Honored Women Educators
Induction of New Members

On October 20, 2007, three educators who have made a difference for children and public education were inducted into the Honored Women Educators of South Dakota at Cedar Shores Resort in Chamberlain. Those inducted were Linda Demery, Sharon Olsen and Celia (Kathy) Rayhill.

        Linda Demery is from Faulkton. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Northern State University at Aberdeen. She presently teaches computers, accounting and is librarian for grades K-12. She is a member of FEA, SDEA, NEA, the South Dakota Library Association and the South Dakota Society for Technology in Education. She serves on her church council and is church treasurer. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, computer repair, photography and making computer videos.
        Linda was nominated as Teacher of the Year in 1988 and 1998. She was instrumental in the development of the National Honor Society in Faulkton High School, served as advisor for the school newspaper and annual where it received the All State Award. She has also created the Faulkton City and Faulkton School web pages.
        Linda has involved her students in activities that relate to community orientation, travel, the environment as well as relating those activities to personal experiences. Co-workers say Linda teaches with dedication, compassion, excitement and challenges students to be the best they can be.

        Sharon Olsen received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Sioux Falls and her Masters degree from Southwest State in Marshall, Minn. Sharon Olsen is from Humboldt and is a second grade teacher at Terry Redlin Elementary School in Sioux Falls. She is starting her 41st year of teaching. Her public service includes teaching Sunday School, Bible School and serving at the Banquet. She is a member of SDEA, SFEA and NEA.
        Sharon's hobbies include reading, writing, drawing, working on the farm and traveling. She has traveled to a variety of places including England, Japan, France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Hong Kong, Mexico, Canada, Thailand and Hawaii.
        Sharon's co-workers describe her as enthusiastic, compassionate, dedicated, generous, positive and a "gem" of a teacher that has made a difference in the lives of her students.


        Celia (Kathy) Rayhill recently retired from teaching second grade at Martin Grade School, Martin. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Black Hills State University in Spearfish and her Masters degree from USD, Vermillion.
        Kathy was a member of the Badlands Reading Council, BCEA, SDEA and NEA. She serves on her church council, is a Sunday School teacher and a 4-H volunteer. Her hobbies include quilting, scrap booking, reading and her grandchildren.
        Co-workers describe Kathy as a very dedicated, caring and exemplary educator that goes that extra mile to ensure her students succeed both academically and socially. She also was described as a true example of what every good teacher should be.