American Horse Indian School on the Pine Ridge Reservation is much more than the kids who were allegedly sprayed with beer at an event in Rapid City.

When news reached the public about the beer spraying incident in Rapid City, most of us were shocked. What the heck happened? Who could do such a thing? Who were the kids?

The legal answers about what occurred that day are going to be sorted out in the courts. The moral issues should be discussed by all of us for a long time.

My curious side wanted to know about the children and American Horse School. So I started digging.

American Horse is the name of a Native American who lived during the time of the original Wounded Knee. The school was created in 1939 by two Native American men. Descendents of those men work at the school.

Allen, South Dakota is the location. It is in Bennett County on the northeast edge of the Pine Ridge. The area is very rural and very poor.  Allen is a small village. Most houses are of the government variety. Many of them in need of some tender loving care.

The school is K-8. The building is about 40-years old. Brick and block. It is very well maintained and is similar in appearance to many South Dakota school buildings of the same vintage.

American Horse School is run by a locally elected board, who hires the superintendent. The same as most schools in our state.

However, there are many other "cooks in the kitchen."

Besides the local school board, input, control and/or money come from tribal, state, and the federal government. Each with their own priorities, rules, and methods. Long time Superintendent of American Horse, Dr. Gloria Kitsopoulos, says keeping all the "cooks" happy, and educating almost 300 students, is not an easy task.

Almost all of the students are Native American. Almost all of them qualify for reduced or free lunches.

There are computers a library which is well organized, and several separate buildings which serve as classrooms. There is a gym, playground, a dirt track and football field. .

One of the separate buildings houses Native American Historical artifacts, cultural symbols, artwork, and pictures of many important former leaders and elders of the tribes. It is the classroom of Dr. Francis Whitelance.

In this unique place, Lakota language and history are taught. According to Dr. Whitelance and Superintendent Kistopoulos, this classroom provides the students with a sense of pride, and shows what they can achieve through their Lakota heritage. It also serves as a place to meet spiritual needs while students learn academically and socially in this century. .

While it is a classroom, I felt as if i was an a sacred place. The artifacts, and artwork, depict the rich cultural legacy of the Lakota people. I hope the accompanying pictures give you a sense of the place.

Aside from visiting with the staff, all of whom were very willing to answer my questions, I spent time with two graduating students. They were both female.

Alex, wants to attend college and become a family doctor. Kyra's goal is to get a degree in business. Both want to return and help their people lead healthier and successful lives.

American Horse School, the students and staff face many challenges. The insidious effects of poverty appears to be the biggest one. Yet, I felt hope and optimism while I was there.

The incident in Rapid City, which thrust the students and school into the spotlight, produced at least one positive result. Hundreds of letters and pictures of support for the children were received from around the country, and not just from Native Schools.

A caring tree was created on one of the school walls. So many messages were received the tree became a small forest! These acts of kindness are having a very positive influence on the children, their families and school staff.

While the school does not show up on the "best" list, test scores each year are inching upward. Progress is being made.

In my forty years in South Dakota, I confess to spending little time on any of the reservations, and no time at any Native American school. My experience with the people at American Horse School was very positive.

With limited resources, huge demands from bureaucracies further up the food chain and in the middle of one of the poorest areas in the country, the staff does a marvelous job.  They are not babysitting these children, they are educating them, and while progress is slow, good things are  happening.

American Horse School is worth much more than the headlines about kids being sprayed with beer. It is a place of education, spiritual growth, and helping students learn from where  they come and what they can become.

My five hours with the staff and students broadened my horizons and gave me insight. I am better for the experience.  It is my desire to stay connected to the place and people. I am going back in the fall.

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