Jenny Mongeau
Amber Neirby
Mark Haugen
Dennis R. Heitkamp was the Executive Director of Lakes & Prairies (Clay Wilkin Opportunity Council) for 31 years. He was instrumental in promoting and supporting self-sufficiency efforts throughout the area. This award can be given to a Lakes & Prairies Staff member, Lakes & Prairies Board Member, Program Recipient or Community Partner. The criteria for this award are:
1. A long term commitment to support families as they work toward self-sufficiency, and
2. A commitment to partnerships and collaborative actions that create new opportunities for success.
2014 - Jon Evert
2015 - Joe Pederson
2016 - Lynne Kovash
2017 - Andrea Koczur
2018 - Dale Rollie
2019 - Loren Ingebretsen
2021 - Lyle Hovland
2022 - Laurie Drewlow
2023 - Nicole Flick
2024 - Michelle Werner
2025 - Tom Iverson
2026 - Jenny Mongeau
“The activity of volunteering is not an end in itself; rather, it is an activity that has some positive outcome for the community. The traditional view of volunteering assumes volunteering is motivated by pure altruism. The more contemporary view is that people engage in volunteer work to achieve a positive result for both the community and themselves.”
2014 - Diana Rasmussen
2015 - Don & Helen Gunderson
2016 - Linda Sande
2017 - Emily Hagen
2018 - Tammy Bjerkness
2019 - Tracy Obowa
2021 - Barry & Renee Steen, Costs & Joy of Discipleship
2022 - United Way of Cass Clay
2023 - Fix It Forward
2024 - Furniture Mission
2025 - Dakhwaz Gardi
2026 - Amber Neirby
Lyle Hovland was a dedicated and longstanding member of the CAPLP Board of Directors and a committed leader within his community. Lyle’s connections to his community were evident through his quiet and steady leadership. He believed that for a community to be truly healthy, it was essential for everyone to play their part. This belief fueled his work as a County Commissioner, a role he took on despite the demands of his farm, demonstrating his commitment to making his community a better place. Lyle had a particular passion for children, understanding that they were the future. His dedication to improving their lives led him to volunteer for various projects and initiatives focused on benefiting children. His leadership was characterized by a strong sense of integrity and a deep commitment to service, making him a beloved member of the CAPLP Board and in his community. Lyle’s efforts embodied the spirit of the Community Builder Award, which recognizes individuals or groups who have made significant, positive contributions to their community through intentional and impactful partnerships.
2025 - The Great Plains Food Bank
2026 - Mark Haugen