Robert Cook for excellence


R


obert Cook, Class of 90, who is now a teacher at Central High School in Rapid City, got a $25,000 surprise this fall when Gov. Mike Rounds and South Dakota Education Secretary Rick


Melmer presented him with a Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. The national award includes a $25,000 cash prize. "Milken award winners represent some of the best teaching


professionals in the country," said Melmer, secretary. "We are extremely proud to be presenting this award to one of our own." The South Dakota Legislature also passed a house commemora tion honoring Cook for his achievements in the classroom. Among his many accomplishments,


Robert was instrumental in developing Central's Lakolkiciyapi Room, an experi mental classroom for at risk ninth grade students. Approximately 70 percent of the students served in this program are Native American. Cook incorporates Native American culture and history into the classroom and makes it relevant for all students. Cook and his fellow teachers are credited with doubling the retention rate of these students in just two years which has helped the Rapid City Area School District achieve the largest number of Native American high school graduates in its history. Cook also gives dropouts a second chance through the Drop In Center, a pro gram he was instrumental in devel oping and implementing that helps these students get back into school and earn missing credits. A Native American himself,


Robert invites Native American writers and speakers into the classroom to share their perspec tives, trains students to work as cultural interpretive guides to tourists at Mt. Rushmore; organizes an annual Back to School Powwow to foster cul


Lowell Milken presents award to Robert Cook


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