The BJ Reed Award
Created in 1988, the BJ Reed Award recognizes the work of volunteers in Minneapolis schools. The BJ Reed Award was named in honor of Batty Jane Reed, who founded the Community Resource Volunteer Program in 1965. BJ Reed was a Minneapolis school educator who became an author, poet, and mentor. Originally, the Community Resource Volunteer Program was intended to provide artists, artisans, professionals, civic leaders, and other working adults the opportunity to share their time and skills by becoming part of the school’s curriculum by giving presentations. in the classroom. Subsequently, the CRV Program expanded its focus and became the WISE Resource Volunteer Program. This program is intended for volunteers to participate in various functions in Minneapolis schools. BJ Reed retired in 1981 but continued to be an integral part of the WISE Resource Volunteer Program until his death in 1995. The BJ Reed Award is awarded annually to someone who has made outstanding contributions to Minneapolis students and the community.
Lawrence Looking Elk, 2006 BJ Reed Award Winner
Sullivan Elementary School, a Minneapolis school, has gained much from Mr. Lawrence Looking Elk’s volunteer work. Lawrence Looking Elk has become a near-permanent member of the Sullivan School community. The work you do at school includes, but is certainly not limited to, volunteering in the Media Center, on the playground during recess, and in the cafeteria during breakfast and lunch. Lawrence Looking Elk has established a bond with the parents, teachers, and students of Sullivan School. Parents at the school have been overwhelmed by their children’s love and devotion for Lawrence Looking Elk, who has developed the student’s trust in him based on his kind, gentle, and understanding approach to them. Lawrence Looking Elk has worked closely with the student in Sandy Chapman’s classroom at Sullivan School. Ms. Chapman attributes many of the academic accomplishments her students have made to Lawrence Looking Elk and his work in the classroom. Lawrence Looking Elk has volunteered at Sullivan Elementary School for three years and has donated nearly 3,100 hours of his time.
Lawrence Looking Elk is active in other ways in Minneapolis schools. He volunteers with many organizations, including the Parent Committee for Indigenous Education, is Chairman of the Board of Indigenous Education and the South High School Site Council (PUSH). In addition to volunteering with these groups, she works energetically to raise funds for activities for Native American students. Lawrence Looking Elk’s experience of being in schools and classrooms gives him insight into what changes are needed and he has the tenacity to work for changes in Minneapolis schools that benefit all students. Lawrence Looking Elk received the BJ Reed Award at the June 13 meeting of the Minneapolis Board of Education. Last month, Looking Elk was also honored by colleagues and friends at the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon held at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis.