AARP Eye Center
AARP South Dakota hosted volunteers from across the state in Pierre January 27-28 for their annual Volunteer Summit and Lobby Day at the Capitol.
Jacque Sly of Rapid City received the 2024 AARP South Dakota Andrus Award at the event.
The Andrus Award for Community Service is a prestigious honor that each AARP state office presents annually to an outstanding volunteer. It is named for AARP’s Founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, who knew that a life fulfilled was a life dedicated to service. The award celebrates individuals who generously share their experiences, talents and skills to enrich the lives of others and to improve their community.
Sly was honored for her 37 years as a classroom teacher, active involvement in local and statewide activities, past service as a member of the South Dakota House of Representatives and for her leadership on behalf of the South Dakota Retired School Personnel (SDRSP), the education community of AARP.
“Jacque is passionate, knowledgeable, and eager to make connections,” said Erik Gaikowski, AARP South Dakota state director. “She has stepped up to lead local activities, she is part of state advocacy efforts, and she bridges organizations to help AARP South Dakota maintain strong partnerships. She is also a tireless advocate for education and for our state’s educators.”
Anita Manning of Sioux Falls received the 2024 Community Leadership Award, recognizing her efforts to engage a broad audience in the mission and priorities of AARP South Dakota.
Manning’s enthusiasm for volunteering was highlighted, along with her willingness to take on a leadership role in organizing AARP South Dakota events as well as service projects to benefit other local organizations.
The 2024 AARP Amplifier Award went to Doug DeGroot of Sioux Falls.
In addition to serving on the volunteer Executive Council for AARP South Dakota, DeGroot has been a voice for the organization to introduce AARP South Dakota to new audiences and to build and sustain its reputation as a trusted resource on issues important to the 50-plus.
“While we present only one Andrus Award each year, every one of our volunteers embodies the spirit of AARP’s founder as they spark change and improve their communities one act at a time,” Gaikowski said. “Our state office loves to bring our volunteers together at our annual summit and to take time to say ‘thank you’ for sharing their time and talents.”
The summit’s theme of Lights! Camera! Action! put the spotlight on the importance of volunteers and included educational sessions on the roles each volunteer can play in bringing resources, information and events to their communities.
In addition to coming together to learn and celebrate, the group spent a day at the Capitol in a week that saw the state transition to a new governor. The volunteers attended legislative committees, hosted a lunch for legislators and Capitol staff in the Rotunda and were fortunate to be on hand for the first formal address by Governor Larry Rhoden to a joint session of the legislature.
The volunteers, all dressed in red, were recognized by both the Senate and House Chambers, and a special commemorative resolution honoring Jacque Sly’s Andrus Award was read in the House of Representatives, where she had previously served.
Find a full gallery of photos on the AARP South Dakota Facebook page.
AARP South Dakota maintains an advocacy presence in Pierre and shares information with members, volunteers and others about legislative issues that impact South Dakotans aged 50-plus.
For more information about AARP South Dakota’s work in the state, or to learn how to get involved, visit www.aarp.org/sd or email sdaarp@aarp.org.