Louise Gopher Honored for 28 Years of Service, Leadership

Party Held for Retiring Education Director

By Susan Etxebarria

BRIGHTON — Louise Gopher was the center of everyone’s attention, and focus of their admiration and affection at a retirement party held at Brighton Reservation in her honor on Dec. 5.

Surrounded by friends, family and staff from the Education Department, the former education director for the Tribe was shown appreciation for her years of service.

Gopher officially retired on Nov. 1, 2007, after 28 years as a Tribal employee. She left as one of the Tribe’s most influential education leaders earning a place in Seminole and Florida history.

The Brighton gymnasium was the staging for a tribute and bestowing of gifts, speeches and song arranged by Seminole Tribe of Florida Education Department.

Guests included: Brighton Council Rep. Roger Smith, his wife, Dianne, and family, Brighton Board Rep. Johnnie Jones, former Tribal President Moses Osceola, State Board of Education member Phoebe Raulerson, and her husband, Charles, a former Okeechobee County commissioner, and many more well-wishers.

Children gathered around Gopher’s table where she sat and watched a “farewell” video presentation made by the Education Department. Gopher received individual taped messages from staff members as a keepsake.

Guests were told the story of her life, beginning with her having the courage to go to public school as a child, while living in a chickee near Ft. Pierce. At the time she spoke Creek, but eventually Gopher went on to be the first woman in the Tribe to earn a college degree. Gopher would end up making a lifelong commitment to help others in the Tribe obtain public education and go to college.

The presentation also included information on how she led the Tribe to create language education programs that resulted in the 2007 opening of Pemayetv Emahakav Charter School.

The guests were told that Louise Gopher was picked by the Palm Beach Post as one of 100 outstanding women who made a difference in Florida during the 20th Century.

Many people gave speeches about Gopher.

“It has been an honor to work alongside you,” said Emma Johns, acting Education Department director. “I learned from you and I hope now you have confidence in the staff that follows you.”

“I want to thank you for what you have done for our kids in education and for our culture,” said Council Rep. Roger Smith, who presented Gopher with a plaque.

A traditional Seminole dress, made by Virginia Osceola of Hollywood, was unveiled as another gift from the Councilman’s office.

Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Mitchell Cypress was not able to attend but he sent a surprise. He offered Gopher a trip to any place in the world she wants to go.

“It is good to see Louise is being honored for her achievements in education,” said Board Rep. Johnnie Jones. “She sacrificed a lot. She wasn’t home a lot. She was always having to travel to Hollywood; back and forth.”

He then presented her with a check from the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc., saying she could use that gift during her other gift — the vacation the Chairman gave her.

There were also very nice gifts from her education staff, and from the children of the charter school. Jennifer Chalfant, her former student and Miss Florida Seminole, presented her with a large colorful quilt on behalf of the Tribe.

Gopher did speak to all the guests. First she introduced her former education staff and all educators who had helped her and supported her along the way.

“I want to say thank you to all the staff. I wouldn’t be up here on this stage without your support,” she said. “Many things could not have been accomplished without the dedication of many others. I may have opened doors and initiated meetings but it is the parents and the staff that followed through and accomplished the job.”

Gopher said she is ready for a change. She plans to continue helping the Tribe preserve its culture and language in other way, but she said for now she is also looking forward to going fishing with her grandchildren.