Tribal Education Leader Moves On

Louise Gopher Retires as Director

By Chris Jenkins

BRIGHTON — Louise Gopher, Panther Clan, has helped educate many and inspired hundreds more in her quarter of a century working for the Seminole Tribe’s Education Department. Gopher serves as the Tribe’s Education director, and while her journey has been interesting, she said it is now time to move on.

As a trendsetter, Gopher graduated in 1965 with her associate of arts degree from Indian River Community College and was chosen as Seminole Princess that same year. During her tenure, she represented the Tribe at the Miss Indian America Pageant in Sheridan, Wyo., where she received the honorable mention award.

In 1970 she was the first Seminole woman to earn a four year degree, graduating with her bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University.

Since joining the Tribe’s staff in 1982, Gopher said education has been her one and only job and focus. Within that department, she has moved up through the ranks over the years, assuming the role of director in 2003.

The Brighton resident has had a lot to be proud of but says her crowning achievement is the Pull-Out Program. Focusing on kindergarten through fifth grade student education in the areas of Seminole language and culture development, it has helped maintain the Seminoles’ rich heritage and legacy. These efforts have resulted in what is now known as the Brighton Charter School, which officially opened on Oct. 4.

She credits the Tribal Council as a major reason for her department’s success as the educational statistics continue to slowly improve.

“We’ve always got what we need from the council to succeed,” she said. “There’s no cost or dollar you can put on a child’s future.”

Activities such as the annual Incentive Awards and future projects such as the Immokalee private (or charter) school (possibly in 2009) remain on track.

The mother of two also holds a unique distinction of sorts as her family is the only one to claim three princesses. Daughter Rita Gopher McCabe was selected Miss Florida Seminole in 1990 and Carla Gopher was crowned in 1994.

Both her daughters have also gone on to receive formal educations from Indian River Community College and Florida State University.

Gopher says the best part of her job has been in the shaping of lives as well as the progress so many have experienced. However, the wear and tear of all her travels has taken its toll and it is time for something different.

“It’s time now for other people to step up and take over,” Gopher said.

Gopher explained that she does plan to stay busy with other activities. Her plans include substitute teaching at the Brighton Charter School and special project work with the Seminole Broadcasting Department.

The Tribal Council gave their thoughts on the accomplishments and efforts of Gopher as well.

“We really appreciate the things she has done in education and we will miss her,” Chairman Mitchell Cypress said.

“We thank Louise for all her years of commitment and service; she has put brighter stars out there for us to see,” President Richard Bowers said.

Gopher’s last day as Education Department director is slated for Nov. 30.