On Friday, May 24, seventeen students were honored as they finished their grade school years at St. Joseph’s Indian School. One of the most joyful events of the year, graduation is always a celebration of thiyóšpaye — extended family — among relatives, staff and students of the school.
This year, Danielle Arpan, RN, BSN, and 2017 graduate of St. Joseph’s, addressed the students. Arpan attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, taking her final year in Rapid City at SDSU’s College of Nursing’s Native American Nursing Education Center (NANEC).
She credits NANEC with providing a supportive environment and helping her transition to her current professional position at Phoenix Indian Medical Center (PIMC). There, she promotes the health and well-being of Native Americans from more than 300 tribes around the country who go there for health care.
“If there’s not a seat at the table for you, make your own table. If there’s a lack of opportunity, make your own opportunities. If you see a lack of something, fill that empty space with something not only you, but those after you can benefit from. Leave things better than how you found them,” exhorted Arpan.
The school honored Arpan with the Distinguished Alum of the year award. She pointed to the wonderful support of Beverly Stabber Warne (April 10, 1939 – April 14, 2024), her mentor, who founded NANEC and served as an instructor. She also acknowledged the influence of her grandfather, Ben Sherman (September 10, 1939- April 13, 2024).
Eighth Grade Graduates include:
Marybella, a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. Marybella wants to be an astronaut. She is most proud of the great understanding of her culture that she has gained at St. Joseph’s.
Rylee, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Something Rylee has loved about being at St. Joseph’s is the community of staff and students. She is most proud of overcoming her fear of public speaking.
Watahkpe Hoksila (Charges), a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Charges’ favorite class is Personal Living Skills because they get to cook and eat. The thing he is most proud of accomplishing at St. Joseph’s is graduating 8th grade.
Kayley, a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. She would like to get into acting when she grows up. She has fond memories of the 7th grade cultural trip. The thing she is most proud of learning at St. Joseph’s is to speak up for herself.
Jevjuan, a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. Jevjuan hopes to play basketball in the NBA. The thing he is most proud of accomplishing at St. Joseph’s is placing 3rd in the State Free Throw Competition.
Aja, a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. She wants to work for NASA in the aeronautical field when she grows up. She is most proud of getting good grades while at St. Joseph’s.
Taliyah, a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. She wants to be a nurse. The thing she is most proud of accomplishing at St. Joseph’s is improving her math skills.
Tywin, a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Tywin hopes to be an entomologist, which is a person who studies insects. The thing he is most proud of accomplishing at St. Joseph’s is being involved in the public service announcement.
Joanna, a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. She wants to be a traveling nurse or a therapist. The thing she is most proud of accomplishing at St. Joseph’s is graduating 8th grade.
Roxanna, a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. She wants to be a doctor. The thing she is most proud of accomplishing at St. Joseph’s is going out for basketball for the first time and getting an award!
Tyson, who wants to be a farmer when he grows up. Something he loved about being at St. Joseph’s is the help he was able to get with his school work. The thing he is most proud of accomplishing at St. Joseph’s is graduating 8th grade.
Christine, a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. Christine wants to be a traveling nurse. Her favorite class is Native American Studies. The thing she is most proud of accomplishing at St. Joseph’s is graduating 8th grade.
Jubal, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. He would like to be a dentist when he grows up. Jubal’s favorite class is science, especifically the labs because they’re fun.
Traevin, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. He would like to be a middle school basketball coach. The thing he is most proud of accomplishing at St. Joseph’s is keeping his work caught up, getting good grades, and being on phase 4.
Shelleigh, a member of the Three Affiliated Tribes. She wants to be a singer when she grows up. The thing she is most proud of accomplishing at St. Joseph’s is improving and keeping up her grades.
Sequoia, a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. Sequoia’s favorite class is math because it’s her best grade. The thing she is most proud of accomplishing is learning to play volleyball.
Jonaya, a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. She wants to be a doctor or nurse when she grows up. The thing she is most proud of accomplishing at St. Joseph’s is being on phase 4.
Congratulations to all the graduates! They have much to be proud of. May they continue to do well in life and in their studies.
Congratulations to all the graduates. Sending prayers for continued success in your studies as you go forward. Let your light shine.
it has fulfilling within my being to read the accomplishments of the young students! they give all they have to receive what is offered, a very beautiful trait of desire not to give up!!! we are so proud of you all!!!!!!!!!!!!! continue to work hard, we are behind you 100%. we hope there will come a time when we can do more to help, it seems we do so little. you are always in our hearts and in our prayers, maybe someday we will meet face to face, a day i look forward to! keep up the good works you do, and do not ever give up!!!!! love you all !!