Crow Creek Tribal High School, which is about 40 miles north of Chamberlain, South Dakota, held their graduation this afternoon. I got invited by parishioners I used to work closely with in Fort Thompson. It was also a joy to see five former St. Joseph’s Indian School students graduating as well – Brittany, Celine, Josephae, Matt and Dylan.
The high school graduation rate for Lakota/Dakota youth in our area is only around 50%; it’s great to see these Native American children overcoming obstacles, completing their education and preparing for the future.
Much like St. Joseph’s, the program included a honor song, a slide show of senior year and roses passed out to family and teachers who have been so instrumental in these students’ lives. Going through the receiving line at the end is a good chance to visit with lots of people and catch up on dreams and plans. Afterwards, I was invited to a dinner at the church hall and enjoyed the company there.
