After mass, I ate brunch at the Sheehy home (high school boys). Like many parents do, we give incentive money for good grades. Since 7 of the 9 guys made B honor roll for the quarter they had some pocket-money they were yearning to spend. They’d been on a quick trip to Mitchel, South Dakota to do some shopping, mostly for clothes.
This afternoon, I stopped by the Rec Center to watch a couple of boys intercity basketball games. Our students and Chamberlain students play together and while the coaches play to win, everyone gets lots of playing time.
Steve works in the high school as tutor and advisor. Today he gathered six students who have been chosen to be on our Lakota Nations Invitational Knowledge Bowl team. Our students will compete against other schools at the annual event in Rapid City, South Dakota this December. While studying Native American History, it became obvious they need to brush up on that. In a quiz about Crazy Horse, the great Oglala Lakota warrior and leader, they missed most of the questions. When I was in school I learned very little about Native American leaders or history. Once I came to South Dakota to work I had to learn a lot that I’d not been introduced to. The quiz was a wakeup call to our team and I think they’ll be prepared when the competition rolls around.
These young men have much to be proud of and come from a long line of fine people. They need to be very much aware of the history of their people. Don’t wait until you’re old, like I did, to learn about the treasure that is your family and their history!