Pictured with the S.D. Farmers Union Education Director, Rachel Haigh-Blume, the 2016 Torchbearers include, back row: Cole Van Gorp, Stickney, son of Randy and Jan Van Gorp; Braeden Walton, Mitchell, son of Scott and Lisa Walton; Shaun Snedeker, Woonsocket, son of Mark and Lisa Snedeker; Jonah Murtha, Parkston, son of Becky and Kevin Murtha; front row: Reece Schulte, Orient, son of Mark and Jil Schulte; Abbey Tschetter, Huron, daughter of Lisa Tschetter; and Madelyn Kline, Huron, daughter of Neal and Kristin Kline.

HURON – Shaun Snedeker, of Woonsocket, son of Mark and Lisa Snedeker, was one of the rural youth recognized for their commitment to community and leadership skills with the Torchbearer Award during an awards banquet at the 2016 S.D. Farmers Union State Convention, held in Pierre, Dec. 8-9.
Torchbearer is the highest level for South Dakota Farmers Union Education Achievement. This achievement showcases the time and dedication campers have given over the years to the education department as well as the communities they have served. A special thanks to their families whom supported this process and ensured campers were able to attend camp and other activities.
“South Dakota Farmers Union invests in youth starting at a young age to ensure the next generation of leaders in our rural communities. We appreciate these youth and their families who have invested in this program and are dedicated to the traditions and skills the program embeds in the students,” said S.D. Farmers Union Education Director, Rachel Haigh-Blume.