The South Dakota Hall of Fame awarded two Acts of Excellence awards to two gentlemen from Vivian and Kennebec, South Dakota at its Visitor and Education Center in Chamberlain, S.D.–Mr. Keith Patrick (of Vivian, S.D.) and Mr. Matt Collins (of Kennebec, S.D.)–for their volunteerism and commitment to community success.

The South Dakota Hall of Fame is a nonprofit, public charity with a statewide focus. The mission of the South Dakota Hall of Fame is to Champion a Culture of Excellence, and the organization fulfills its mission through its Programming. One of the Hall’s major programs is its Acts of Excellence Program. Through the program, organizations and individuals are recognized for extraordinary acts of service and contributions to their communities. Chief Executive Officer Laurie Becvar and Board Director Erica Peterson conducted the award ceremony in Chamberlain, S.D. on April 17, 2023.

Keith Patrick – Vivian, S.D.

*Acts of Excellence award recipient Keith Patrick (left) pictured with South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Director Erica Peterson (right) while receiving his award.*

The first recipient of the evening was Mr. Keith Patrick of Vivian, S.D. Becvar shared that Mr. Patrick’s service to society went back over 40 years, and he has been giving back to the Vivian community regularly ever since.

Mr. Patrick’s extensive volunteerism and contribution of his personal talents made him most deserving. He has been known to share those talents with individuals, businesses, and organizations whenever he is called upon, rain or shine. Mr. Patrick has built a reputation of “being a man who can fix anything, anytime.” He has served on every Vivian committee, which includes the fire department, where he has served as fire chief, as well as the cemetery association, and the American Legion, where he patriotically places the flags every holiday–which is no easy feat.

Mr. Patrick’s availability and his willing ways have contributed immensely to the community of Vivian. Becvar stated, “Today, we honor you, Keith Patrick, for volunteering and contributing to save a community and to help a South Dakota community prosper!”

Matt Collins – Kennebec, S.D.

*Acts of Excellence award recipient Matt Collins (left) pictured with South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Director Erica Peterson (right) while receiving his award.*

The second recipient of the evening was Mr. Matt Collins who represents both Kennebec and Lyman communities. Mr. Collins is currently the leader of the Kennebec Telephone Company, a company that is deeply rooted in serving the community beyond their daily business activities. The company, and Mr. Collins, as its leader, believes in giving back and he encourages the same behavior of his staff.

Service to others comes naturally to Mr. Collins—it is never a forced action; service comes straight from the heart, and it is done with a smile, giving nothing less than 100% of himself.

Becvar stated, “We have all seen his strong character bleed through on the football fields, the basketball courts, and baseball diamonds as he coached the community’s youth. Matt is the first one to give a high five to a player coming out of a game or an encouraging pat on the back to keep going.”

Mr. Collins began volunteering his time to the community’s youth and to the town of Kennebec many years ago. He started coaching basketball and baseball when his oldest son was in third grade; shortly thereafter, he added elementary league baseball, rookies, minors and majors to the list, and he kept the momentum going by adding the coaching job of his son’s traveling basketball teams. Mr. Collins has served as a volunteer football coach for Lyman High School, as well as the high school boys’ basketball coach.

Mr. Collins’s resume of good deeds is long, but it must be mentioned that he is also a Lyman School Board member. He was instrumental in getting the high school a much-needed new classroom wing, a commons area, and an auxiliary gym in 2019 and 2020. Mr. Collins has also served as both the president and vice president of the Medicine Creek Golf board, as well as the Kennebec Town and Country president where he organizes the Club’s Annual Fishing Tournament.

In 2009, Mr. Collins was voted as Kennebec’s “Citizen of the Year”—a well-deserved honor. He has set up, and torn down, so many community events, they are too numerous to mention. Whether it’s Appreciation Day or Kennebec’s Christmas lists, you will find Mr. Collins there, lending a helping hand with a smile.

“To add one more hat, or we should say helmet, to the list that Matt wears, he also serves as a volunteer fireman for Kennebec. It is a position that carries the largest badge of bravery and selfless service to the community,” stated Becvar.

The Kennebec telephone company proudly nominated Mr. Collins for the South Dakota Hall of Fame Act of Excellence Award before he was named leader of the company. His service to others is the greatest action a human being can perform; he is a human kindness athlete.

Before concluding for the evening, the South Dakota Hall of Fame staff shared that displays of the 2023 Act of Excellence recipients will be featured at the Visitor and Education Center in Chamberlain beginning this summer and extending through the end of the year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Laurie Becvar, Ed.D., M.A.
CEO, South Dakota Hall of Fame
605-682-4239
lbecvar@sdhalloffame.org

ABOUT THE ACTS OF EXCELLENCE PROGRAM

The South Dakota Hall of Fame is a 501c3 organization designed to Honor, Inspire, and Educate. The Hall’s mission is to Champion a Culture of Excellence and the SD Hall of Fame lives out its mission through its programming, including the Acts of Excellence Program. Twelve organizations or individuals have been chosen for their Acts of Excellence in 2023.

Keith Patrick (Vivian, S.D.) & Matt Collins (Kennebec, S.D.) Receive Acts of Excellence Award From the South Dakota Hall of Fame