Vickie Birkeland, Principal at the Cheyenne River Eagle Butte Junior High School (BIA) - birthday party - Kodachrome - 1984

I felt she was a superb leader of the school.
Entirely devoted to the students, an inspirational role model and mentor, always aiming to motivation.
Her own methods were innovative, she supported teachers with guidance to proven method, but also allowing and encouraging independence.
Among her successes which I witnessed:
She lobbied and won tuition for her teachers to take certain continuing education courses for credit.
Vicki planned & introduced to the school a well received parental involvement program,
which created interaction and scope well beyond the usual parent/teacher meetings.
There are many others.
I know she enriched my life. Her experience & background is impressive - master teacher, mom, homemaker, rancher, champion rodeo barrel racer.

_DSC5391