There is a place where laughter echoes through gyms, cheers rise from every corner and excitement fills the air as students and staff come together to celebrate one another. It’s a place where joy is shared, encouragement is loud and community is felt in every high-five and smile, all before heading home for one of the most joyful holidays of the year: Christmas. That place is St. Joseph’s Indian School, especially during the Thiyóšpaye Challenge, a week-long celebration for students in grades 1-8, blending friendly competition, culture and togetherness as we prepared our hearts for the season.
Each day, students spent their mornings in regular classes before transitioning into afternoons filled with challenges that tested their athleticism and their cultural knowledge. The challenge kicked off with a Hot Shot basketball competition, where students took shots from all around the court while points were carefully tracked. The Rec Center gyms were loud with cheers, excitement and encouragement as students celebrated every basket and supported one another.
Kimimila, a St. Joseph’s Indian School student, said, “People were cheering for me, like my brother Connor and others.”
After the competition, everyone gathered together for a pep rally to send off the girls’ basketball team as they headed out for an away game. Students and staff lined up to form a spirited community tunnel, cheering the girls on and wishing them luck as they left the gym.
The excitement continued with staff vs. student relays, one of the most anticipated events of the week. Teams raced through a series of hilarious challenges: galloping like horses with pool noodles, running backwards, batting a balloon down the court and back, carefully carrying a hard-boiled egg on a spoon and finally racing in oversized, baggy clothes.
Ambrose, another St. Joseph’s student, said, “The funniest thing was the galloping!”
The next day, students took part in traditional Lakota hand games. Eighth-grade classes faced off in a friendly but intense competition, with points going back and forth until one of the eighth-grade teams claimed the win in a thrilling finish.
“8-1 won! The comeback is real for 8-1,” happily cheered a St. Joseph’s student.
The afternoon continued with a wrestling showcase, where the boys competed in friendly matches and showed off the skills they’ve been practicing. Just before the matches began, one wrestler, John, energized the crowd by announcing, “Let’s get ready to rumble!” The wrestlers impressed everyone with their technique and skills, clearly reflecting how much they’ve learned over the past few weeks.
One of the wrestling coaches, Ian, said, “The boys put their sweat and tears into every practice preparing for the showdown, and we couldn’t be prouder. A big shout-out to everyone who showed up to cheer on the boys and made it a fun atmosphere for them. I know they really appreciated that.”
The third day shifted focus to culture and language, as grades competed in a culture and language bowl that tested their knowledge and celebrated Lakota traditions. Students cheered on one another while deepening their connection to their cultural roots.
The final day of the Thiyóšpaye Challenge concluded with a closing ceremony, awards and even a game of Bingo, offering one last opportunity for students to laugh and celebrate together before heading home for winter break.
Students headed home for winter break on Friday, December 19, carrying with them memories of joy and friendly competition. The Thiyóšpaye Challenge was designed to challenge students, bring them together and spread joy and cheer as we prepare for Jesus’ birth during the third week of Advent, a reminder that we are stronger together as one large thiyóšpaye – extended family.
Learn more about what the St. Joseph’s Indian School students are up to by following along with us on Facebook at stjo.org/facebook!
