75th Anniversary

The 75th Anniversary celebration of the South Dakota took place on July 23rd in Mitchell, SD.
With past state presidents Rick Huntimer and Greg Kludt leading us down memory lane at the banquet,
everyone was able to reminisce and enjoy their time with fellow Jaycees, past and present. They did a
wonderful job with their quick wit and stories of their own. Rick Huntimer quoted a speech that talked
about laughing, thinking, and crying every day, because if you do that, you definitely have a full day. He
challenged us to do that.

The 77 individuals that were able to attend the banquet were able to do those three things.
They spent time during the day laughing with friends at the Sportmans in Mitchell. Pins and photos
were on display of the years, dating all the way back to 1936. The Schumachers brought with them all
of the 50 state pins and numerous vests and shirts from their days, as Jacque Schumacher was president
of the Jaycettes in the 1970s. People had the opportunity to tour the state office in the afternoon.
During the banquet, laughter was abundant as well, as individual Jaycees stood up and told about their
memories of the Jaycees. The parties, the projects, the plaques, and the members and community that
had an impact on them caused much laughter and smiles throughout the day.

This led them to think, not only about the current status of the Jaycees, but also about what an
impact the Jaycees have had over the years to their communities and fellow members. Did you know
that the Jaycees were responsible for bringing rat control to Brookings? Did you know that they were
the ones that introduced them to year-round garbage pickup? There was a time that South Dakota
grew by 611 members in just one month. The Jaycees that were present were able to think about what
an impact the Jaycees have had over the years, but they were also able to think about their own time
as a Jaycee. Who has been your mentor in the Jaycees? What has been your favorite moment? Who
has impacted you as a Jaycee? What project has been your favorite? How many friends have you met
through the Jaycees that continue to be close friends, regardless of whether you have aged out or let
your membership lapse?

The final thing that Rick asked us to do every day is cry. As the Jaycee members past and
present sat and reminisced, tears came to some eyes. I can admit that my eyes became a bit misty and
past state president Jim Larsen told of his favorite memory of going Christmas shopping with a girl, and
asking her what she wanted for Christmas. The girl’s response was, “A mother.” He went to another
chapter and did the same thing, this time with a brother and sister, and as the brother realizes that he
gets a $25 present too, he exclaims that, “You Jaycees are awesome!”

The Foundation members who helped with this event, both with the planning and working
the day of, did an amazing job. Thank the Foundation members the next time that you see them for
planning such a nice event. The food was provided by the Brig Steakhouse and was truly amazing. Also,
congratulations to Arnold Stinson who won the South Dakota Jaycees quilt that the Foundation has been
selling raffle tickets to since last year.

July 23rd was a day to laugh, think, and cry. It was definitely a full day. I want to challenge each
Jaycee out there to do the same, just as Rick Huntimer challenged us on Saturday evening. Jaycees
entered the state in 1936, and we all have laughed, thought, and cried, because of the Jaycees. We’ve all had full days in the Jaycees. Here’s to another 75 years, South Dakota Jaycees!

View Pictures from the 75th Anniversary Celebration