MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Longtime educator and community volunteer Deanell Backlund of Mitchell is among 14 nominees for this year’s Spirit of Dakota Award. The honor recognizes South Dakota women for leadership, service, and strength of character. Backlund taught middle school English for 33 years, advised the yearbook and student paper, and later served as a trustee for Dakota Wesleyan University, where she became the first woman named a lifetime trustee. She also volunteers with Meals on Wheels, the Mitchell Public Library, and local community events. The award will be presented October 4th during a banquet at the Huron Event Center. For more Government stories from MitchellNow.com, Click Here.