Spotlight Profile on Black Hills FACES Magazine

Black Hills FACES Magazine is a beautiful publication and one of my favorite outlets for contribution. They spotlight South Dakotans who are doing great things. This makes me proud of my home state and the Midwest in general. Exciting people can be living right next door, and it is important to take notice.

Gerald Messersmith has been doing wonderful things in the world of STEM. All of his volunteer work and dedication benefits youth in southeastern South Dakota. I had never heard of First Lego League until I met Gerald and now it is one of my daughter’s favorite after-school activities. Writing this profile piece allowed me to learn so much about the mentors who give their time to First Lego League (FLL) and how the program is getting young people excited about the world of science, programming, and robotics.

Volunteer coaches never get enough praise, so it was fun to interview Gerald and highlight his dedication to FLL. No matter the activity, be it: sports, dance, music, computers, nature scouts, theater, or something else completely…a program cannot happen and a team will not thrive unless dedicated individuals are willing to spearhead the process.

To read my article in the fall edition of Black Hills FACES, click here.