In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Public School Podcast, hosts Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Dustin Calhoun - co-founder of Black Hills Badges for Hope, Rapid City Public School Foundation board member, dad, grad student, and full-time community-builder.

Dustin opens up about the deeply personal origins of Badges for Hope, a program born from tragedy and transformed into a lifeline of hope for hundreds of students. From providing trumpets, sports fees, and warm coats to creating magical “Badges and Kids Christmas” shopping nights, Dustin shares how the program bridges the gap between first responders and youth while giving kids a chance to feel supported, safe, and seen.

The episode is filled with unforgettable stories, a child buying silverware for his grandparents, a teen gifting cereal to the police chief, and students learning that someone in their community truly cares. Dustin’s passion, humor, and heart make this a moving conversation about healing, service, and planting seeds of hope in the next generation.

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