KOTA Territory News Airs "Children First" Report:
Red CLoud Students Aiming for the Ivy League

posted on March 17, 2013

As part of its “Children First” series, KOTA Territory News in Rapid City aired a new segment on Red Cloud Indian School’s success in offering a sound education of both the mind and spirit—and sending graduates on to some of the nation’s top universities.

KOTA reporter PJ Randhawa visited campus on March 13 to interview staff, students and parents about why Red Cloud students are able to achieve so much, particularly as they confront the harsh economic realities on the Pine Ridge Reservation.   Despite those challenges, senior Eylssa “Sierra” Concha points out the unique opportunities of life at Red Cloud during the segment, saying, “I'm close to my culture." 

The report highlights Red Cloud’s commitment to helping students to pursue academic success—and to move on to college—through effective and consistent mentoring.  But it also focuses on the school’s work to encourage students to create change in their own community.   As Roger White Eyes, a teacher and Red Cloud parent, explains, “One thing I stress is to get education, go to college.  And then come back and make changes here on the reservation."