Supporters Help Graduates with Season of Change

Because of generous supporters, all seven of our recent high school graduates will receive a Senior Suitcase!

They did it, and so did you! Our high school seniors collected their diplomas in May and now, because of generous people like you, they’ll have a Senior Suitcase stashed with essentials to get their next chapters started off right! 

Notebooks, pens and paper ranked high on the graduates’ lists of items to stock-up on with their Senior Suitcase money.

This success allowed graduates to load a St. Joseph’s Indian School mini bus and hit the road for a shopping spree to Walmart. They purchased larger items – microwaves, mini refrigerators and rugs. Smaller items also landed in their carts, such as laundry detergent, notebooks for college courses, lamps and the fuel that every young adult needs first thing in the morning … coffee!

Several students purchased microwaves and other small appliances for their dorm rooms and apartments.

It was a fun outing that had our graduates feeling very appreciative and blessed.

“I bought really practical things for my apartment, like small appliances and cookware,” said Listella. “I’m excited for what’s next!”

The grads filled an entire bus with all their items when their shopping trip was complete!

What’s next includes some exciting plans for the Class of 2019 …

  • Camron will be attending Dakota State University for computer game design. 
  • Wankiya will attend Mitchell Technical Institute for the welding and manufacturing technology program.
  • Louie will also attend Mitchell Technical Institute for the welding and manufacturing technology program.
  • Listella will attend Southeast Technical Institute after working toward her Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA) license. 
  • Treyah will attend Black Hills State University. 
  • Sarah will attend Fort Lewis College.  
  • Jered will attend San Juan University. 

Philámayayethank you – so much for helping graduates have peace of mind as they move forward to fulfill their dreams. 

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.

16 thoughts on “Supporters Help Graduates with Season of Change”

  1. I am so proud of these young people and all their academic work for their future. From the souls of all those before them : a sigh of joy and Thanksgiving

    1. My heart swells with love and pride for these awesome graduates. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for all of you when you first arrived at St. Josephs, but look at you now! Ready to take the first step into your future. Always know you are a winner, you are smart and beautiful, and most importantly you can accomplish everything you set your mind to. Please know my love for all of you, and remember God created you because He knew you are all smart and successful. I will be waiting for news or letters from all of you with updates of all your classes, friends, clubs you may join, and any other important things. You already demonstrated your maturity and responsibility as evidenced by your trip to Walmart. On a personal note l was widowed at age 29. We had 4 sons. Ages 9, 8, 6, and 3. When they were when they were 14, 13, 11 they wanted to buy their own school clothes. The 14, and 13 year old came home with 150 dollars worth of clothes. The 11 year old came home with 2 hats. I told him he better find a good tailor who could possibly make some clothes out of his hats. (Also the 13 year old kind of strong armed the 11 to give him most of his money saying he would shop for both of them, I drove him back to the mall to take back what he had bought with Jeffs money. That never happened again.)
      With loving pride, and God by your side go forward to fulfill your dreams. And congratulations.
      Elizabeth Ogden

      1. Haha! Thank you for sharing such a fun memory with us, Elizabeth! We’re so happy our story took you on that walk down memory lane. Thank you for your support of our students, as well!

  2. Thank you for sending the photos ofthe beautiful young people–having fun and being kids-and to see the o,lier kids are on their way with a way to continue making a good way to continuing becoming adults that can be what they wount to be—–

  3. I have supported this school for many years and am so proud of the people there. I love getting the updated and notes from the students. Please, continue your great work. You are always in my prayers.

    1. We really appreciate that, Barbara! Thank you for being so dedicated to our students. They are so grateful!

  4. It is wonderful to see all of these students continuing their education. That is the most encouraging next step for each person. I send my warm congratulations and best wishes and prayers for their next chapter!

    Andrea C. McAleenan, Ph.D.
    Building Global Bridges

    1. Thank you, Andrea! We were also pleased when all seven decided to pursue higher education, too.

  5. I love all of you & wish you only the Best.
    God blesses you & all your efforts. I will always
    try to give whatever I can when at all possible.
    Peace & hugs, Aggie.

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