"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to leave the world a bit better; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; this is to have succeeded." (Ralph W. Emerson)
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For most of my life, I have been driven by a strong desire to embrace a career that would allow me to "make a difference." I was raised to believe our presence on this earth isn't happenstance - that each one of us has a unique purpose, and no matter what that purpose is for us individually, it most certainly includes helping others as they navigate their own journeys. I have often asked students, "What do you want your legacy to be?" For me, I hope to leave behind a legacy that inspires others to do what I have tried to do: earn "the affection of children; leave the world a bit better," and help others "breathe a little easier."
Dawn Hoeke
Superintendent
Oldham-Ramona-Rutland School District 39-6
Dawn Hoeke
Superintendent
Oldham-Ramona-Rutland School District 39-6
I was born in Redfield, SD, to Gerald (Joe) and Florence Hinker. I have four sisters and one brother. I graduated from Redfield High School (Redfield, SD) in May 1985. I began coaching in the city parks and recreation prorgram while still in high school, which is when I realized I truly enjoyed working with and teaching others.
I was born in Redfield, SD, to Gerald (Joe) and Florence Hinker. I have four sisters and one brother. I graduated from Redfield High School (Redfield, SD) in May 1985. I began coaching in the city parks and recreation prorgram while still in high school, which is when I realized I truly enjoyed working with and teaching others.
I am married to Scott Hoeke, my life-long friend. Scott is a Sales Specialist for Pizza Wholesalers of Lexington/Hunt Brother's Pizza, and we reside in Brookings, SD. I am proud to claim three exceptional children as my own: Faith, Hope, and Justus. Faith is married to Joseph who currently serves as the pastor for Faith Lutheran Church in Parkston, SD. Faith and Joseph have blessed us with two busy grandsons: Abraham and Boaz. Faith and Joseph are expecting baby #3 in May/June 2025. Hope is married to Brandon who works for Bobcat in West Fargo, ND. Hope and Brandon blessed us with a grandson Jude and a granddaughter Maria. My son Justus is in his second year at Lake Area Technical College. He will finish his program in Financial Services/Ag Lending in May 2025. I have three step-children: Mikaela, Jaden, and Kellen.
I earned a BS in Secondary Education/ English & Language Arts from Northern State University in May 1989. From there, I moved to the Denver, Colorado, area where I began my career as an educator. I spent one year in the Bennett, CO, school district where I taught journalism, world history, and English, while I also served as the assistant varsity girls soccer coach, C squad girls basketball coach, and flag corps advisor. After one year in Colorado, I found my way back to South Dakota. I landed in Rapid City where I spent one year at St. Thomas More Catholic High School teaching religion. I then moved into the Rapid City Public School system where I taught PK-12 adapted physical education for five years. The next step in my career took me to Watertown, SD, where I taught 9th grade English and history at Watertown High School. I spent two years in Watertown before the next leg of my career journey took me north to Oakes, ND. I spent 25 years as a North Dakota educator - 17 years as a teacher and 8 years as a principal and superintendent.
I earned a BS in Secondary Education/ English & Language Arts from Northern State University in May 1989. From there, I moved to the Denver, Colorado, area where I began my career as an educator. I spent one year in the Bennett, CO, school district where I taught journalism, world history, and English, while I also served as the assistant varsity girls soccer coach, C squad girls basketball coach, and flag corps advisor. After one year in Colorado, I found my way back to South Dakota. I landed in Rapid City where I spent one year at St. Thomas More Catholic High School teaching religion. I then moved into the Rapid City Public School system where I taught PK-12 adapted physical education for five years. The next step in my career took me to Watertown, SD, where I taught 9th grade English and history at Watertown High School. I spent two years in Watertown before the next leg of my career journey took me north to Oakes, ND. I spent 25 years as a North Dakota educator - 17 years as a teacher and 8 years as a principal and superintendent.
In May of 2013 I earned by MSEd in Library/Information Technology from Valley City State University in Valley City, ND. Circumstances encouraged me to return to school. In 2013 I accepted my first administrative role as the JH/HS principal in the Oakes Public School District. In 2014, I earned an additional master's degree in Education Leadership. In June of 2016, I accepted a position as the JH/HS principal in the North Sargent School District in the neighboring community of Gwinner, ND. In 2017, I earned a superintendent endorsement from North Dakota State University. In June of 2019, I accepted the position as the superintendent in the North Sargent School District. I stayed in that position for two years; however, my family relocated to Milbank, SD, in the summer of 2017, so my career journey once again took me back to my roots in South Dakota. I served as the Sisseton Public School middle school principal for one year before finding my way back to the role of superintendent in the newly consolidated Oldham-Ramona-Rutland School District.
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