Minneapolis School District Honors Volunteers

The B.J. Reed AwardCreated in 1988, the B.J. Reedcontinued to be an integral part of the WISE Resource
Award recognizes the work of volunteers in theVolunteer Program until her death in 1995. The B.J.
Minneapolis Schools. The B.J. Reed Award wasReed Award is given annually to someone who has
named in honor of Batty Jane Reed who founded themade outstanding contributions to Minneapolis students
Community Resource Volunteer Program in 1965. B.J.and the community.Lawrence Looking Elk the 2006 B.J.
Reed was a Minneapolis School educator who wentReed Award RecipientThe Sullivan Elementary School,
on to be an author, poet and mentor. Originally theone Minneapolis School, has gained a great deal from
Community Resource Volunteer Program wasthe volunteer work of Mr. Lawrence Looking Elk.
intended to give entertainers, craftspeople,Lawrence Looking Elk has become an almost
professionals, civic leaders and other working adultspermanent member of the Sullivan School community.
the opportunity to share their time and skills byThe work he does at the school includes, but is
becoming a part of the school curriculum givingcertainly not limited to, volunteering in the Media Center,
classroom presentations. The CRV Program laterout on the playground during recess and in the
expanded its focus and became the WISE Resourcelunchroom during breakfast and lunch. Lawrence
Volunteer Program. This program aims to haveLooking Elk has established a bond with the parents,
volunteers engaged in various functions across theteachers and students at Sullivan School.
Minneapolis Schools. B.J. Reed retired in 1981 but