CENTURIES OF EXPERIENCE DISTRICT I COMMUNITY MEETING HONORS AREA EDUCATORS

By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor

On Thursday, September 28, the District I Community Meeting was buzzing with energy as area educators with over 400 years of collective education experience gathered for a meet and greet at the District I Community Center. The evening was focused on supporting and recognizing those who dedicate their lives to education. Over 100 teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, school board members, bus drivers, and cooks from the local area schools gathered to support and celebrate education in the Mille Lacs community. District I Representative and Onamia School Board Chair Virgil Wind invited the area educators to meet the community during the District I September Community Meeting and he said the event held many purposes.

“We are proud to partner with Nay Ah Shing, Mille Lacs Early Education, Midstate District, Central Lakes College, Mille Lacs Band Higher Education, SUD, and Onamia Public Schools. We had educators that ranged from days of experience to over 45 years of educating our children,” Wind said.

The event welcomed the local educators into the Mille Lacs Band community with introductions. As each of the educators in attendance shared their years of experience and positions, many remarked on how pleased they were to see so many students and families in attendance and how grateful they felt to be part of a welcoming community.

“It was also about sharing and showing them that our community realizes that often they are asked to do way more than just teach,” Wind said. “They build relationships and become family with our kids throughout their education, often stepping into roles to mentor and assist in all of the events of our kid’s lives.”

Participants were honored as they shared a meal with community members, families, and students with whom the educators and staff members have dedicated their careers to.

Most importantly, the event gave the educators appreciation and recognition for all they do for the children and youth in the community. “I can't say enough how very grateful I am to them for all their hard work and dedication to help our kids to become the best that they can be,” Wind said. “And they had the patience to help me in my younger years,” he added.

All in attendance had the opportunity to mingle and get to know one another with conversation, laughter, and finishing the evening with dancing.

“A huge heartfelt and very grateful thank you to all of the educators who attended, to the community who made this a success, and of course the District I staff, center staff, and volunteers who made this possible,” Wind said.

More photos are available for viewing at Inaajimowin.com/ galleries.