Pictured L-R: Larson, Sogard, WHS Coyote Riveland, WHS Coyote Wilcox, WHS Coyote Austreim, Skadeland, and Hanson.
The 15th Annual Donn Skadeland Night at Williston High School took place on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, for the Williston High School (WHS) varsity basketball teams in their games against Minot High School. The focus of the night is to honor the memory of Donn Skadeland and includes the awarding of a $500.00 scholarship to the 2026 WHS player of the game in both the girls’ and boys’ games. Skadeland passed away in July 2011.
The Skadeland family, American State Bank & Trust Company (ASB), and WHS hosted the initial Donn Skadeland Night and Scholarships in 2012. In fifteen (15) years, $16,000 has been awarded to WHS athletes.
In a heartfelt statement, WHS Principal Audrey Larson remarked, “It is an honor and a privilege to partner with ASB, the Skadeland family, and the Coyote Foundation as we honor an alumnus whose impact continues to shape our community. Remembering Donn through this scholarship is a powerful testament to his legacy and his lasting influence on today’s Coyote athletes.” ASB Chairman Pat Sogard added, “We are thrilled to support this event each year. Donn’s commitment to our community and his years of service on the Board of Directors inspire us all to continue his legacy of support for our student athletes.” Skadeland’s wife, Jan, noted, “This is a wonderful memorial for Donn as he still considered himself a Williston Coyote and had fond memories of the WHS basketball teams he played on, including the 1975 state basketball championship team.”
Donn Skadeland Scholarship Recipients:
- 2012: Dani Clarke & Cory Vinger
- 2013: Shelby Njos & Jayden Ferguson
- 2014: Shelby Njos & Jayden Ferguson
- 2015: Maria Semenko & DeSean Eikens
- 2016: Katie Nice & DeSean Eikens
- 2017: Jalyn Helstad & Baily Bethke
- 2018: Jalyn Helstad & William Brown
- 2019: Jalyn Helstad & Makia Remus, Jorn Everson & Jaxon Meyer
- 2020: Bridget Carvey & Brooklyn Douglas, Wil Olson
- 2021: Chesni Strand & Edens Dumervil
- 2022: Isiah St. Romain & No Girls Game
- 2023: Kendra Hall & Isiah St. Romain
- 2024: Elizabeth Milne & Isiah St. Romain
- 2025: Mekiah Klumker & Bridger Johnson
- 2026: Allison Wilcox, Alex Austreim & Chance Riveland
The scholarship has been funded by the Skadeland family and ASB and will be distributed by the Coyote Foundation.