Wellspring, a Rapid City organization that provides therapy for children with mental, emotional or drug problems, held a banquet Friday night to recognize Black Hills residents who "have dedicated their lives to helping kids," a news release from the agency said.

Wellspring honored the following recipients at a March 7 ceremony:

* Larry Luitjens, boys basketball coach and principal at Custer High School, has worked to address drug, alcohol and tobacco issues within the schools and community. Luitjens continues his work as an advocate for children despite experiencing a debilitating accident as he was hit riding his bicycle, and later, after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Luitjens has also worked toward reconciliation with Native Americans in South Dakota, and Wellspring noted in its announcement the respect given to Luitjens every year by youths and coaches at the Lakota Nation Invitational tournament.

* Jim Jeffries, an attorney in Rapid City, has been an advocate for youths and families dealing with abuse and neglect issues. He has also worked to combat substance-abuse problems, and his activities include serving as president of the board of directors of Soaring Eagle Treatment Center.

* Dave Levesque is culinary arts instructor for the Boxelder Job Corps in Nemo. According to Wellspring, Levesque is paving the way for youths to take positive steps in their lives and future careers. Levesque has a unique way of motivating youths to move forward in life. Levesque and his students have provided meals for the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee.

* The selection committee voted to recognize all of the staff at North Middle School, because this group of teachers, administrators and support staff go above and beyond in assisting youths by guiding them to success, Wellspring said. According to the news release, North Middle School staffers create answers to problems, find solutions and overcome obstacles without complaint.

* Jeanne Burckhard is the principal of North Middle School. While working one day, some students came to her window to ask if she had any food. This moved Burckhard to collaborate with the food bank and other volunteers to launch a program for students take home a backpack with food for their families on weekends. "I love my job here at North and feel that my main job here on earth is try to make life better for everyone that I meet," Burckhard said. "I work hard and expect my staff and students to do the same."

* Jackie Swanson is an eighth-grade English teacher at North Middle School, a member of the National Conference of Teachers and the Conference of English Leaders. According to Wellspring, Swanson motivates high-risk youths to learn, and she considers low grades and learning disabilities to be challenges for her to find a way to help her students to master what she teaches.

Swanson organizes a "toiletries for teens" program at North, providing these items for youths and their families. Swanson has volunteered at the Club for Boys and continues to support former students outside the classroom.

* Laura Harrison is a special-education teacher at North. She has been an educator for 25 years and spends a great deal of personal time and resources to help her students. According to Wellspring's news release, Harrison is more than a teacher: She is an advocate and care giver. According to parents and her fellow teachers, Harrison demonstrates caring and compassion while still challenging her students, many of whom are at-risk, problematic or experience developmental problems. Harrison devises individualized strategies for each child and goes above and beyond what is expected from any teacher, Wellspring says.

* Doug Austin of the Pennington County Sheriff's Office works for the City County Drug & Alcohol Program. Austin was founder and director of the Soaring Eagle Treatment Center, which is now part of Wellspring. Austin has been the director of Southern Hills Alcohol and Drug Centers, Tri-County alcohol and drug programs in Baker, Mont., and programs in Miles City, Mont.

* Dottie Pugsley has worked for the Department of Social Services, Child Protection Services since 1984. She began work there as a general social worker, preparing intake assessments, investigations and case management. She is currently a supervisor. Pugsley was selected to serve on a state task force to develop policy on services to children and families.

* Kristi Thielen is youth coordinator at The Journey Museum. Wellspring noted Thielen's work promoting cultural awareness, understanding and embracing diversity and keeping youths involved in the arts. Thielen has worked with youths and special-needs adults at Black Hills Workshop in theatrical productions, has written about 60 children's and family plays and has been published nationally. Wellspring praised her efforts opening the minds of youths to find special hidden talents others might miss.

* Margaret Skillman has been with Behavior Management Systems for more than eight years. As the director of marketing and special projects, she has written and received a number of grants used to develop and expand services to youths and families. She is also the primary coordinator for the Festival of Trees, which involves more than 6,000 people, many of them children.

* Judge Marshall Young has played an integral part in shaping the juvenile justice system in South Dakota and is one of the founders of Wellspring, according to the agency. Marshall established the Youth Forestry Camp in Custer in 1965, and that program remains in operation today as Custer's State Treatment and Rehabilitation Academy. In 1967, juveniles did not have a right to an attorney or right to trial, but Young helped to remedy that by working to establish the South Dakota Juvenile Code. He also worked to ensure that juveniles would not be jailed with adults by establishing a juvenile detention center.

* Malcom Chapman is a motivator and city leader who has worked to represent youths and families in Rapid City. He is on the board of directors for Youth & Family Services, founder and chairman of the Safe Streets Committee and is a member of the Optimists club. Chapman has served on the Rapid City Area Council on Child Care and Early Education.