Dillon Jaycees Celebrate 67th Annual DSA/OYM Banquet

DILLON, Mont. – Tuesday night, the Dillon Jaycees held their 67th Annual Distinguished Service Award (DSA) and Outstanding Young Man/Woman (OYM) Banquet at the Dillon Elks Lodge.

Each year, the Jaycees recognize an outstanding man and woman in the community, along with an outstanding young man and young woman. Nominees are selected by their peers for their dedication, service, and impact on the Dillon community.

Distinguished Service Award – Russ Schwandt

This year’s Distinguished Service Award winner takes great pride in his community and helps wherever he sees a need. Friends have referred to him as “one of Dillon’s best friends.”

Russ spends much of his time supporting youth in the community as a gymnastics coach at Shine Studio and a national gymnastics judge. He helps take local kids shopping for school supplies and serves on the Bus Brigade Board, which provides transportation for students to after-school programs.

He is an active member of Friends of Jaycee Park, volunteering to maintain the splash pad, clean restrooms, and empty garbage so that the park is ready for the Farmers Market and Sunday Church Services.

Russ oversees the Senior Commodities Food Program, helping distribute food boxes to seniors each month, unloading trucks, and providing storage. He’s formed strong bonds with many of the seniors he helps—assisting with heating needs in winter and helping them apply for home improvement programs.

He is a Life Member and Officer of the VFW Bill Carroll Post 9040 Auxiliary, has served on the Friends of the NRA Board, and regularly volunteers with the Elks Lodge, Montana Folk Festival, and An Rá Rí Festival in Butte.

Russ has served three terms on the Dillon City Council, where he currently presides as Council President. He also serves on the City/County Health Board, is President of Dillon Main Street LLC, and sits on the Beaverhead Development Corporation Board, working to strengthen economic development. He is a founding member of the Dillon Community Affairs Committee, which organizes Dillon History Days each July.

As President of the Southwest Montana Pink Heals Chapter, Russ helps raise funds for cancer patients. The pink fire truck, “Sharon Grace,” was named after his mother. He also chairs the annual National Cancer Survivors Dinner and participates in Relay for Life.

Professionally, Russ is a dedicated realtor known for going above and beyond for clients—sometimes even baking brownies before showings to make a house feel like home. He serves on the Montana Association of Realtors and Rocky Mountain Association of Realtors, and has been honored multiple times as “Realtor of the Year.”

Russ quietly gives his time and heart to Dillon without seeking recognition. His tireless dedication makes him this year’s Distinguished Service Award Winner – Russ Schwandt.

Outstanding Woman – Debbie Sporich

This year’s Outstanding Woman has been described as the “definition of Dillon.”

Debbie is a tireless cheerleader for her community and a passionate advocate for all things Dillon. She is a long-time member of the Chamber of Commerce, planning beloved events like Crazy Days and the Christmas Stroll, often single-handedly.

She is active in Saint James Episcopal Church, helps with the Festival of Trees, and is known for her creative contributions to Bras for a Cause. Debbie also helps plan Dillon History Days and supports the Dillon City Library, organizing fundraisers like the Read-a-thon and No Run Fun Run, and selling used books to benefit the Friends of the Library.

During COVID, Debbie began a weekly reading series with Southwestern Montana News, which she continues today for the community.

As owner of The Bookstore in downtown Dillon for more than three decades, Debbie has hosted countless author events, drawing visitors downtown—including a record turnout last summer for Beyond the Map’s Edge author Justin Posey. She regularly partners with the Beaverhead County Museum to bring relevant titles to their speaker events.

Debbie champions literacy and community spirit in everything she does. She is truly the heart of downtown Dillon.This year’s Outstanding Woman Award goes to Debbie Sporich!

Outstanding Young Man – Michael Stuart

This year’s Outstanding Young Man is a leader, volunteer, son, husband, father, and friend to many in the Dillon community.

A Dillon native and Beaverhead County High School Class of 2005 graduate, Michael has dedicated his life to family, hard work, and community service.

After working in corrections and for the Deer Lodge County Weed Department, he returned home to Dillon in 2014 to work for Pivots Plus, allowing him to spend more time on the family ranch—something that deeply connects him to his roots.

Michael has been a lifelong member of Farm Bureau, where he currently serves as President of the Southwest Counties Farm Bureau and has represented Montana on both the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee and the State Sheep and Goat Committee.

As a third-generation Dillon Jaycee, he has served as Director, Concessions Chair, Grounds Chair, and is best known as Tailgate Chairman for UMW home football games—the “official voice” of the Dillon Jaycees.

After a work-related injury, Michael returned to school at Montana Tech, where he’s studying Cybersecurity and Networking, earning straight A’s with plans to graduate in 2026.

Michael and his wife Becky married in 2015 and are proud parents to Jimmy (9) and Molly (7).

Michael serves not for recognition, but out of genuine care for his community. He embodies the spirit of service, leadership, and family.Your 2025 Outstanding Young Man Award Winner is Michael Stuart!

Outstanding Young Woman – Klaire Kramer

This year’s Outstanding Young Woman exemplifies strong character, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to community.

Klaire is a talented local artist who donates her artwork to fundraisers and designs marketing materials for local events, including for the Tweedy Mountain Fan Club. She played a key role in organizing the Stick Horse Stampede Rodeo, bringing joy to families across Dillon.

At the Women’s Resource Center, she supports survivors of domestic and sexual violence with care and compassion—helping build furniture, stock shelters, and create public awareness campaigns.

She’s also active in Beaverhead County 4-H and runs her own business, Montana Vogue Hat Co., crafting custom handmade hats.

Klaire’s creativity, generosity, and humility shine through everything she does. She gives freely of her time and talents to make Dillon a stronger, kinder place.This year’s Outstanding Young Woman Award goes to Klaire Kramer!