A ten person committee has recommended that a new high school being built at 70th and Saltillo Road be named Standing Bear High School. Over 200 names were suggested by more than 600 individuals. It would be the first non-directional high school in Lincoln.
The committee met over the course of several weeks to discuss the submissions and make a recommendation to the Board. Larry Wright, chairman of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and a former LPS teacher, addressed the Board Tuesday night and said spoke about the significance of the decision.
“This was a real opportunity, if this name was chosen, to lead the country and show that this can be done in a good way that’s representative and respectful of indigenous people,” Wright said. Steve Laravie Jr., a great-great-great-great-grandson of Standing Bear, also spoke to the Board.
“This consideration of his name for an environment where young people can learn and grow to be great leaders for their own communities, for their own families, for this good land – for all of us – I thank you on behalf of my family.”
The Board will vote on the name recommendation at its next meeting.