“I am in line to check out everything for my future right now,” Delante said as he looked down at a shopping cart piled high with essentials for adulthood.
His words summed up what every student pushing a cart that day was feeling — this wasn’t just shopping, it was the beginning of adulthood.
Yes, 10 seniors graduated from St. Joseph’s Indian School high school program on May 16, ready to begin their lives and future careers. But as anyone who has ever moved out on their own knows, starting life from scratch is no small task.
That’s why St. Joseph’s makes sure our graduates don’t begin their journey empty‑handed. Each graduate received $500 to spend on the essentials that will help them build a home, a routine and a sense of independence.
With lists in hand and excitement in the air, the graduates fanned out through Walmart — 10 carts, 10 budgets, 10 futures in motion.
They picked out kitchen basics, bathroom supplies and living‑room necessities. They debated color schemes. They compared prices. They learned quickly that $500 goes fast when you’re stocking a life.
“I got an extension cord and just stuff you normally wouldn’t think about,” said Ava, a graduate of St. Joseph’s.
Another graduate, Tre, had his mind on in the kitchen: “You can never go wrong with an air‑fryer. They are essential.”
Delante was on a mission for a trash can and trash bags — and yes, he found them.
And then there was Gabe, who took budgeting to a whole new level. His total? $500.01! A near‑perfect calculation that earned him bragging rights for the day.
Beyond the fun, the laughter and the friendly competition, the graduates were practicing something deeper: real‑life decision‑making, or better known as … adulting.
They had to calculate, prioritize and sometimes put things back. They had to ask themselves what they truly needed versus what they simply wanted.
After 10 overflowing carts and a long line at checkout, the graduates loaded their new belongings onto the buses to head back to St. Joseph’s. The energy was high with relief and excitement, and a touch of disbelief that this chapter was really beginning.
What stood out most wasn’t the shopping or the supplies — it was the thankfulness each young adult was exuding.
“I am pretty thankful for all the stuff I got,” said Gabe.
“All of this wouldn’t be possible without the donors,” said Kansas
And Delante, with a cart full of his new essentials, said, “I would like to thank the donors because I am getting everything I need for free.”
Their words say it all. This trip mattered. It made a difference. It gave them a head start that many young adults never receive … You, our family of generous supporters, did that.
To celebrate, everyone went out to eat together. It was one of the last shared moments before the students scattered into their futures, carrying not just supplies, but memories and confidence.
And that makes all the difference.
Learn more about the graduating Class of 2026 at stjo.org today!
