Samantha TwoCrow, Suttons Bay Public School Indigenous Education Director, is the winner of the 2024 Educator of the Year award from the Michigan Lottery’s Excellence in Education program. In addition to her award, TwoCrow was presented with a $10,000 cash prize this month during a school ceremony.
“It’s definitely so gratifying to know that one, you get awarded for something like this, but two, to have that chance to have some sort of stipend that feels like you are being paid back in a way that’s always nice for anyone to have or do. It was awesome,” TwoCrow said. “I thrive in making sure I’m there at Suttons Bay to ensure indigenous students receive the additional help that they need to be successful because of the statistics in education for Native Americans… Education is the only way to break cycles in so many ways and forms — my biggest passion being at a high school is helping them (students) find their way.”
TwoCrow started as the indigenous education director in 2019, with the program’s mission being to support the unique cultural and academic needs of Native American and Alaskan students from pre-k through graduation. She also aims to encourage indigenous students to pursue higher education, among many other goals, who might otherwise be part of those statistics.
