The Marvin Kemp Award for Outstanding Service to the Counseling Profession

 

The Marvin Kemp Award was established in 1961. Marvin Kemp is the father of counseling in the State of South Dakota. His interests were wide and varied, but his concern and dedication were centered in one concept-service to youth- specifically the youth of South Dakota. He began as a teacher at Faulkton High School. He went on to become a Principal and a Superintendent at Faulkton and then at Belle Fourche. His talents were recognized by the Governor and he was selected to become the Secretary of the North Central Association and the State High School Supervisor. He was appointed as the first Director of Guidance for the State of SD and was responsible for bringing guidance and counseling services to students in SD. He was verbal and articulate, a pioneer who instilled in others the heart and the will to provide service to the people of SD. He was the driving force behind the establishment of the SD Personnel and Guidance Association-today known as the South Dakota Counseling Association. He called together the first meeting of counselors in the state. Because of him, we exist today as an organization. 

This award is meant to recognize a counselor who has been involved for a lengthy period of time in the counseling profession-someone who has been involved with the organization and has provided a high level of service both to clients and follow counselors. 

The Marvin Kemp Award is SDCA's highest honor and the winner is chosen by the SDCA Board of Directors. These winners have contributed to the counseling profession and SDCA for an extended period of time, a minimum of 10 years. They have also been active in their communities as civic leaders and volunteers. They have continued to display professional growth and respect for the counseling profession.

2024 Winner: Duane Kavanaugh, pictured with nominator Stephanie Lund

Duane has been in supervisory positions in several organizations and has supervised multiple counselors. He dedicates his time to helping others in the profession and is quick to volunteer to service on committees and boards. He has been the president of SDMHCA and has served on the SDCA board for as long as I can remember.

Duane is involved in everything! He is willing to help teach graduate classes, supervise interns, supervise licensees, and staff with colleagues. In addition, he advocates for expanded services throughout SD in a variety of ways, including increased pay for those working on community mental health, and updating and streamlining of the SD licensure system. Duane is always willing to present at conferences and is eager to bring new and engaging presenters to SD. Duane always is focused on how can we make things better. How can we make counseling more accessible, but pay counselors what they are worth? He is the biggest cheerleader for the profession and for his colleagues. Duane has served in multiple leadership positions within SDMHCA/SDCA/WR chapter and has worked very closely with AMHCA over the years, especially on issues such as the Counseling Compact.

 

 

Past Award Winners

  • 2024 Duane Kavanaugh
  • 2023- Jolaine Bain
  • 2022- Stacy Solsaa
  • 2019 - Art Hagg
  • 2016 - Kim Goebel
  • 2015 - Jill Stephenson
  • 2014 - Kelly Duncan
  • 2012 - John Hegg
  • 2011 - Lisa Adler
  • 2009 - Kathy Miller
  • 2008 - Mark Britzman
  • 2007 - Jean Lakner
  • 2006 - Clark Perkins
  • 2005 - Jill Schoen
  • 2004 - Debra Johnson
  • 2003 - David Johnson
  • 2002 - Geri Konnenkamp
  • 2001 - Jean Hurlbert
  • 2000 - Jan Jirouch