Mike of Rapid City, South Dakota was recently received St. Joseph’s Indian School’s 2008 Distinguished Alumni Award. The award was presented at this year’s eighth-grade graduation ceremony, held on May 23, 2008 in Chamberlain. Mike attended St. Joseph's Indian School from 1972 — 1980, then went on to attend Dupree High School and later received a degree in art from Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota. Mike, known as “Mingo” during his school days has always been dedicated to youth. He volunteered at the local YMCA in high school and worked with summer youth programs at St. Joseph’s Indian School during his college years. Throughout his career, Mike has continued to focus on the needs of the younger generation, working in juvenile corrections, as Director of the YMCA Youth Outreach Program in Rapid City, South Dakota, and at youth facilities in Oregon and Utah. Today, Mike is a Recreation Specialist and Chemical Dependency Counselor at Sioux San Hospital in Rapid City. He lives in Rapid City with his wife and four children. St. Joseph’s Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes former students who have made contributions to their culture or community by participating in activities that have a positive impact on the well-being of others. Nominations were made by St. Joseph’s faculty, staff and other alumni. A plaque bearing Mike’s name will be displayed in the Sacred Hoop Tiyospaye Center on St. Joseph’s campus. St. Joseph's Indian School, a residential education facility for Native American children, helps students develop the skills necessary to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle through:
Previous award winners include: |
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