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Contact: Media Relations Office - 208/792-2200
LCSC Native American Student Excels
One of LCSC’s Native American students has made a name for
himself. Andre Picard, a senior in Business Communications, has been
selected from thousands of young people to be one of five inductees into the
Northwest Indian Youth Conference’s (NIYC) brand new Hall of Fame. It is his
long-time involvement in organizations dedicated to improving opportunity
for Indian youth that has earned him this much-deserved honor.
 Andre is currently a board member of the American Indian Business Leaders
Student Ambassador Program. The nationwide program, which is sponsored by
such prestigious companies as AT&T and Ford Motor Company, promotes business
to young Native Americans as a way for them to achieve their goals in adult
life.
As a board member, he has helped get funding for and put on
the annual youth conferences. Further, he has been attending the conferences
himself since he was in the 8th grade and he served one year as President in
Lapwai High School’s Indian Club.
The induction ceremony recently took place in Billings, Montana, at the 27th
Annual NIYC. This year’s conference’s provacative theme was ”Cultural
Intregity in Education: Our Path to Intellectual Sovereignty.” Andre’s
acceptance speech there drew a standing ovation and even tears from the
audience of approximately 1400.
Andre’s college experience has included time at three institutions of higher
education: the University of Washington, University of Idaho and LCSC. Of
the three, he likes LCSC the best. He says, “Teachers here know you and care
about you. That makes the difference.” He gives special credit to Kathy
Wilcox, his communications professor, for the skills he used in preparing
and developing his acceptance speech.
What will the future be for this accomplished young man? First he has to
finish his senior project. It involves a feasibility study on operation of a
radio station on the Nez Perce reservation.
After graduation, which he hopes will happen after taking a class this
summer, the next step definitely will include business. He already operates
a small business that makes and sells traditional Native American items such
as drums and stick game sets. Also, he hopes to continue to market his
musical talents. He was one of two singers featured on the sound track from
the well-received movie, “Smoke Signals.”
He plans to remain on the local scene, advance economic development for the
tribe and one day become an elected Nez Perce tribal leader.
Andre is the son of Cassandra Kipp and Andre Picard, Sr. His stepfather is
Robert Kipp. Andre and the Kipps live in Lapwai, where his mother is
Economic Development Planner for the Nez Perce Tribe. Congratulations to
Andre and his proud parents!
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