Waverly Sisters Rita Berg and Lois Hyde Honored With Legacy Educator Awards at Educators Rising Conference

Northeast Radio SD News – Spearfish, SD - Educators Rising, a nationwide organization for middle and high school students interested in becoming teachers, held its 2026 spring conference in Spearfish. Competitions were held with many students qualifying for the summer national conference in Portland, OR.

In addition to student recognition, two Waverly High School graduates and Dakota State University alumni were honored with the Legacy Educator award. Sisters Rita Berg (‘76/‘80) and Lois Hyde (‘68/ ‘72) received the inaugural award at the conference. Acceptance speeches from the two sisters highlighted their deep family roots in education and their combined decades of dedication to South Dakota students.

Lois Hyde: A Trailblazing Career at Castlewood

For Lois Hyde, the desire to teach was a lifelong calling. Her passion began by playing school with her younger siblings—where she always insisted on being the teacher—and extended to helping elementary teachers during her senior year of high school.

Following her graduation from Waverly High School, she went on to attend Dakota State University for her teaching degree. This blazed the trail for four of her sisters to begin their own teaching careers.

Several notable highlights define her extensive career:

·        Hyde dedicated 42 fulfilling years to teaching 5th grade at Castlewood Elementary.

·        An innovative classroom project led to her being named the South Dakota Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year in 1997.

·        Her passion for education continues today as a substitute teacher at Castlewood High School.

·        She was nominated for the award by a former student, Dr. Adam Rudebusch.

In her speech, Hyde credited her mother, Clarice Thyen, as her biggest supporter. Her mother was relentlessly committed to helping her fulfill her dreams and actively searched for projects and opportunities to share with students. Noting that she loves hearing success stories from former students and student teachers, she added, “Mom always said ‘Once a teacher, always a teacher’”.

Rita Berg: Dedication to Baltic and Beyond

Rita Berg, honored specifically with the “Legacy and Light Award,” also recognized her mother as her first teacher and a primary role model of learning, volunteering, and commitment to community. After graduating from Waverly High School, she attended Dakota State University, graduating with a double major in Elementary Education and Health/Physical Education.

Berg’s 38-year career in education features a strong legacy of student connection and community involvement:

·        She began her teaching career in the small South Dakota communities of Murdo, Onida, and White.

·        She spent 34 years at the Baltic School, where she primarily found her niche teaching 4th grade, though she also taught 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades.

·        She discovered a deep passion for helping struggling students while working as a Title I Reading and Math teacher, individualizing instruction and tutoring after school to help them meet academic standards.

·        She was honored several times as the Baltic Teacher of the Year.

·        She considered her induction into the Baltic High School Hall of Fame for dedication to her students a highlight in her career.

·        She coached high school and junior high sports and showed her care for students by attending their sporting events, dance recitals, and 4-H shows.

·        A strong advocate for patriotism and community, she initiated Baltic Schools Kids Voting. She served on the Baltic Girls Committee, the local American Legion Auxiliary, and the Baltic Community Food Bank.

Reflecting on her approach to teaching, Berg stated that making connections with students encouraged them to accept her challenge of high expectations.

She was honored to be nominated for the award by her partner teacher and friend, Tricia Ochsner.