Recently, South Dakota Federation of Republican Women (SDFRW) delegates met in the beautiful Black Hills for SDFRW’s 2024 Biennial Convention. Speakers included former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, U.S. Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden, Attorney General Marty Jackley, PUC Commissioner Kristie Fiegen, Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun, SDGOP Chair John Wiik, and Life Defense Fund Attorney and former Miss South Dakota Sara Frankenstein.
At the historic Alex Johnson Hotel, candidates and voters assembled for a free “Meet & Greet” event, at which they enjoyed delightful conversation, delicious appetizers, and beautiful live music from harpist Donna O’Rourke.
The next morning, we headed south for some SDFRW bonding at Moccasin Springs Spa, world famous for its mineral water soaks. Pampered and relaxed, we kicked up our heels in a chic barn nestled among horse pastures. At our Black Hills Demin & Diamonds Welcome Dinner, guests loved the 360-degree photo booth, country music, fun yard games, and warm fire pit to ward off the evening chill. Our delectable feast featured a rustic take on charcuterie along with a chef’s brisket carving station, pulled pork, yummy sides, and mouth-watering cobblers.
Saturday began with a Rushmore Regents breakfast that answered the pressing question: “Why Run for Office?” Afterward, we unanimously elected the slate of officers proposed by the Nominating Committee and adopted four resolutions. We enjoyed a rousing lunch presentation entitled “Now Is The Time” as well as an inspiring dinner that echoed the Convention’s theme: “The Sky’s the Limit.”
Sunday, after prayer, we headed to Mt. Rushmore where we enjoyed a lovely repast - French toast, fresh berries, chocolate sauce, and Mt. Rushmore’s signature treat: vanilla ice cream made according to Thomas Jefferson’s private recipe. Breakfast was particularly special as this marked the first time since COVID that Rushmore hosted a private event. There, in the shadow of our Founding Fathers, we installed new officers and presented SDFRW’s Club Achievement Awards as well as special individual awards.
Special thank you to SDFRW Convention Chair Lauri Davis and her Convention Planning Committee for their hard work putting together such a fantastic weekend.
Congratulations to the Slate of Officers, Elected Unanimously:
President – Beka Zerbst
1st Vice-President – Jeni Boerger
2nd Vice-President – Debbie Schnell
3rd Vice-President – MaryLee Plut
4th Vice-President – Karen Brandt
Secretary – Nancy Ziegeldorf
Treasurer – Kari Shanard-Koenders
Member-at-Large – Maryann Bierman
Member-at-Large – Lauri Davis
Member-at-Large – Val Higgins
Member-at-Large – Sandy Rhoden
Please note: Current SDFRW President Catherine Barranco has declined to assume the position of Past President at the end of the year, but she is deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to serve. Penny Sattgast will continue to serve as Past President instead.
Congratulations to the Individual Biennial Award Winners:
Lauri Davis – Winner of the SDFRW Hero Award, given to a Republican woman who has contributed significantly to SDFRW at the state level over the past two years
Sandy Rhoden – Winner of the Cec Nankivel Award, given to a member who has contributed significantly to the SDFRW and the GOP over the past two years
Teresa Thompson – Winner of the Maree Raschke Award, given to a distinguished Republican woman who has displayed a true commitment to the Republican Party by donating her time on political activities during the pre-election year
Judy Trzynka* – Winner of the Legacy Award, given to a Republican Women in honor of a lifetime of service to SDFRW and SDGOP.
* The Legacy Award was presented last spring to Judy with the help of U.S. Senator Mike Rounds at SDFRW’s event at the stunning Goss Opera House.
Congratulations to the Clubs That Won SDFRW Achievement Awards:
Diamond – Codington County Republican Women, Meade County Republican Women, Northern Hills Republican Women, South Central Republican Women
Gold – Aurora-Douglas Republican Women, Beadle County Republican Women, Brown County Area Republican Women, Pennington County Republican Women, Sioux River Republican Women
Silver – Minnehaha-Lincoln Republican Women
Above & Beyond – James River Republican Women
CAPTION: Pictured are the incoming state officers, award winners, and Convention Chair Lauri Davis.