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

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 individually 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 smoky 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.

Mary J. Milroy, MD, FACS - Yankton

Our 2012 Spirit of Dakota award winner is described as a modern-day pioneer seeking answers to health issues facing so many women today. She is ready to do what she can –when she can – to nurture her family, support community growth, and be a woman
of faith. 

A Girl Scout troop leader. Church leader. President of the High School Choir Boosters. An actress and patron of community theater. An advocate for women’s health care. These are the many contributions she has made and continues to make to her community and
state.  From the mission fields of Haiti to the
underserved areas of our Indian reservations in South Dakota, she answers the call to help
others in need.

Graduating from the USD School of Medicine, Mary chose the path less traveled by women entering the practice of medicine. She chose to become a general surgeon. When she and her husband Dan, an orthopedic surgeon, came to Yankton in 1991, Mary began the difficult
challenge of building her own practice and obtaining board certification, supporting her husband in his medical career, and raising four daughters - Carrie, Laura, Leslie, and Amy - a balancing act which she managed with skill and grace.
 

Mary limited her professional practice to diseases of the breast, being one of the first
surgeons in this field in South Dakota. Because of her commitment to her profession,
she not only impacts her patients but also their family members, friends and
caregivers, extending her expertise and compassionate care to all involved. She
remains active in state and national medical organizations, and has received
numerous awards from the American Cancer Society and the South Dakota Medical Association, to name a few.

 In 2004, Mary was the driving force in the formation of the South Dakota Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. The foundation provides funds for the screening and treatment of breast cancer, and also dedicates monies for breast cancer research in South Dakota. 

In 2011, the SD Department of Health reported that cancer became the leading cause of death in our state. Once again, Mary was asked to lead efforts in the fight against this
devastating disease. She is currently the chair of the South Dakota Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition. The Coalition seeks to coordinate all groups involved in cancer
services and research. Mary also serves on the Steering Committee for All Women
Count and numerous other boards sharing her wit and wisdom. 

Her life serves as a daily testimony of compassion for others. Mary is totally committed to serving her community, being a wonderful mother and wife, and making Yankton and the
state of South Dakota a better place to call home. She embodies the spirit of a bold Dakota woman who has demonstrated vision, courage, leadership and the advancement of others in her community and state. The Spirit of Dakota Selection Commission is indeed honored to announce Dr. Mary J. Milroy of Yankton, SD as the 2012 Spirit of Dakota Award winner.

Spirit of Dakota Award Society

Marilyn Hoyt, Chairman
605-352-6073
Email

• Beckie Freeman
• Sue Gose
• Stephanie Hertel
• Deannie LeRoux
• Sandy Mencke
• Jeannette Peterson
• Bette Poppen
• Terri Anderson-Schlader
• Linda Schwartz
• Rebecca Steele
• JoAnne Thurnbeck
• Mary Walz
• Cindy Wilk 
• Darcy Haber
• Sarah Rubish
• Erica McNeil
• Nicole Miner
• Mary Pearson
• Shelly Noonan