SDEA/NEA Human and Civil Rights Awards
The South Dakota Education Association/NEA is seeking nominations for the Human and Civil Rights Award to honor an individual, student, or organization for their work in promoting human and civil rights.
Deadline: October 1, 2008
Past Recipients
John McIntyre, Sioux Falls, 2006 recipient of the H. Councill Trenholm Memorial Award, a national award presented at the NEA Annual Human and Civil Rights Awards Dinner. McIntyre was recognized for his life-long outreach to both refugees and American Indians in the Sioux Falls community. He is credited with helping create the SuAnne Big Crow Memorial Award, which is given annually to a student whose academic achievements helped other students develop their own sense of dignity. Since retirement, he has played an instrumental role in establishing a coalition of churches to assist with resettling refugees in the Sioux Falls area.
Tami Trussell, Sioux Falls, 2005 recipient founded Lost Boys of Sudan to protect, mentor, aid and help educate more than 150 young men and women from Africa living in Sioux Falls. Tami helps with whatever is needed: obtaining a driver’s license, receiving a cap and gown for high school graduation, helping negotiate the immigration system, getting math and English mentors for high school/GED students and finding funds for emergency medical operations. Tami has also started a scholarship fund for those earning a post secondary education.
Dr. Wayne Kindle, Yankton, 2004 recipient has worked hard for Native American awareness through his efforts in having the annual Native American Day Wacipi. He is also a member of the Yankton County Child Protection Team. He arranges for busi-nesses and individuals in the community to help with the cost of clothing, haircuts and holiday meals for students and their families who are not able to afford these things.
Dr. Susan Randall, Sioux Falls, 2003 recipient was a founding member of the South Dakota Coalition for Children. She is passionate about the health, safety, and education of our young people and has worked tirelessly to shape policies and programs to ensure the well being of all children in South Dakota.
Peg and Ed Seljeskog, Rapid City, 2001 recipients helped Oglala Lakota College build a student center in Rapid City and donated a building for shelter and space for services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Qadir Aware, Sioux Falls, 2000 recipient recognized for his work in establishing the Multi-Cultural Center and in helping immigrants feel comfortable in the community. He also received the 2000 NEA HCR Award for advancing inter-group understanding.
Gloria Miller, Sioux Falls, for her work in providing a safe haven for children, working with homeless people and organizing an ecumenical peace conference.
How to Nominate an Individual from your Community
Qualifications: The nominee must be an individual, student, or organization whose human and civil rights activities have had community-wide impact within South Dakota. If the nominee qualifies for SDEA/NEA membership, he/she must be a member.
Who Makes the Nominations : Any member or local of the South Dakota Education Association/NEA may make a nomination by completing the attached form.
Deadline : Nominations must be sent to the President, South Dakota Education Association/NEA, 411 East Capitol, Pierre, South Dakota 57501 by October 1.
Presentation: The award will be presented at the SDEA Bargaining Conference held in January of each year.
