HURON — What with finals exams, it had been a grueling week for students, teachers and administrators as well.
All were winding down when, out of the blue, Mike Radke’s voice in song filled the air. It was an amusing ode to Fridays, and it was music to the ears of everyone in the building.
This is tried and true Mike Radke. By all accounts, the Huron High School principal understands — feels, even — for his 735 or so students.
Radke is entering his second year as lead administrator at Huron High School, a building where he earned his own high school diploma.
He’s Huron born and bred.
Whether fielding questions about his views on standardized testing or student use of the Internet, he is clearly on the side of his kids.
On this particular morning, the school building is empty. The sound of footsteps echoes throughout the vestibule, unburdened by the consistent hum of student activity. A series of accomplished drawings decorate the walls — vestiges of the just-passed school year. Otherwise, the atmosphere is still, utterly student-less.
Radke’s office is bright, comfortable. Around him are reminders of his family; his wife, Danielle, and their four youngsters.
So, were there any harbingers when he was growing up that he’d some day go into education?
“I knew I was gong to be a teacher in the eighth grade,” he responds. “Really, I wanted to be Ken Cihak. He was my eighth-grade teacher and our wrestling coach. When I was a senior in high school, I was voted ‘Most Likely to Become a High School Principal.’  That was the first time I thought about going into school administration”

After his graduation from Huron High, he went on to Northern State University in Aberdeen. There, he double-majored in History and Social Sciences for Teachers. He explains that, throughout his schooling, he enjoyed Psychology and Sociology. He definitely didn’t enjoy electives like Art Appreciation, nor did he like Algebra and Geometry.
“I survived Geometry and Algebra thanks to lots of early morning classes with Mr. Swisher, reviewing and reteaching me everything I didn’t understand from the day before.”
Who was his favorite teacher and what did he learn?
“My mom was my favorite teacher. She taught me the most important lesson, which was ‘Teachers teach students, not subjects.”
Six years ago, he returned to Huron with his young family. “They keep us going with activities like football, wrestling, dance, Boy Scouts, and lots of summer parks and recreation activities,” he said.
As for Huron as a community, he says, “I like that Huron is a larger South Dakota town that doesn’t feel that big. I see people I know every time I leave the house.”
He takes the town’s diversity as a challenge.
“All teenagers come with their own sort of issues, no matter what race they are. The language barriers that come along with our students is the biggest question we face,” he said. “Everything about education starts and ends with relationships, and not speaking the same language as a student makes it very difficult to form those relationships. Thankfully, our students are motivated to learn English as fast as they can and when they struggle to communicate, their friends are quick to jump in and help.”
What makes for a great teacher?
“The best teachers have a love of children, a passion for teaching and learning, and an endless supply of patience.”
What are his favorite books and movies?
“My favorite author is Chris Crutchner, and my favorite book of his is “Stotan.’’ He writes about two of my favorite things — teenagers and sports.’ My favorite movie is “Mary Poppins.’ It has a great message about what’s really important in life. And nothing can compare to Julie Andrews singing ‘Feed the Birds.’”
Barbara Hoff has been Radke’s administrative assistant for four years. During three of those years as vice-principal, he oversaw the school’s discipline program and attendance. Hoff gives her boss high marks on the job. Since working for him, she says, she’s taken note of “his patience, kindness, fairness, calm, poise and diligence.
“He goes beyond the call of duty almost on a daily basis,” Hoff said. “He’s at work oftentimes before the sun comes up, and is usually the last one out the door. His day doesn’t end there because as an administrator, his duties include extracurricular events after normal school hours.
“Mike is a humble man who would never take credit for going above and beyond the call of duty. He’s always looking forward to encourage each and every student to be the best version of themselves.”
Romana Olivo has worked in the HHS office for two years. Radke, she says, “Has made a point of meeting with all incoming freshmen, assuring each that he or she is on track to graduate. He encourages them that any questions they have or help they need, just ask.”
At a time when half of U.S. principals are abandoning their posts by year five, Huron’s Mike Radke continues to continue.
As Huron School Superintendent Terry Nebelsick relates, “I moved to Huron at the beginning of Mike’s sophomore year of high school. I respected the young man the first time I met him. He held himself accountable even as a teenager, and he still displays that commitment in everything he does.”