Darwin Peterson served as the superintendent for the Hanson School District for 22 years. As superintendent, Peterson spearheaded countless sporting facility improvements at Hanson which included a new addition of elementary classrooms with a multi-purpose room (1991), a new football field and a remodel of the auditorium on main street (1995). Many hours of planning a new gymnasium and locker rooms came to fruition as construction began in 2001.
In 1983, Peterson was instrumental in starting the Hanson Classic where four games were played.
Before becoming superintendent at Hanson, Peterson taught and coached in Spencer and was a teacher, guidance counselor, principal and superintendent in Castlewood for 16 years.
Peterson served on the South Dakota High School Activities Association for six years which included two years as chairman. For his leadership on the SDHSAA, Peterson received the Distinguished Service Award. Other recognitions of Peterson’s include the Dakota Wesleyan University Distinguished Service to College and State Award and the SD Superintendent of the Year Award.