2024 … what a year!
As we look back on the year 2024, St. Joseph’s Indian School is proud to celebrate a year full of achievements, growth and community spirit. From academic accomplishments to cultural celebrations, our students and staff have worked tirelessly to make this year one to remember.
JANUARY: As winter break came to an end, students returned to their campus homes, eager to reconnect with friends and dive into 2024. Construction crews continued Phase I work on the Rec Center Renovation and Expansion project.
FEBRUARY: St. Joseph’s made history by awarding an impressive $233,214 in college scholarships to Native American students pursuing higher education. The campus buzzed with excitement as deserving scholars received this life-changing support.
MARCH: Students put their creative talents to use and on display during an art show at the Aktá Lakota Museum to celebrate Youth Art Month.
APRIL: A Thiyóšpaye Challenge took place on campus. The challenge put our students’ knowledge of Lakota culture to the test in a fun-filled learning environment.
MAY: Seventh-grade students embarked on the annual Cultural Trip, visiting sacred sites that connected them to their ancestors. Meanwhile, the month marked a significant milestone for 17 eighth-graders and five seniors who proudly graduated.
JUNE: Rising Eagle Day Camp was hosted on campus! Each day, kids immersed themselves in Lakota culture, enjoyed hearty meals, created arts and crafts and swam — a memorable summer experience.
JULY: Outreach efforts flourished. Families on reservations received food boxes filled with essentials. Simultaneously, the St. Joseph’s Bookmobile delivered thousands of free books to reservation communities, sparking joy and learning.
AUGUST: Students returned from summer break and were welcomed with a parade — officially beginning the 2024-25 school year! Phase II of the Rec Center project began.
SEPTEMBER: The 48th Annual Powwow drew visitors from far and wide. Cultural activities, powwow dance competitions and campus tours celebrated the Lakota heritage, fostering connections and understanding.
OCTOBER: Native American Day took center stage, honoring traditions, heritage and stories. Before this, an animal blessing ceremony included campus dogs and the Equine Therapy program’s four-legged companions. We also celebrated Halloween, where students sported their best costumes.
NOVEMBER: During Native American Heritage Month, students proudly wore moccasins on Rock Your Mocs day. They also created prayer ties to honor loved ones who had passed away on All Souls Day.
DECEMBER: Students selected presents for their siblings, parents/guardians and grandparents from our campus Christmas Store before leaving for winter break to spend valuable time with their families. The school celebrated 12 Days of Christmas of Dress-up Days!
Looking back on 2024, we are grateful for the vibrant community that makes St. Joseph’s Indian School a special place. We look forward to the adventures and successes awaiting the Lakota children in 2025.
Before you go…
Did you know the Lakota people marked the beginning of the next year in the spring, not the winter? Though calendar types vary from tribe to tribe, nearly all tribal calendars begin in the spring. Spring symbolizes the start of a new year through the birth of new plant and animal life. Learn more about the Lakota (Sioux) culture by visiting stjo.org/culture.
