An anonymous gift of $1 million will assist the Red Cloud Indian School in raising a total of $2.5 million needed to renovate and expand its high school on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

The gift, from a Washington, D.C.-area couple, is the largest single gift from a living donor in the school's 120-year history, according to a news release.

"This is a historic day for Red Cloud," said the Rev. Peter Klink, president of Red Cloud Indian School. "This extraordinary gift is an outstanding 'jumping-off' point for our goal to enhance our brick and mortar, while meeting the increasing needs for enhanced opportunities in science and Lakota studies education."

Red Cloud officials announced plans in January to build an addition to the Red Cloud High School that would house new science laboratories, a Lakota studies program, faculty offices and a student gathering area.

"More and more, we have a very high percentage (of students) going on to college," the Rev. Pat Burns, assistant vice president for advancement, said. "So they have to have decent science (facilities), and we want to really emphasize Lakota language studies."

The high school, which limits enrollment to 225 students, always has a waiting list, Burns said. The new addition will not allow the school to accept more students but will enhance students' education.

Sophomore Autumn White Eyes said the addition is necessary. She is looking forward to occupying the building as a senior.

"Our science classes are too small and under-equipped," she said. "I feel lucky to know that Red Cloud is always thinking of ways to better our educational experience. I am very proud of my school for making this change."

The $1 million gift is a "challenge grant," intended to encourage others to support the school. Red Cloud has agreed to match the contribution with donations from new donors.

"The donors have expressed their interest in the unparalleled success happening at Red Cloud Indian School - in the classroom and out of it - and hope that their gift will enlighten others to the needs and unheralded accomplishments of the students at Red Cloud," Matthew P. Ehlman, vice president for advancement, said.

The donors of the $1 million believe education is the answer for meeting the challenges of the 21st century head-on, Ehlman said.

"They want to see future generations of Lakota men and women empowered to take leadership roles in creating an ever brighter future on the reservation," Ehlman said.

A committee of school officials is meeting with an architect to design a school wing that is environmentally friendly.

The new addition is slated to be ready for the fall 2009 school year.

Fundraising efforts will continue as the facility is designed.

Burns wouldn't say how much has been raised to date but said, "We're doing well; we're not there yet."

To donate to Red Cloud Indian School

Call Red Cloud Development Office at 867-5491

Write to Red Cloud Indian School, 100 Mission Drive, Pine Ridge, SD 57770

On the Web: www.redcloudschool.org