Category: Brian

Eighth Grade Graduation at St. Joseph’s Indian School

On Friday, May 22 2015, 19 proud Lakota students graduated from eighth grade at St. Joseph’s Indian School. Major Gifts Officer Brian gave an inspiring address to

Brian, St. Joseph's Major Gifts Officer
Brian, St. Joseph’s Major Gifts Officer

students, families and staff.

Parents – thank you for being here. Your presence and support is crucial and I know you must be very proud of your child as they are proud of you. We appreciate all the family members in attendance and the ones who were not able to make it. I commend and applaud you.

Distinguished guests, graduates, parents, family members and friends, St. Joseph’s staff. Welcome to a special moment, for some special kids at a special place: St. Joseph Indian School. Words fall short when describing this wonderful organization. From the outstanding leadership of Mike Tyrell and administration to our Child Services Team, Development Office, Facilities, Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center and Rec Center staff, and our 60 nurturing houseparents, it is definitely a collaborative effort. St. Joseph’s staff are the most professional, hardworking people I have ever had the privilege to work with. Each day they bring passion, commitment, dedication and – most importantly – unconditional love for your children. Staff, I commend and applaud you.

Sitting Bull was a man well ahead of his times when he most eloquently stated, “Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.” So here we gather – together. Unified for the same purpose: these 19 young men and young ladies.

At this time I would like to take a moment and briefly talk about three ships and one destiny. I can assure you I am not talking about the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. The ships are named Citizenship, Mentorship and Leadership.

Let’s take the first, Citizenship. Students, you may not know this, but you were born into dual citizenship. Citizens of the United States and citizens of your respective sovereign tribes. This puts you in a very select and unique class. Very few Americans have dual citizenship. This is a privilege. However, with twice the privileges come twice the responsibilities. In both your Native and non-native communities you must stay informed, respect other’s rights, vote and volunteer. Be an active citizen.

Now for our second ship. Mentorship.

Whether you realize it or not, you are a mentor. Your siblings, peers and other young children are always watching you. Make the right choices, do the right thing. Set the standard high for others to follow. Always do your best in whatever you do; set goals and seek challenges; become a role model for those coming behind you; and always have God in your heart.

 

James Baldwin made a very true statement for all of us to learn from. He said “children have never been good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.”

We all have the duty of mentorship.

Now, for our lead ship. Of course that would be leadership.

Leadership has many faces, many definitions and various styles. From my perspective, a leader needs to be a visionary who is passionate for his people and their dreams. The leader is the navigator, converting dreams into goals and goals into success.

Most importantly, be a servant leader. Serve the Creator with complete obedience to His will – not yours. Be a leader who is committed to promoting tribal interests over personal gain. Always represent traits becoming of Native Americans – strong, resilient and determined. Proud, yet humble. Never forget the sacrifices of your ancestors. The privileges you enjoy today began with the sacrifices of previous generations.

As we commemorate this next generation of Native Americans, let us not boast of yesterday’s success, less we stumble in securing tomorrow’s dreams and blessings.

Today, we celebrate the accomplishments of 19 of St. Joseph’s best and brightest. A new generation, full of hope and poised to take on the challenges facing Indian Country. Future leaders who will personify integrity, ethics and self-determination. Class of 2015, you must be resilient and strong. You must have courage and lead. Most importantly, you must stand united and never forget, Generosity is the Heart of Native America.

The leader of my tribe, the Honorable Governor Bill Anoatubby conveys a powerful message – “A rising tide raises all ships.” This, I believe, is true. Unfortunately for many in Indian Country, they have weathered the storms but high tide has yet to roll in. However, as each raindrop contributes to the depths of the oceans, each one of us has the ability to help raise that tide and roll it in.

One drop at a time.

One day at a time.

One child at a time.

There is an old Indian proverb that states, “The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears.”

We as Native Americans have shed more than our share of tears. The time has come – I said the time has come for our tide to roll in and we receive our rainbow. The future is bright. Our children are ready. St. Joseph’s is a blessing. And God is with us!

Let us remember that a rainbow symbolizes a covenant. A promise. God’s promise. Today, we receive 19 of God’s promises. 19 young rainbows. A pot of gold may not be waiting. However, something more valuable, more important awaits. Hope, opportunity, love and the ability to connect with God’s destiny for your life. Creator has a special plan for each of you. He has supplied you with all the tools. It is up to you to navigate your journey. Listen, pray and depend on The Great Spirit. The road will not be completely red or white or yellow or purple or any other color. You will find the road is in itself a rainbow. This path will take you to the highest mountains and other times sink you below sea level, but you will prevail. Trust, have faith, love family, never give up and believe! Believe in yourself as everyone in this chapel believes in you!

As you walk out those doors, remember your duties as a citizen. Remember your duties as a mentor. Remember your calling as a Native American leader! Be proud of who you are and always proud of where you come from. You are our future!

Today, you are St. Joseph’s Braves. Tomorrow you become warriors! Some of the greatest leaders in our history were Dakota and Lakota. Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, Red Cloud, Black Elk, American Horse. The list goes on and on. You cannot fail! You will not fail! It is in your genes! It is in your spirit! It is in your heart! It is in your blood! Stand up and be proud! YOU ARE NAKOTA! YOU ARE DAKOTA! YOU ARE LAKOTA! You will succeed!!!

Perhaps one of you will follow in the footsteps of Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull or Red Cloud and be the next great leader of your people. Crazy Horse has always been – and

19 Lakota students graduated from eighth grade at St. Joseph’s Indian School on May 22, 2015.
Congratulations to St. Joseph’s eighth grade Class of 2015!

always be – my hero.

Now it is your turn to be someone’s hero!

Students, look behind you. Go ahead look behind you.

You have already become our heroes!!

Congratulations class of 2015! Well Done!

St. Joseph’s students learn about finance

My name is Brian and I’m St. Joseph’s Major Gifts Officer. Prior to working with donors, I was a houseparent at St. Joseph’s Indian School, working directly with the

Brian was a houseparent before working with Major Gifts
Brian, St. Joseph’s Major Gifts Officer

Lakota children. I also serve on the Junior Achievement Board of Directors and recently taught a 5-week Junior Achievement course for St. Joseph’s fourth grade class with Mike, our President. Mike taught the 4th grade class last year, but this is my first year teaching.

This is the second year the class has been offered in the Chamberlain community and to St. Joseph’s students. Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to economic education for young people in the United States and 122 other countries. Funds for the organization are raised through community donations and fundraisers such as golf tournaments and bowl-a-thons.

I believe financial literacy is just as crucial as academic success for our students. A child can make straight A’s in the classroom, but if they are unable to create and follow a budget, balance a checkbook and make smart consumer decisions, they will have a much harder time in life.

Sponsored by Junior Achievement of South Dakota, the course we taught outlined the basic principles of entrepreneurship, including how to start and run your own business.

We also discussed the basic fundamentals and terms of an economy. Some of those key terms included profit, loss, revenue and expense. The fourth graders mastered the basic capitalistic principles of supply and demand coupled with risk and reward.

During our fifth and final session, students were given a copy of a McDonald’s menu and a $5.00 gift card. The assignment was for the students to navigate their way through the menu and come up with a complete meal for $5.00 or less. For this exercise, tax was not included. After much addition and subtraction – and some erasing – the students came up with a meal under the limit. They also had the option to go in with a partner and stay under $10 with a shared lunch.

The students were prepared and finally, the day came!

Mike and I loaded up two mini-buses and headed to McDonald’s for lunch. With their menus in hand, each student took their turn at ordering their meal and displaying their best manners. They enjoyed the assignment and their food. During our lunch, the students asked if we were going to be teaching the class again next year. I think the answer is yes!

At St. Joseph’s Indian School, financial literacy is just as important as other subjects.
St. Joseph’s fourth graders took a 5-week class on financial literacy.