Lacey Lokken is a positive force to be reckoned with in St. Cloud Area School District.
“The thing about Lacey is,” says Director of Equity Services, Sebastian Witherspoon, “she has this ability to make everyone around her feel good about themselves.”
Lokken is the American Indian Program Coordinator for District 742 and works with American Indian and Alaskan Native students to support and enrich their educational experiences. She also serves as a bridge between school and home and serves to secure cultural resources.
Another important part of Lokken’s job is to provide professional development and training for staff on American Indian state standards in art, language arts, science and social studies.
Jim Knutson-Kolodzne is the director of the American Indian Center at St. Cloud State University and a parent on District 742’s American Indian Parent Committee. He led the effort to create an American Indian program within the District and works closely in partnership with Lokken now. He echoes Witherspoon when talking about her strengths in the role.
“I’m impressed with Lacey’s positive attitude,” he says. “She is driven to help students succeed, whether in academics or . . . at home. She has the skills to relate to so many people.”
Lokken is an Ogalala Sioux and grew up on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. She is the first in her family to graduate college.
Knutson-Kolodzne explains that her life experiences help connect her to people and is the reason she works so hard to educate others on the stereotypes that still persist about American Indians.
Lokken’s positive impact reaches far throughout the District. As an example, Witherspoon cites the first annual 742 Fun Run/Walk and Picnic this fall sponsored by the equity department, and credits Lokken with a large measure of its success.
“She took the lead and ran with it.”
The event was held to welcome families back to school and “honor them in a way that is not typically done,” says Lokken. “We wanted to bring people together. Events are sometimes specific to a program or activity. This was meant for all.”
Lokken celebrates the day’s success with all staff that helped make it happen, including the communications and community education teams, staff who grilled and served food, and students from WE ACT who cheered on the runners and walkers.
“It really was a reflection of Go Far Together,” she smiles.
Above all, Lokken distinguishes herself in her role as a student advocate. No matter what her task, Witherspoon is confident that Lokken is “always focused on students—no matter what.”
St. Cloud Area School District is 742 Proud to have Lokken among its leaders.