MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) A longtime Mitchell teacher has received one of South Dakota’s highest honors. Deanell Backlund was presented the 39th Spirit of Dakota Award Saturday night at the Huron Event Center — the first recipient ever from Mitchell. Backlund taught English for 33 years, advised the yearbook and newspaper, and later served as a Dakota Wesleyan University trustee. Colleagues say her influence extended far beyond the classroom, inspiring generations of students and community members through her service, leadership, and dedication to education. For more Government stories from MitchellNow.com, Click Here.