A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION, Honoring Angela Ehlers for being the 2021 recipient of the Spirit of Dakota award.

WHEREAS, this state has been built on the shoulders of great women—true pioneers who have gone forth in an assertive and determined manner to improve our communities and better our state; and

WHEREAS, Angela Ehlers is one of those great women—focusing on "we" not "me," remembering from where we came, identifying where we need to go, and determining how we can get there; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from South Dakota State University with degrees in agricultural business and commercial economics, Angela Ehlers set out to preserve her heritage and the land around her for future generations, and to leave that land in a better place for the benefit of future generations; and

WHEREAS, Angela Ehlers managed the American Creek Conservation District and served for thirty-two years as the executive director of the South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts, while also being an emergency medical technician, a member of various councils and committees at her church in Presho, and the president of the Avera St. Mary's Hospital Foundation in Pierre; and

WHEREAS, the State of South Dakota owes Angela Ehlers a debt of gratitude for her selfless efforts in the areas of conservation and for her ability to inspire current and future leaders:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the Ninety-Seventh Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that the incredible accomplishments of Angela Ehlers are worthy of note, that her gift of lifelong service to this state is worthy of gratitude, and that her status as the newest recipient of the Spirit of Dakota is worthy of our highest praise.