Ten St. Joseph’s Indian School Seniors Graduate

St. Joseph’s Indian School seniors gather in their caps and gowns before the Chamberlain High School commencement ceremony, celebrating years of hard work, growth and community.

Ten seniors supported by St. Joseph’s Indian School crossed the stage at Chamberlain High School on May 16, celebrating a graduation shaped by culture, community and years of hard work.

The graduates are Armand “Tre”, Ava, Delante, Donald “Gabe”, Earl, Jamison, Kansas, Kimimila, Latoya and Shayla.

Each student has been part of the St. Joseph’s Indian School residential program, which partners with Chamberlain High School to provide educational opportunities while emphasizing academic success, cultural identity and personal development.

Graduation marks a significant milestone for our students, reflecting not only their hard work and perseverance, but also the support of their families, communities and the relationships they built during their time at St. Joseph’s.

The Class of 2026 walks the halls of St. Joseph’s elementary school, sharing high‑fives and encouragement with younger students and staff who cheered them on.

Throughout their years at St. Joseph’s, the graduates participated in a variety of activities, including Native American Club, athletics, art, HOSA, Powwows, drum group, leadership opportunities and cultural programming while forming lasting friendships and connections.

For Earl, his time at St. Joseph’s helped shape both his personal growth and identity.

“Truly finding myself as a Native American individual and finding what I need to do to become a better person for myself and others is what I’m most proud of,” Earl said.

Following graduation, the seniors plan to pursue a variety of paths, including college, technical education, careers and travel.

“We are incredibly proud of each of these students and the determination they’ve shown to reach this milestone,” said Robyn, Executive Director of Child Services at St. Joseph’s. “Graduation is a powerful accomplishment, and it represents not only their hard work, but also the strength of their families, cultures and communities that support them.”

Through its partnership with Chamberlain High School, St. Joseph’s Indian School provides students with a supportive residential environment where they are encouraged to grow academically, emotionally, spiritually and culturally.

As the Class of 2026 moves forward, these graduates carry with them the skills, resilience and sense of community developed during their time at St. Joseph’s.

Learn more about the high school Class of 2026 by reading their bios at stjo.org today! 

Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future.

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