Constitution and By-Laws

Bridgewater Emery Athletic Hall of Fame

Adopted by the Bridgewater Emery Foundation Board of Directors on April 12, 2026

Committee Make-Up

The Bridgewater Emery Athletic Hall of Fame (HOF) committee will be comprised of 10-12 members who will represent a cross section of the original Bridgewater Wildcats, Emery Eagles & Seahawks, and the current Bridgewater Emery Huskies & Seahawks.

Current members of the HOF committee include Kevin Anderson, Todd Anderson, Brad Bartscher, Heather Bartscher, Mary Ernster, Steven Ernster, Mike Heiberger, Jerry Hofer, Christena Schultz, Scott Schultz, Doug Weber, and Brian Weber.

Nominations for new members to the committee can be provided for the current committee. Approval of new members will require two-thirds majority vote from the current members.

Purpose

The purpose of the Bridgewater Emery Athletic Hall of Fame organization is to recognize and honor the athletic accomplishments and outstanding character of individuals who have achieved excellence in athletics while representing Bridgewater Emery Schools. The Hall of Fame seeks to preserve the rich history and traditions of Bridgewater Emery athletics, celebrate the contributions of athletes, coaches, teams, and supporters.

Induction Categories/Requirements

Athlete: The initial year of the HOF will include three athletes from each community/original school district and one athlete from the consolidated Bridgewater Emery School. Following year one, two athletes from each community/original school district and two athletes from the Bridgewater Emery School.

Requirements: Athletes shall be eligible for nomination only after a minimum of ten years have passed since their graduation from respective high school. Exceptions may be considered in extraordinary circumstances.

Not required that this award be given yearly.

Contributor: Individuals may be considered for selection as a contributor if they have provided significant service, support, or contributions to the Bridgewater Emery athletic programs. Contributors may include, but are not limited to, administrators, athletic directors, coaches, volunteers, boosters, sponsors, media personnel, or community members who have made meaningful and lasting contributions to the success and advancement of Bridgewater Emery athletics. There shall be no minimum graduation requirement for contributor nominees.

Not required that this award be given yearly.

Coach: Coaches who have made significant contributions to Bridgewater Emery athletics through leadership, character development, and competitive success may be eligible for nomination.

Requirements: Coaches should have completed a minimum of five years of coaching service as head coach at Bridgewater Emery or a total of fifteen years in the school system. Exceptions may be considered in extraordinary circumstances.
Not required that this award be given yearly.

Team: A team may be considered for induction into Bridgewater Emery Athletic Hall of Fame. Teams considered for induction should have achieved outstanding success, demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship and teamwork, and made a significant impact on the history and tradition of Bridgewater Emery athletics.

Requirements: A team shall be eligible for nomination only after a minimum of ten years have passed since their graduation from their respective high school. Exceptions may be considered in extraordinary circumstances.

Not required that this award be given yearly.

*Any requirement may be waived for exceptional circumstances with two-thirds majority approval from the committee members.

Nomination Process

Hall of Fame committee members or any individual may nominate individuals or teams. The HOF committee will circulate the nomination applications to the public via the Bridgewater Emery School’s website and the Bridgewater Emery Hall of Fame Facebook/Social Media platform.

Nominating petitions will be made available by September 1 of each year.
Nominating petitions must be returned to the HOF committee prior to January 15.
The nominations need to provide justification and clear evidence for consideration.
Nominating petitions can be delivered to a committee member, emailed to christena.schultz@k12.sd.us, or mailed to Christena Schultz, PO Box 22, Emery SD 57332.

All applications received by the deadline will be screened and evaluated for consideration. Each committee member will rank all applications received. The committee members will then vote by secret ballot. An inductee must receive approval of a two-thirds majority vote (8 of the 12 members approve).

All nominations not selected for induction will be kept on file for future consideration.

Induction Procedures

Inductees will be notified of their induction by the Bridgewater Emery Hall of Fame committee mid-March.
Each inductee will be recognized at the annual Bridgewater Emery Hall of Fame Banquet on the last Saturday of August. The 2026 HOF Banquet is scheduled for Saturday, August 29 starting at 5:00.
Inductees must attend the HOF Banquet. If physically not able to attend, he/she may have a designated family member or friend accept the award.
If the inductee is deceased, a family member, friend, or other designated individual will be present to accept the award.
If a nominee is unable to attend the required ceremonies, they will be inducted the following year providing they can attend.
If the nominee is unable to attend the following year to be inducted, the induction will be retracted and remain on file for future consideration.
Each inductee will receive two free tickets for the HOF Banquet. Additional tickets may be purchased from the HOF committee.
Individual team inductee members will receive one free ticket.

Additional Induction Guidelines

There shall be sensitivity to the gender balance of the inductees in each of the areas.
If a committee member is nominated to the HOF, he/she must be excused from all voting related to the induction process.
Removal Clause: Any inductee or nominee of the Bridgewater Emery Hall of Fame may be removed for unethical conduct or behavior based upon an affirmative vote of a quorum of the current committee (7 of 12 members).

Hall of Fame Procedures Tentative Timeline

August: Place application forms on the school website and the HOF social media platforms by September 1. The application form will be a Google Form.
September: Secure the Emery Auditorium venue by September 1 for the following year. The banquet date will be last Saturday in August. Secure the venue for the Friday before and the Saturday of the ceremony.
November-December: Post reminders of the nomination deadline.
January/February: Committee screens, reviews and select inductees.
March: Inductees notified.
March-May: Obtain bio information and photos.
March: Secure Emcee
April: Secure speaker
April: Secure caterer/determine meal/price of tickets.
April/May: Run advertisement regarding the event and ticket information and include names of inductees.
April/May: Send formal invitations to inductees.
April/May: Print tickets and make available for sale.
April-June: Continue to advertise.
April-June: Work with inductee to secure lodging (paid for the HOF). Remind inductee that he/she is given two free tickets to the banquet.
May-June: Finalize plaques and order.
June-July: Work on the program. Proof of program for printing by August 10.
July: Finalize program including all people who will speak including prayer.
July/August: Print any banners/finalizer power points if using.
July/August: Print table reservations
July/August: Decide set-up and decorations.
Friday before the banquet: Set up tables/decorations.
September following HOF banquet: Evaluate and make changes.
September: Update social media platform to include photos and winners, etc