“Capturing the Flame: David Samson Shines with Passionate Photography Honor”

WEST FARGO — During an unexpected ceremony at the basketball match between the Packer and Mustangs on Tuesday, Dec. 17, long-time news photographer David Samson was awarded the Packer Backer Flame Award by the Booster Club of West Fargo Packer Backers.

The Flame Award recognizes a community contributor who is passionate about supporting the West Fargo High School Packers, their institution, and the surrounding community.

Samson was raised on a horse farm in proximity to Harwood and completed his education at West Fargo High School in 1978. He holds degrees in commercial art and mass communications from both Moorhead Tech and Minnesota State University Moorhead. Samson began his career as a photographer at the West Fargo Pioneer in 1981 and then joined The Forum in 2005.

Over the years, Samson has garnered multiple awards at national, state, and local levels for his photographs, many of which adorn the walls of the West Fargo Police Headquarters.

Despite retiring from The Forum in 2024, Samson maintains part-time work. He stays engaged as a volunteer with the West Fargo Area Education Foundation, serves on the Communications Advisory Committee for West Fargo, as well as with various other local public schools and Maple Sheyenne Lutheran Church.

Prior Flame Award recipients include:

• 2004: Terry Rust
• 2005: Larry Lubben
• 2006: Harold Kozojed
• 2007: Anna Frissell
• 2008: Roger Eckert
• 2009: Tonya Vetter
• 2010: Bill Kozojed & Bob Kozojed
• 2011: Greg Warren
• 2012: Mike Hayden
• 2013: Judy Millar
• 2014: Ed Sklebar
• 2015: Curt Jones
• 2016: Ben Potter
• 2017: WFHS Food Service Team
• 2018: Pete Diemert
• 2019: Mark Berntson
• 2020: WFHS Student Body
• 2021: Officer Jason Balvik
• 2022: Jennifer Fremstad & Jay DeCann
• 2023: Jim Jonas

Wendy Reuer reports on all matters West Fargo for The Forum.