Individual, professional
Dr. Gera Jacobs, Vermillion
A professor in the University of South Dakota School of Education, Dr. Jacobs is a role model for future early childhood teachers. She is also a nationally recognized professor of the year and an award-winning author. She led the taskforce charged with responsibility for establishing South Dakota Early Learning Guidelines for preschool children. Her nominator writes, ?Dr. Jacobs provides a tireless contribution to the field of early childhood education. She has been diligent in serving as a leader for initiatives to help our young children start strong.?

Individual, professional
Jeanne Burckhard, Rapid City
As principal of Rapid City?s North Middle School, Jeanne Burckhard has been a catalyst for efforts to combat bullying, racism and poverty. Through the Backpack Program, qualifying students receive a bag of food each week, while good attendance and being on time to class rewards students with Eagle Cash that can be used at the Eagle Store, which stocks school supplies, toiletries and clothing. As a result of Burckhard?s innovations, student behavior and attendance have improved. A nominator says, ?She has transformed North Middle School into an oasis of hope, possibility and success.?

Organization/community group volunteer
Wesley United Methodist Church, Sioux Falls
Those who attend this church in a multicultural, multiracial, often-transient Sioux Falls neighborhood are open to what is going on around them. That prompted the congregation to open its hearts and the doors of its church to initiate a variety of programs. A letter of support signed by two volunteers in the program explains its worth: ?Together, we will be able to help many of these children not only to meet essential daily needs, but to work toward a brighter future knowing they have a safe place to go and just be a kid. We feel rewarded many times over.?

Organization/community group professional
Black Hills Pioneer Newspaper, Spearfish
?A committed community leader and a willing community partner in promoting available resources and services for the youth and children of the Northern Hills.? That?s how its nominator describes the newspaper that covers the Northern Hills. The paper promotes children and youth programs and events as well as highlighting organizations that provide services to youth and their families. In addition to providing promotional support to a variety of fundraising and other activities, the Black Hills Pioneer created and printed a Northern Hills Children?s Resource Directory that is distributed free to more than 14,000 area households.

George S. Mickelson Policy Leader Award
George S. Mickelson, (posthumous award)
While his legacy is well known in the areas of tribal reconciliation, economic development, environmental legislation and water development, Gov. Mickelson also championed children. He pushed for alternative schools to serve children at risk, established the state Division of Child Care Services, found a home for South Dakota KIDS COUNT, and brought the state into compliance with the core protections of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. George S. Mickelson looked for opportunities to make South Dakota a better place ? for its oldest and youngest residents.

2008 Champion for Children Honor Roll
Individual - Professional
Frank Barnett, Sioux Falls
Becky Bergquist, Waubay
Dr. Jerry Blake, Sioux Falls
Dr. William Donhiser, Rapid City
Antonia Humphrey, Lake Andes
Darcy Jensen, Sioux Falls
Elizabeth A. Young, St. Francis

Organization/Community Group - volunteer
Huron Youth Advisory Council
Sioux Falls Morning Optimist Club

Organization/Community Group - professional
Family Child Care Professionals of South Dakota, Sioux Falls
Oglala Lakota Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Pine Ridge

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