COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS
The Community Service Awards recognize outstanding volunteer service that has enhanced the quality of life in each recipient ’ s community . The award is given to individuals who have displayed adherence to the highest professionalism during their careers and who have displayed a long-term commitment to volunteer service outside the legal profession .
Brenda L . Blazer
Brenda L . Blazer is a partner in the Vogel Law Firm in Bismarck . In addition to an impressive legal career , Blazer ’ s unwavering contributions to local charitable organizations , including the MSA United Way and the Rotary Club , have produced tangible and long-lasting improvements to the lives of countless people within her community . She is the current president of the MSA United Way Board of Directors . In her prior role as vice president , Blazer directly contributed to the establishment of a permanent emergency homeless shelter , which now provides year-round services to countless vulnerable members of the community . She has consistently given her time and talent to MSA United Way ’ s backpack program , Day of Caring , Little Black Dress campaign , and MSA United Way ’ s annual campaigns . Her charitable contributions and volunteer efforts over the past four decades are too numerous to recount , and the true lasting impact of Blazer ’ s contributions is without limit because of actions she has inspired others to take .
Jon W . Backes
Jon W . Backes is a partner in the McGee Law firm in Minot and , throughout his career , has generously given his time and energy to a variety of public service ventures . He is a former member and president of the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education and continues to serve on the Minot State University Foundation , the North Dakota University System Foundation , and the Minot Catholic School ’ s Foundation . Backes previously served on the governing boards for St . Joseph ’ s Health Foundation , the St . Joseph ’ s Community Health Foundation , the Minot Art Association , the Minot Gun Club , and the Minot Fast Pitch Softball Association . All of this has been done while remaining a valued member of his law firm .
Amanda R . Engelstad
Amanda R . Engelstad was raised in western North Dakota , attended North Dakota State University , and continued her education at the University of North Dakota School of Law . During law school summers , she interned at the Dickinson Public Defender ’ s Office . In 2015 , Engelstad joined the Stark County State Attorney ’ s Office and has remained dedicated to serving the community since .
In February 2021 , she was appointed state ’ s attorney and subsequently elected to the position in November 2022 . Engelstad is currently the president of the North Dakota State Attorney ’ s Association and has spent many years on its board . She serves on the Human Trafficking Task Force and participates in the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force . Her community involvement extends to the Sexual Assault Response Team and the Dickinson F5 Advisory Council . She frequently speaks at the local high school and Dickinson State University , inspiring students interested in pursuing careers in criminal justice . In February 2022 , Engelstad co-founded the Community Supervision Program in southwest North Dakota . The program aims to assist individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues by providing a strict pretrial support program .
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