LKSD School Board Member Clarence Daniel receives 2021 Don MacKinnon Excellence in Education Award

Clarence Daniel of Bethel is the recipient of the 2021 Don MacKinnon Excellence in Education Award. With him in the photo are LKSD Superintendent Kimberly Hankins and Bobby Bolen, ASA President. Photo courtesy of ACSA

Clarence Daniel, Lower Kuskokwim School District School (LKSD) Board Member, was awarded the 2022 Don MacKinnon Excellence in Education Award by the Alaska Superintendents Association (ASA). Daniel was presented the award during the ASA fall conference in Anchorage.

Daniel has served on the LKSD regional school board since 2013 and has held the positions of secretary, treasurer, vice president and president. His dedication to education in the district dates to 1988, when he served as a student representative on the board.

LKSD Superintendent Kimberly Hankins said, “Clarence wants to see LKSD students be prepared for whatever they choose to do in their future.”

To promote this vision Daniel has supported collegial and post-secondary education functions and helped establish the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) Acceleration Academy.

Daniel believes Yugtun programs in LKSD should have measurable standards on par with English standards and has been a strong advocate of the districts mission to develop bilingual and biliterate programs for students.

Daniel also is a member of the National Indigenous Language coalition and has worked with Senator Lisa Murkowski’s office to review and propose language for the Indigenous Language bill.

Superintendent Hankins added, “Clarence believes that student success is, and should be, defined by the accomplishments each individual makes toward their goals, whether they choose to be the student with the most college degrees, running their tribe/corporation, taking care of elderly family members, or being the most successful hunter providing food for the village. It is the successful fulfillment of each individual student’s vision.”

The Don MacKinnon Educational Excellence in Education Award was established in 1985 to recognize Don MacKinnon and his service to education in the state. In honor of his work to forge professional relationships on behalf of Alaska’s young people, the AASA Board of Directors established this award to be given to school board members who have provided meritorious service to their school districts and communities. Don, the first Executive Director of the Alaska Association of School Administrators and the Alaska Council for School Administrators. He was an influential force in bringing educators together for the benefit of our students.