Castlewood’s Lois Hyde Among Inaugural South Dakota Legacy Award Recipients

Northeast Radio SD News - Castlewood, SD - A local educator is being recognized for a lifetime of dedication to the teaching profession. Educators Rising South Dakota has named Lois Hyde of the Castlewood School District as one of five recipients of the inaugural 2026 Legacy Awards.

The Legacy & Light Awards were established this year to celebrate South Dakota educators whose impact on students and the profession continues long after their formal retirement. Hyde was selected from a pool of statewide nominations for her innovative approach to education and her ongoing service to the community.

A Legacy of Innovation

Throughout her career in Castlewood, Hyde was known for blending high academic expectations with forward-thinking classroom experiences. She was an early advocate for technology integration and a proponent of “Ag in the Classroom,” ensuring students remained connected to the region’s agricultural roots while preparing for a modern workforce.

Even in retirement, Hyde has remained a fixture in the local educational landscape, continuing to serve students and fellow educators.

Statewide Honors

The 2026 Legacy Award class includes five educators from across the state who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their schools:

·       Sue Docter (Sioux Valley Elementary): A retired educator recognized for her continued commitment to the classroom. Docter serves as a substitute teacher nearly every day, providing a steady and caring presence for her school community.

·       Rita Berg (Baltic School District): Honored for her ability to provide individualized encouragement and challenge to her students. Her legacy is defined by her belief in student potential and her support for her colleagues.

·       Roberta “Robi” Hagen (Aberdeen School District): A lifelong educator who has transitioned into a mentorship role. Hagen currently supports new special education teachers, sharing her expertise and compassion to help develop the next generation of specialists.

·       Lois Hyde (Castlewood School District): Known for integrating innovation into the classroom, Hyde was an early adopter of technology and a proponent of programs like “Ag in the Classroom.” She remains active in serving her community and fellow educators in retirement.

·       Rick Norris (Sioux Falls): A dedicated advocate and interpreter for Deaf education. Norris spent his career ensuring accessibility and connection for students, leaving a significant impact on the Deaf community across South Dakota.

Celebrating the “Legacy and Light”

The awards are designed to bridge the gap between veteran educators and the next generation. While the “Legacy” portion honors those who have paved the way, the “Light” portion of the program recognizes five outstanding students who represent the future of teaching in South Dakota.

Both the Legacy recipients and the student “Light” honorees will be celebrated at the 2026 Educators Rising South Dakota State Conference.

Educators Rising South Dakota plans to share individual features on each honoree in the coming weeks, highlighting the specific stories and community impacts of this year’s inaugural class.