Wednesday, January 26, 2010
Tonight was our honors banquet for our American Indian students grades 4-8 and high school who made the semester honor roll here at St. Joseph’s Indian School. Our school staff picks a colorful theme, and tonight was disco night. I haven’t seen so many shiny, glitzy clothes since my college days, when disco was truly the rage. Erica (8th grade) sported a three-foot high Afro wig that her dad dug out of his closet. Shelby (first grade teacher) and Cassidy (7th grader) wore roller skates as part of their outfits.
After supper, we passed out the certificates and a Native American feather with each student’s name sketched onto the quill.
For fun, they also received a colorful necklace with min disco ball attached. Choreographed by our school secretary Dianne, a group of teachers and counselors entertained dancing to Stayin’ Alive, Dancing Queen, and YMCA. On the last song many students jumped in and participated.
Jim, a houseparent, told me that he grew up in a tradition where dancing was not allowed. He said he appreciated how it could be fun and wholesome when done in the right circumstances. We had fun, and honored students for their academic excellence, hopefully encouraging them to keep on that path to knowledge.
This is such a GOOD experience, that NOTHING could make any of these kids “want” something else.! If one of them breaks the pattern, you KNOW something is wrong..and there is a job to do. And..you at St. Jo’s will do it.
How sad that most of the world only offers perversion.
Hugs and Prayers.
Mia and Bob
What a fun time this must have been. You can’t help but physically respond to the music of ABBA, the BeeGees and other disco favorites! Sounds like a great evening, as well as a significant recognition for work well done.