Daily Inter Lake sports editor Dave Lesnick recently was honored by Glacier High School for his contributions to local prep sports over a career that has spanned 21 years locally and nearly four decades overall.

Lesnick was awarded a plaque between the first and second quarters on Aug. 30 during the football game between the Glacier Wolfpack and Billings West at Legends Stadium.

Wolfpack Activities Director Mark Dennehy said Lesnick is a legend himself.

He complimented Lesnick for doing “an amazing job” and thanked him for “keeping things positive” in his reporting of local sports.

The plaque presented to Lesnick commends him for “37 years of journalism excellence.” That takes into account Lesnick’s experience prior to coming to the Inter Lake, including six years at the Helena Independent Record and stints at newspapers in Williston and Wahpeton, N.D., and Pontiac, Ill.

When informed of the award, Lesnick said, “I’m honored, touched and very humbled. Also a little embarrassed, I might add. I am someone who likes to avoid attention...  just do my job to the best of my abilities while being honest and fair.”

Lesnick’s boss, managing editor Frank Miele, noted that he has worked side by side with Lesnick since 1992 and he has never met a more dedicated advocate of local sports.

“Dave really cares about the people he writes about — coaches and players — and goes out of his way to make sure that coverage of all our local teams is balanced, fair and fun,” Miele said.

“The Inter Lake is proud of Dave’s many accomplishments and happy to see him recognized publicly for his hard work and caring attitude.”