Mitchell Teacher Deanell Backlund Receives Prestigious Spirit of Dakota Award

Deanell Backlund, a longtime Mitchell educator, has been honored with the 39th Spirit of Dakota Award, the first recipient from Mitchell.

By Freddi Hammer October 7, 2025 6:46 am

Deanell Backlund Spirit of Dakota Award Mitchell teacher honored South Dakota education awards Dakota Wesleyan University trustee Mitchell English teacher recognition Spirit of Dakota Award recipient student inspiration Mitchell SD longtime educator award Mitchell community leadership Huron Event Center award ceremony — Metro Services

MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) A longtime Mitchell teacher has received one of South Dakota’s highest honors. Deanell Backlund was presented the 39th Spirit of Dakota Award Saturday night at the Huron Event Center — the first recipient ever from Mitchell. Backlund taught English for 33 years, advised the yearbook and newspaper, and later served as a Dakota Wesleyan University trustee. Colleagues say her influence extended far beyond the classroom, inspiring generations of students and community members through her service, leadership, and dedication to education. For more Government stories from MitchellNow.com, Click Here.

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