Verendrye’s D.J. Randolph is recognized for community service
Submitted Photo D.J. Randolph (right), Verendrye Electric Cooperative, accepts the Community Service Award from NDAREC General Manager and Executive Vice President Josh Kramer (left) and NDAREC Professional Development Committee Chair Connie Bitz (center).
VELVA — D.J. Randolph, a computer engineer at Verendrye Electric Cooperative, said the years he has devoted to volunteering in the community have benefited him as well as the people he has helped.
“There’s a sense of reward with it and there’s a need in our community for more volunteers,” he said, as well as for those who have the time and the resources to step up and help those who need a little bit of help.
Randolph was awarded with the Community Service Award at the 79th meeting of the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) in Bismarck on Jan. 19.
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- Submitted Photo Bishop Ryan High School students attended the March for Life in Washington D.C. last week, joining thousands from across the country for the 49th annual pro-life march. March coordinator Brian Rodgers, a teacher at the school, said the 24 sophomores through seniors took a 30-hour bus ride to reach the capitol. The annual event also included educational activities. Rodgers said the students also had an opportunity to view the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery and travel to the site of the Battle of Gettysburg as well as attending Mass at different shrines and basilicas. They returned home on Sunday. Pictured are the group of students before Mass on the way towards the March’s starting point. — Andrea Johnson
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- Submitted Photo Prairie Grit deer hunt – D.J. Randolph and Wyatt Rollman.
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- Submitted Photo Prairie Grit turkey hunt – D.J. Randolph and Palmer Thompson.
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- Submitted Photo D.J. Randolph (right), Verendrye Electric Cooperative, accepts the Community Service Award from NDAREC General Manager and Executive Vice President Josh Kramer (left) and NDAREC Professional Development Committee Chair Connie Bitz (center).
Randolph, an enthusiastic sportsman, helped bring an education center, shooting range, and archery range to the Velva Wildlife Club, according to information provided by NDAREC.
He also volunteers his time with Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports, a nonprofit organization that provides sports and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities.
Submitted Photo Prairie Grit turkey hunt – D.J. Randolph and Palmer Thompson.
“When you get to introduce a new person to those outdoor activities and see it through their eyes those magic moments … it’s like seeing it again for the first time,” said Randolph.
Randolph said there is a great deal of preparation beforehand when he takes someone with a disability out hunting for the first time. People with Prairie Grit scout out locations that are accessible by a vehicle when they set up a handicapped-accessible hunting blind.
All the work is worth it, though, when people get a chance to immerse themselves in nature.
Randolph said he is a bit embarrassed to be recognized with the award, but others have said he definitely deserves that recognition.
“D.J. has spent countless hours teaching and making hunting experiences accessible for all types of hunters over the past few years. He guides practices on the range, fabricates accessible blinds, and spends hours in all types of weather waiting for the just-right shot,” said Krystal Butgereit, Prairie Grits Adaptive Sports executive director, in information provided by the NDAREC. “D.J. doesn’t just show up. He comes to the table with ideas to advance the adaptive hunting program and does so with enthusiasm that is contagious. D.J.’s enthusiasm, positive can-do attitude, passion and expertise have provided our athletes with top-notch hunting experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.”
Submitted Photo Prairie Grit deer hunt – D.J. Randolph and Wyatt Rollman.
Every year NDAREC recognizes individuals for their generous contributions to North Dakota’s electric cooperatives and the communities they serve. An eight-member committee of the board of directors selects recipients from nominations submitted by members.