21 St. Joseph’s students place at triathlon

At St. Joseph’s Indian School, it’s great to be able to offer facilities equipped with bikes, a pool and other recreational activities for our students. But, it’s even better when opportunities arise to share those things with the rest of the Chamberlain community.

The clear skies and sunny weather on August 24 made for the perfect atmosphere as St. Joseph’s hosted a community-wide Youth Triathlon. Sixty children, ages 5 to 15 took part in the running, swimming and biking event, 41 of which were St. Joseph’s students.

Several of our Native American students were also able to place, thus walking away with some hardware at the conclusion of the fun-filled event.

Individual winners:

  • Braxton, Marley and Trinity placed first through third, respectively, for ages 5 and 6;
  • Payton and Victory placed second and third, respectively, for ages 7 and 8;
  • Caprice placed third for ages 9 and 10
  • Michael and Everedo placed second and third, respectively, for ages 11 and 12;
  • Clayton placed first for ages 13 through 15.

Team placers:

  • Kaylee, Victoria and Laree placed second and Neleigh, Kaylee and Mia placed third for ages 9 and 10;
  • Collin, Julian and Treshawn placed second and Eric, Jackson and Vincient placed third for ages 11 and 12.

“Some of the kids get excited for the triathlon, while others get pretty nervous,” said Bryan, St. Joseph’s Rec Center Coordinator and Athletic Director. “But, all in all, they really enjoy themselves. The majority of the students take pride in their accomplishments and get excited to show others their medals.”

The Chamberlain community has been hosting the annual Youth Triathlon for over 10 years, but it was relocated to St. Joseph’s five years ago in 2013. Having a swimming pool and other convenient facility placements makes it the perfect spot to host the yearly event.

And the residential school is happy to play host. The event not only opens our doors to the community, but gives the Lakota students a chance to compete against other children from their community.

“They get to know one another and continue to mold those relationships over the years as they compete in other organized activities such as football, basketball and volleyball,” said Bryan.

Although a successful year, St. Joseph’s will continue the attempt to boost the number of participants and keep the event moving forward.

“It was a very good start to the weekend for everyone involved,” said Bryan. “It’s always a pleasure to watch our students enjoy themselves and for other community members from Chamberlain to be able to see what we’re all about here at St. Joseph’s.”

Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future.

14 thoughts on “21 St. Joseph’s students place at triathlon”

  1. So proud of all the participants, the ones who placed and the ones who tried their hardest!! When I was your age, I had never run any race, tried the 50-yard dash and came in 2nd behind our track star who was a seasoned runner who took 1st. I was so surprised! It’s all about doing our best for God. Good job!!

    1. We totally agree, Di, and were very pleased that so many of our students gave it a shot, and then did so well! Thanks for your kind words.

  2. It is great to have the school facilities open to the community. What an exciting educational
    experience for your students. Keep up the good work.

  3. Oh wow, that is an excellent record. So happy you guys are just so wonderful. Proud of all the contestants.

  4. The Lakota children have a wonderful advantage here by having such a school that is dedicated to their growth and well-being. I was just wondering a few things —

    1) what are the grade levels of the school? Is it a grade school, middle school or high-school or a combination?

    2) And what is the curriculum? Do you offer regular courses toward GED degrees or is the school accredited; the teachers? Is your curriculum public? Is it somewhere on the website…I cannot find it.

    3) Does the school offer course of study in the history, customs and religion of the indigenous Lakota-Sioux. The reason I ask this is because in all of my donations so far, I have received gifts of thank you cards, now Christmas cards and there is usually a quote from the bible in each of these. I was wondering why there weren’t quotes from the writings of the Lakota-Sioux literary lexicon rather than from another culture’s religion?

    4) Also, the school’s mission states, “St. Joseph’s provides an education, spiritual renewal and Lakota cultural development.” I am wondering what spiritual renewal is being provided? Is it the spirituality of the Lakota people or that of the Catholic black robes that is being taught here? What culture is actually being developed?

    I am considering putting a living donation in my will to St. Joseph’s and I would like substantive responses to these questions.

    Thank you.

    1. Hello and thank you for taking the time to consider a living donation in your will for St. Joseph’s. Let us know if you have more questions after the following answers to your questions.

      1. A: We educate students from grades 1-8 on campus. High school students can still live on campus, but go to the local Chamberlain High School. Here is some more info on that: http://www.stjo.org/site/PageServer?pagename=prog_Residential

      2. The following subjects are taught in the school classrooms: Art, Computer, English, History, Lakota Studies, Math, Reading, Religious Education, Science and Social Studies. Our high school prep program is offered for eighth-grade graduates to help them as they enter high school. Find more info at this link: http://www.stjo.org/site/PageServer?pagename=prog_Education

      3. and 4.: Our mission is under Catholic auspices and serves children of all religious persuasions. The root and foundation of our religious teaching is based on the teachings of the Church. However, we also teach our students their Native American traditions and how they closely correspond to the message of Christ’s Gospel. St. Joseph’s has a Native American studies program to teach the children their traditional Lakota language, culture and traditions. Curriculum and daily routines include numerous cultural elements. Students can learn traditional Lakota dances and songs. St. Joseph’s also hosts an annual American Indian Day powwow, which is open to the public. Culture is an extremely important part of our program. We have an annual powwow, all our students take Native American Studies classes and are learning the Lakota language. Learn more at stjo.org/culture.

      Thank you!

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