2025 Recipients

These words from Randy Fuss, ND Air National Guard Board Member, echo what others have shared on behalf of Col. Domitrovich: "The Bruin 'Strive for Excellence' embodied with Colonel Domitrovich is one of the most remarkable qualities and can be witnessed in his unwavering dedication to his team and mission."

Perhaps Chris's learning experiences as a Fargo Public Schools Junior Air Force ROTC Cadet Lieutenant Colonel on both the Color Guard and the Drill Team led him to dedicate himself to enhancing the safety of our nation and helped him polish self-discipline. Perhaps being on the varsity swim and golf teams helped him foster resilience. Perhaps his resolve in earning the Eagle Scout badge taught Chris to be strategic and honorable. All this and more lead Chris from South High to UND for a major in Commercial Aviation, National Intelligence University in Washington D.C. for an M.S. in Strategic Intelligence and the United States Naval War College in Newport, R.I. for an M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies. Chris has been vigilant in his quest for excellence in service.

Colonel Domitrovich is the current commander of the 119th Wing, North Dakota Air National Guard. He commands almost 1,200 Airmen who train to, and execute, world-class MQ-9 persistent attack and reconnaissance, kinetic and non-kinetic intelligence target production expeditionary combat support for our nation and state. Among many commendable assignments on his rise to Commander, Colonel Domitrovich has served as an Instructor Pilot, Command Pilot, and Executive Officer to the Director of the Air National Guard in the Pentagon. Colonel Domitrovich is the recipient of multiple medals, awards, and decorations. "His leadership, dedication, and Integrity have left an indelible mark..." as shared by Randy Fuss.

Jason McCarthy's four years of high school math, science and Spanish, along with Advanced Placement classes provided a solid academic foundation. Choir and theater allowed his creativity and empathy to flourish. It was Speech and Debate that became Jason's entry to his career path. Jason and his debate partner won many tournaments including the North Dakota State Championship. Qualifying for the National Tournament and placing in the top ten. Jason admits, "Debate taught me that hard work and preparation are keys to success."

Jason pursued a Criminal Justice degree at MSU-Moorhead and graduated with distinction from UND School of Law. Jason's work ethic and commitment to serve others propelled Jason up the ladder of success. As an Assistant State's Attorney, Jason was responsible for the prosecution of felony and misdemeanor crimes with a specialty in the prosecution of domestic violence, crimes against children, sexual assaults and murder. As Chief Deputy State's Attorney, Jason was the supervising attorney for the criminal division of the Grand Forks County State's Attorney's Office. He supervised and mentored support staff and attorneys assigned to the criminal division besides prosecuting a full caseload. As District Judge, Jason currently presides over criminal and civil bench and jury trials, drafts opinions and orders and spearheaded the Domestic Violence Court Pilot Program as requested by the North Dakota Supreme Court.

Dan Mahli stated, "Judge McCarthy takes his work seriously and manages it with competence, compassion, and sensitivity. Jason has a unique ability to relate to the folks he comes in contact with, from students and long-time residents, to Native and New Americans, to area business and governmental leaders. People seek out Jason for answers because he goes out of his way to listen, address issues, and helps find resolution." 

"He certainly is a consummate example of what a quality education, coupled with diverse life experiences and good choices can become - an individual that makes a difference within society, that's Kelly Norman." (Frederick Miller DCCCXV Group, LLC and Colonel, US Army, Retired).

Kelly's high school career was full and varied! He was in orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Choir for four years; attaining first chair bass for Orchestra for three years, and was named twice to North Dakota All-State Orchestra. Basketball, football and track further broadened Kelly's experiences. He was a multi-year letter winner in track and named co-captain. Roles in theater productions are proof of even more diverse talent. When Kelly graduated from South High, he had a strong academic background (sixth in his class of 366), breadth and depth in skills and a four-year Army ROTC scholarship to UND. 

Kelly graduated from UND summa cum laude with a degree in public/police administration and with several honors related to his time with the ROTC program. The Army recognize Kelly's academic potential and awarded him a fully funded fellowship to pursue a degree in Latin American Studies at Tulane University, where he also graduated with honors.

Kelly's military career has included Platoon Leader of the Military Police, Company Commander of Military Police; team chief of the Haiti Working Group in the National Military Joint Intelligence Center; U.S. Military Defense Attache to Port au Prince, Haiti; and Senior Faculty Member, Joint Military Attache School, Defense Intelligence Agency. Kelly  has received innumerable military awards and decorations and is credited as having positively impacted U.S. Policy through his unassailable character and professional instruction. As a civilian, Kelly continues his service as a consultant to the Defense Attache School and serves as a high school baseball umpire!

As a three-year letterman on the Bruin football team, Ward Muscatell was a major contributor to the first South High State championship in 1978. He was voted "Most Valuable Defensive Lineman" for both is junior and senior years. A 175-pound nose guard, Ward had 48 unassisted tackles and 102 assisted tackles, which was likely why he was named to the All-Conference Football team in 1977 and 1978. Teammate, Paul Honl disclosed that Ward was not a big guy but "he made up for it with his speed and tenacity."

Honorary Muscatell family member, Marcia Urban, had her own ideas about Ward and football. "To say that Ward loves football is insufficient. It is part of his DNA, like breathing. I've enjoyed that many stories told of FSH football, his coaches exploits and the big State Championship game, as he mentors his sons and many grandsons in the sport."

Ward went to Jamestown College for a year, playing defensive nose guard before transferring to Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida to study Business Management. A predictive move considering that Ward would fully immerse himself in the automotive industry.

As a salesperson, manager, or dealer Ward became fluent in all things, Toyota, Chrysler, Dodge-Jeep, Eagle, Kia, and Subaru. As Chief Executive Officer of Muscatell Automotive, Ward accrued several top dealer awards. Four years in a row, Ward was presented with the Subaru Community Commitment Award, which recognizes dealers who provide exceptional service and demonstrate outstanding dedication to supporting the causes in their communities.

Craig Richie, longtime friend shared, "He has been exceedingly successful in his career, as he cares more about others than he cares about his own well-being. This has served not only him well but, more importantly, everyone around him. He exemplifies what a true Christian man should be. He walks the walk!"

Language Arts instructor, Gelaine Orvik hit it right out of the park when he shared that Jeff "was an outstanding writer at that time and he dreamed of his being a superb writer." Jeff is an award-winning journalist with 37 years of experience covering breaking news and writing features and columns on multimedia platforms that include newspaper, digital newspaper, radio and television shows, podcasts and video blogs.

Jeff's career game plan may have hit its stride when he slid into South High. Jeff played basketball (claiming the Chuck Dawson Award for Best Team Player), was a member of National Honor Society and played American Legion baseball. He has his eye on the ball and his future when he became part of the South High journalism staff. Jeff attended NDSU for Mass Communication, a foreshadowing, for sure!

Jeff honed his journalistic talents working for the Jamestown Sun, The Bismarck Tribune, The Forum and WDAY. He has covered NDSU athletics, specifically football and basketball, form 1995 to the present; eight Virgil Hill world light heavyweight title fights; the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg; four NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament games, the 2016 NFL Draft in Chicago; all 20 Fargo Marathons; the 2023 U.S. Women's Open at Pebble Beach; and was known for breaking the story on NDSU moving to Division I. Jeff continues to co-host "Bison Gameday" on WDAY-TV, the "Bison Post-Game Show" on InForum.com and hosts/produces "The Golf Show with Jeff Kolpack." Jeff has also authored several books. 

The Forum Editor-in-Chief, Matthew Von Pinnon stated, "Despite routinely rubbing elbows with future NFL stars and other high-profile figures and celebrities, Kolpack always remains down to earth and approachable. He never misses an opportunity to mention that he attended Fargo South High School and is a proud ambassador of the Bruins."