SDSSA Award Winners

Rookie of the Year:  Dani Walking Eagle
The 2024 Rookie of the Year is Dani Walking Eagle of the St. Francis Indian School.  Ms. Walking Eagle is in her third year as superintendent for the St. Francis Indian School. She has engaged in her school and community. Dani led her school out of corrective action within her first year. She has engaged her community in strategic planning and focused on the professional development of her leadership team. Ms. Walking Eagle has worked with consultants and her team to transform St. Francis into a student-focused school. Dani has transitioned leadership positions to meet the dynamic needs of their community and empowered leaders to move forward with the work that needs to be done. Ms. Walking Eagle is committed to the students, staff, and community. The South Dakota School Superintendent Association proudly recognizes Ms. Walking Eagle as our 2024 Rookie of the Year award recipient.                                                                      

Community Leader of the Year: Tim Graf
The 2024 Community Leader of the Year recipient is Tim Graf.  Superintendent at the Harrisburg School District. Mr. Graf has served as superintendent of schools for the Harrisburg School District since Fall 2019. Before serving in Harrisburg, Mr. Graf served in Milbank, Wilmont, and Ellendale communities. Tim has led the fastest-growing school district in South Dakota through difficult years, multiple successful bond issues, boundary changes, and innovative learning structures by keeping the community focused on “what is best for kids.”  Mr. Graf is a consummate leader who encourages the growth and development of all those around him. The South Dakota School Superintendent Association proudly recognizes Mr. Graf as our 2024 Community Leader of the Year award recipient. 

Innovator of the Year:  Erik Person
The 2024 Innovator of the Year Award recipient is Dr. Erik Person, Superintendent, Lead-Deadwood School District. Dr. Person has served as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent over the past 27 years. Erik has been the superintendent at Lead-Deadwood Public Schools for the past three years. As Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Person has led the district through a comprehensive strategic plan. He is recognized by teachers, board members, and community members for moving from concept to action quickly as the district moves forward with renovation projects, a significant mercury spill, and an innovative 185+ land development project for affordable homes for working families, including teachers, to stabilize the staff and enrollment in the District. The South Dakota School Superintendent Association proudly recognizes Dr. Person as our 2024 Innovator of the Year award recipient.