Nine distinguished individuals from across the state of South Dakota have been selected to receive the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) Distinguished Service Award for the 2015-16 school year. Following a nomination process, the recipients of the Distinguished Service Award are selected by the SDHSAA Board of Directors.
The SDHSAA Distinguished Service Award program was established by the SDHSAA in 1976. It's the highest recognition bestowed by the SDHSAA and it's designed to honor individuals who have made significant long term contributions to the high school athletic and fine arts activities in our state.
Distinguished Service Award recipients are individuals whose contributions have had an impact on high school activity programs. The award is presented to honor administrators (principals, superintendents and athletic/activity directors); Board of Education members; athletic and fine arts activities coaches & directors; contest officials for fine arts and athletic activities; and contributors to statewide high school activities. Recipients of this award have given outstanding service to the youth of the state through the high school athletic and fine arts activities programs.
The following individuals are the 2015-16 SDHSAA Distinguished Service Award recipients:
Board of Education:
Todd Trask - Huron
Category: Administrators
Rick Weber – Flandreau
Dan Whalen – Pierre
Karen Hahn – Spearfish
Charlie Sizer - Miller
Category: Coaches & Directors
Jackie Stacey – Watertown
Phil Hunt – Rapid City
Category: Contest Officials
Grant Manhart – Aberdeen
Gene Gillen - Hermosa
The Distinguished Service Awards will be presented throughout the 2015-16 school year at various SDHSAA state athletic and fine arts events.
