  • 2004 - Alice Kundert, Mound City
  • 2005 - No Award Presentation
  • 2006 - Janice Manolis, Huron
  • 2007 - June James - Hazel
  • 2008 - Elaine Doll-Dunn - Spearfish

Selection Commission

Spirit of Dakota Selection Commission

  • Judy Barbour - Rapid City
  • Coral Bonnemann - Brookings
  • Glenna Fouberg - Aberdeen
  • Jean Hunhoff - Yankton
  • Adele Jacobson - Huron
  • Suzette Kirby - Sioux Falls
  • First Lady Jean Rounds - Pierre
  • Tona Rozum - Mitchell
  • Marsha Sumpter - Kadoka
  • Judy Trzynka - Watertown
  • Bev Wright - Turton

Spirit of Dakota Award Society

Cindy Wilk
Darcy Haber
Jane Meekins
Sarah Rubish
Erica McNeil





Huron Chamber and
Visitors Bureau
1725 Dakota Ave South
Huron, SD 57350
605-352-0000
800-487-6673
cvb@huronsd.com

 
Copyright Huron 2008