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Each year, volunteers across Charles Mix County dedicate their time and talents to making their communities a better place to live. These efforts were celebrated during National Volunteer Week, April 20–26, joining millions of volunteers nationwide being recognized for their contributions.
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Avon Invitational Track Meet was held Thursday, April 17th with Darla Van Gerpen being named Honorary Referee of the meet. Teams participating in the meet with Avon were: Andes Central/Dakota Christian, Bon Homme, Chamberlain, Marty, Tripp-Delmont/Armour, Viborg-Hurley, Wagner, and Wessington Springs. The boys and girls both earned 2nd in team points for the day. Great job everyone. No coach's report available at print time.
Read moreMULTIPLE HOME RUNS LEAD THE LADY PIRATES PAST SCOTLAND/MENNO TRAPPERS 17-11
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The HOSA chapter had the opportunitytoattendandcompete at the State Leadership Conference this week in Sioux Falls. This was the largest conference to date with over 1300 students in attendance! Over the two days, students were able to attend breakouts led by healthcare professionals, compete in healthcare based events, and explore career and college options for the future.
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On Saturday, April 19th, the annual Easter Egg Hunt brought together 109 excited children for a fun-filled event of egg hunting. Sponsored by the Avon Chamber of Commerce, the event featured colorful eggs hidden through the Avon Park with the sweet surprise for three children as they took home a bicycle. With families gathering to celebrate the Easter weekend, this event is always a cherished local tradition. Special thanks to April Powers for helping us out with snapping some photos at the event.
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Darla (Odens) Van Gerpen graduated from Avon High School in 1981 and Mount Marty College in 1985 with a degree in Chemistry and Secondary Education. She began her teaching career in 1985 at Parkston High School and was also assistant girls basketball coach. For many years, while her daughters were in elementary school, Darla was a volunteer coach for the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade elementary girls basketball program in Avon. From 2002-2012, Darla taught and coached in the Avon School District. Darla is married to Doug Van Gerpen, also a 1981 graduate of Avon High School, and they have three daughters (all graduates of Avon High School) and seven grandchildren (currently attending Avon Elementary School). Lindsey is married to Danny Fathke, they have two children, Daxton and Addisyn. Leslie is married to Branden Baade, they have three children, Rex, Brynn, and Burk. Lanae is married to Jay Kriz, they have two children, Royce and Rollins. Darla enjoys attending her grandchildren’s events, teaching Sunday School, taking part in many outdoor activities, and watching basketball. Darla is humbled by this award and is thankful to live in a community where people matter and the growth of each student/youth is nurtured by the community and through school activities and academics.
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