Montana Indian Education Association Annual Awards

Congratulations to our Award Winners at MIEA!! MIEA recognized the following for their leadership and commitment to improving Indian Education in Montana. Your efforts are applauded!

Educator of the Year: Reno Charette, ( Crow Indian name is Sees the Circled Rainbow) Director, Big Horn Teacher Projects, MSU-Billings, Billings, MT. (Crow Tribal Member, member of the Ties the Bundle Clan, and descendant of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa) Master of Arts Degree, (History), University of Montana and Bachelor of Arts Degree, University of Montana Other work experiences include: Circles of Care Project at In-Care Network, Inc., Project Coordinator or Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP), Consultant for the University of Montana Graduate School, Counselor/Advisor/Instructor for Educational Opportunity Program at University of Montana. "Ms. Charette is a role model for American Indian women. I cannot imagine a stronger candidate for the Indian Educator of the Year. Ms. Charette is an organized and conscientious administrator. She provides a warm environment for her staff and the BHTP students. She is always ready to "fix the problem,", never to "fix the blame." (Mary Susan Fishbaugh Ed D., MSU Billings) "Reno is a strong advocate for American Indian issues and an excellent representative of the Indian community. I foresee she will be a prominent figure at the Montana State level in the near future." (Susan C. Barfield, MSU Billings)

Teacher of the Year: Debra Hogenson, Cherry Valley School, Polson, M T (Turtle Mountain Chippewa) Coordinator for Limited English Proficient Learners at Polson Schools. M.S. Education, in Multi-cultural/Bilingual Education, MSU- Bilings, and a BS Degree in Education from MSU Billings. Debra has also worked at Salish-Kootenai College as a master teacher/trainer in Science, Teacher Leader/Coach in Literacy, Cherry Valley Schools; Native Language Coordinator at Polson Public Schools and has also been an Upward Bound Counselor/Tutor. "A significant focus of her teaching experience has been to ensure success for Indian Children. She develops relationships with her students built on genuine caring and she continues to advocate for and support them long after they leave her classes....In my 26 years as an elementary principal, Debbie is the finest educator of Indian children (in fact, all children) that I have had the privilege to supervise and work with. Her gentle spirit, deep dedication and achievements make her a worthy recipient of your award. "(Elaine Meeks, Principal, Cherry Valley School) "I met Debbie 14 years ago and found her to be one of the most committed educators I have met...When any event or program takes place in Polson School District that is related to Indian education or the needs of Indian students, you can count on Debbie's involvement at a leadership level. The Kootenai Language Program has persisted in Polson's elementary schools because of Debbie's tireless efforts to not only recruit an instructor but in hours and hours of support for the instructor in developing materials and providing instructional assistance in the classroom. Every step of the way Debbie included the parents and the Kootenai Community...Her love for the students is absolutely sincere, and it does not end at the school doors. She is often in the company of children out in the community, and at cultural events, her students seek her out...She has made a difference." (Julie Cajune, Ronan Schools)

Support Staff of the Year: Julie Lamebull, Harlem Schools, Title VII Community Liaison/attendance Officer. (Chippewa) (need info on Julie) Special Recognition: Delores Alexander, Cree Language Teacher, Box Elder Schools, Box Elder, MT (Chippewa Cree) " I am writing a letter of support for Delores Alexander, she is a great asset to our Cree Program at Box Elder School. She has been an employee for over 10 years and is doing a great job for the school. The children love her and she makes learning fun." (Alvina Friede, District Clerk, Box Elder Schools) "...Delores shares her culture with students and staff. I find her desire to pass on knowledge of the Native American Culture to be admirable." (Joyce Dolnoven, Box Elder Schools. "Delores is a 68 year old Native Amnerican, a kind, gentle, giving, and soft spoken person. She thinks of others before herself. She will go far and beyond her expectations for her family. She is a very dedicated person to her family and to the education of Native American children." (Charlene Lowen, Box Elder School)

Parent of the Year: Lonnie Little Bird, Lame Deer School, Head of Maintenance, Lame Deer, MT. (Northern Cheyenne) Lonnie is a single father, raising 2 teenagers, one boy and one girl, with an older daughter. He finds and makes time for his family and many other children as well. Lonnie has been involved in coaching different sports for many years. He was the boy's assistant when Lame Deer boys went to the State tournament. Lonnie helps students be successful both on and off the court. He is a great role model. He does not drink or smoke. He attends sweats weekly and is an active hunter. "Lonnie puts in endless hours to help not only his family but people throughout Lame Deer community....he has a heart of gold and will come to the aid of anyone in need...If you need something fixes, found or set up, Lonnie is the one that is called. ...Lonnie's rapport with the students, staff and community is remarkable. Lonnie is a loving father who works hard to provide his children with the resources to make their living environment enjoyable. Lonnie's family, because of Lonnie's influence an guidance, has gained respect from the people of the entire Northern Cheyenne Reservation." (Gary Scott, Principal) Lonnie understands the importance an education and encourages students to be there and has done coaching and other activities to help keep the student interested in school. (Peggy Fredericks, LDHS Counselor)

College Student of the Year: Aroscott Whiteman: MSU Billings, Billings, MT (Northern Cheyenne) Aroscott is a graduate of Colstrip High School. He is majoring in Chemistry and his minor is in Environmental Studies. His grade point has always been above 3.0, and has been on the Dean's List with a GPA of 3.75 the last three semesters. Aroscott is willing to assist other Native American students who may be having problems in the math and science area because he knows that it is a very difficult area for Indian students. "As a student, I feel it is my duty to perform at a higher level of education not only because I am on an academically based scholarship, but for the pure satisfaction of knowing that I am at the top of the class. Learning is a pleasure for me, and I try my best to show my deepest appreciation to my instructors for the wonderful learning opportunity they have given me. In addition to attending college I also work with the United States Geological survey- Water Resources Divison as a Hydrologic Technician in the Billings Field Office." "Having ample opportunity to observe Aroscott in class and in social environments, I have substantial reason to believe that his integrity is above reproach in all aspects of his personal and professional life...I envision that he will have no difficulty in, given his exceptional energy and refreshingly strong work ethic, he will continue to flourish in the Chemistry Program." (William G. Hicken, Ph.D. Chemistry Dept. MSU Billings) "...He is very serious about his education and is striving to do the best he can. His attitude is such that he will settle for nothing less from himself. I consider Aroscott to be one of the brightest students in our department." (Dr. Rhond Dillman, MSU Billings, Department of Biological and Physical Sciences)

High School Student of the Year: CeCe Corcoran. Rocky Boy High School. Rocky Boy, MT. (Chippewa-Cree) CeCe is the 2nd student to graduate with a 4.0 GPA at Rocky Boy High School (the first was her sister in 2002.) She will be Rocky Boy's High Schools recipient of the MUS Honor's Scholarship given to the top graduate of each Montana high school. Her work ethic and performance in the classroom are bolstered by the ever present parental support form her parents, Josephine and Bert. Her involvement has been extraordinary. She is a four-year letterwinner in volleyball, participated in basketball and cheerleading, as well as being a member of AISES, Student Council and Close Up for 2 years. CeCe has been accepted to the University of Montana for fall 2004. Her intentions are to receive a degree in a medical field and someday return and work in the Rocky Boy area. "CeCe is an extremely intelligent young lady. I have never had a math student who is her equal in abilty. This year she is enrolled in our Honors Calculus class and I am constantly amazed at her capacity to understand and apply the principles of calculus to solve very difficult application problems....She is able to stand up for her point of view and still be willing to compromise to accommodate the other members of a group." (Jim Capps, Teacher, Rocky Boy) "...Wherever she goes in live, CeCe will not only find true success, but she will strive to help others succeed as well" (Heather Gaston, instructor Rocky Boy High School)

Elder of the Year: Edmond M. Augare: Retired Police Officer, Heart Butte, Montana. (Blackfeet) Edmund is a 1st year student at Blackfeet Community College. He has been out of school for over 30 years. One day he walked in and said "I want to go to college. Edmond is doing great. He is learning about the new technology of the year 2000." (Marshalene Last Star, BCC) "Edmond has been a valuable asset to our small community. His acts of kindness, time, and consideration surface as a planning member for our new St. Anne's Church, the IHS Clinic, our new Post Office, he was a school Board member when the beginning of the planning for our new high school. (Helen Butterfly, Heart Butte) "Mr. Augare is an active member of the community who has served on many committees and tribal boards/committees. His unselfish participation has assisted in the successful completion of numerous community development projects. (Thomas Thompson, Heart Butte).