On May 7, 2002, four Ho-Chunk elementary students in the Black River Falls School District received the President's Education Award, an annual recognition of student achievement.

Acknowledged as the "best of the best" by District Superintendent Dennis Richards, the four students were among 25 elementary students in the district honored. Patricia Smekofske, Thor Paulson, Arianna Cloud and Christine Mach were recognized for their dedication and success in the classroom. Those receiving the award, now in its seventh year, scored in the top 85 percentile nationally on standardized reading and math tests and maintained at least a 3.5 (B+/A-) grade point average.

Richards stated that the students receiving the award "keep alive a great tradition in our schools", adding that the parents and families should be proud of their achievements.