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Archived News
2008
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Dakota State Grad Named
Elementary History Teacher of the Year Bonnie Graff, a 1971 graduate of Dakota State College, was recently given the Governor’s Award for Elementary History Teacher of the Year. She was presented the award at the annual meeting of the South Dakota State Historical Society in Pierre. Graff has been teaching in the Sioux Valley School District in Volga for 21 years. She taught 2nd grade for 14 years, than took over fourth grade. She began teaching South Dakota history when curriculum changes moved that subject from sixth-grade to fourth. Using a hands on approach to teaching, Graff brings in artifacts and antiques from her personal collection, including clothing, furniture and old fashioned jars. She has her students dress up as pioneer children and spend a day at the one-room county schoolhouse in the Volga city park. She also shows her students the original homestead papers that belong to her great-grandparents who build the Lake County farm where she and husband Bob live today. Graff was nominated for the award by Sioux Valley Elementary Principal Sandra McGeough. As a result of winning the state award, her application has been submitted to the national Preserve America competition, overseen by First Lady Laura Bush. Preserve America is a White House initiative that honors individuals, government entities and organizations for their commitment to protecting American history. Winners of that award will be announced in early May. |
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