Third Graders Across South Dakota Receive Books from SDHC!
September 6, 2025
The Young Readers Book Drop is making its way around the state!
Volunteers are delivering copies of Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills to third graders throughout South Dakota. They are receiving a warm welcome from school administrators, secretaries, librarians, and teachers – and, of course, students!
SDHC’s Young Readers program promotes literacy through the magic of book ownership and also sparks excitement for reading, writing, and drawing through in-person events and virtual video visits from the book’s creators. During the 2025 South Dakota Festival of Books, Wings of an Eagle co-authors Billy Mills and Donna Janell Bowman and illustrator S.D. Nelson will meet readers of all ages in Rapid City, Sturgis, and Spearfish.
Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn as our volunteers hand-deliver free books to every third grader in South Dakota as part of our Young Readers program! To learn more, visit our Young Readers webpage.
Past SDHC Board Chair Bobbie Bohlen shared a glimpse from her book delivery day:
“Delivery day! Third graders in 13 schools in northeastern South Dakota received Billy Mills’ book today. One classroom teacher shared her story of winning her senior trip to Washington based on her essay about Billy Mills. At another site, a kind police officer escorted me to the third-grade class and shared that he once had the opportunity to race with Billy Mills. Great places, great stories – all across this state.”
Third graders in Iroquois – along with their teacher, Ms. Uttecht – received their books!
One boy asked, “Do we each get one?” To which their teacher replied, “Yes, you, you, and you – ALL of you – can keep it!”
The Young Readers Book Drop has reached Hartford Elementary School!
Thank you to Principal Ashley Bahrenfuss who welcomed us and gave all the children an introduction to the book! Dakota News Now joined us at this Book Drop to highlight the Young Readers Program – see the full story here!
The Young Readers Book Drop made a stop in Parker, SD!
Mrs. Beil and Mrs. Lackas’ third graders at Parker Elementary each received a free copy of “Wings of an Eagle” by Billy Mills.
Next stop on our Young Readers Book Drop: Murdo, SD!
Jones County Elementary received their delivery of “Wings of an Eagle” by Billy Mills today. Principal Teri Kindley and Librarian Tammy Van Dam are pictured here with the new books, ready to inspire their students!
Meet Carol Rempp – SDHC Board Member and Young Readers book deliverer!
Carol hand-delivered hundreds of free books to 8 different schools in South Central South Dakota. “Everyone was so excited to get their books, so it was a lot of fun,” Carol shared. “Students from Winner Elementary even carried the boxes into the school for me.”
Her delivery stops included:
– Marty Indian School
– Wagner Elementary
– Andes Central Elementary
– Burke Elementary
– Gregory Elementary
– Colome Elementary
– Winner Elementary
– South Central Elementary
We are so grateful for her dedication to the humanities and making a difference in communities across South Dakota!
The Book Drop reached Dell Rapids with Principal Linda Merkwan!
Principal Merkwan said that children love receiving these books each year. “We use the books throughout the year for library activities!”
South Dakota Humanities Council Volunteer Al Brendel is with Estelline School Registrar Joni Tharaldsen and Principal Angie Kesxler as they receive books for their third graders.
Keszler was a student at Waubay when Billy Mills spoke at the school. She got his autograph!
Learn more about humanities programming in South Dakota by signing up for SDHC e-Updates!