Thank You for Joining Us at the 2023 Honors Ceremony
Pictured From left to right: 2023 Inductees Hani Shafai and José-Marie Griffiths, and Board Member Michelle Lavallee
The Class of 2023 Honors Ceremony was a phenomenal weekend where memories celebrating excellence were made. We are honored to champion the 10 newest Inductees who joined the South Dakota Hall of Fame, and we want to thank you all for helping us celebrate their induction. From the Public Grand Opening kicking off the weekend to the closing statements of the Honors Ceremony Banquet, it was a memorable two days filled with examples of championing excellence in South Dakota.
At Friday evening’s Public Grand Opening sponsored by Dream Design International, the Class of 2023 Inductees were awarded their medallions, officially commemorating their induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. Paul Vinatieri, father of 2023 Inductee Adam Vinatieri, received his son’s medallion on Adam’s behalf, and 2023 Inductee Dr. Robert Arnio’s daughters, Renee Landeen and Lisa Porisch, received Dr. Arnio’s medallion on his behalf. This special moment of officially welcoming these 10 extraordinary individuals into the South Dakota Hall of Fame won’t be forgotten. Testimonials congratulating the Class of 2023 were played during the opening reception, which you can now view online. Everyday excellence was also celebrated as the 2023 Acts of Excellence recipients were recognized during Friday’s reception.
Inductee Panel Discussion held during the 2023 Honors Ceremony Brunch
Saturday was a day full of recognizing what it means to champion a culture of excellence. This year featured our first-ever Inductee panel discussion held during the Honors Ceremony Brunch, sponsored by First PREMIER Bank & PREMIER Bankcard. This special panel gave attendees a chance to hear from our Inductees and to pose questions for them. You can watch a recording of this panel discussion here. It was an inspiring morning of conversation.
The day carried on with Inductee meet and greets, followed by the Anniversary Reunion sponsored by Sanford Health. This event serves as an annual opportunity for past Inductees to connect with each other, as well as welcome the newest class of Inductees into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. Not only was Walt Bones celebrated as a new member of the Class of 2023 Inductees, but his father, 1988 Inductee Walter Bones (1927-1995) was celebrated amongst the 35-year anniversary members during the 2023 Anniversary Reunion. Saturday culminated with the Honors Ceremony Banquet, which began with a live charity auction featuring fantastic bidding opportunities.
The South Dakota Hall of Fame Class of 2023
The weekend’s schedule of events was wrapped up with poignant speeches from each of the Class of 2023 Inductees, whose life’s work and legacies stand as an example of what it means to be a champion of excellence. Class of 2023 Inductee speeches will be available to view online later next month.
Finally, we would like to thank our many amazing sponsors, donors, and partners for their support. To view a full list of our supporters, you can view the Class of 2023 Honors Ceremony Magazine here.