Teresa Felicia-Estes of Lower Brule was recently named St. Joseph’s Indian School’s Distinguished Alumna for 2007. The award recognizes former students who have contributed to their community or culture by participating in activities that have a positive impact on the well-being of others. Nominations were made by St. Joseph’s staff and other alumni. As a graduate of St. Joseph’s eighth grade class of 1980, Felicia-Estes went on to become one of the first St. Joseph’s students to graduate from Chamberlain High School in 1984. After high school, she attended Nettleton College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, but ventured north to the University of Alaska where she completed her degree. After spending several years in Alaska, Felicia-Estes returned to South Dakota in 1992. There, she spearheaded the establishment of a Boys & Girls Club in the Lower Brule community. For the past 16 years, she has been employed with the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a Realty Specialist working in areas of land trust responsibility. She also serves as a board member for Habitat for Humanity. Today, Teresa resides in Lower Brule with her husband Ben, who is also a St. Joseph’s alumnus. Teresa is an enrolled member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe and enjoys volunteering in her community. Previous award winners include: |
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