Seventeen 8th Graders Graduate from St. Joseph’s Indian School

Posted on: May 22, 2025

On Friday, May 23, 17 students were honored as they finished their grade school years at St. Joseph’s Indian School. One of the most joyful events of the year, graduation is always a celebration of thiyóšpaye (extended family) among relatives, staff and students of the school.

During the celebration, St. Joseph’s honored Gerald High Elk with the Distinguished Alum of the year award. He graduated from eighth grade at St. Joseph’s Indian School in 1967 and went on to graduate from Cheyenne-Eagle Butte high school. In 1972 he enlisted in the United States Army retiring after 20 years of service as Sergeant First Class. He joined Indian Health Services in 1994 where he worked for 21 years. To serve the people of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, he worked with the Community Health Representative Program. He currently spends his time serving his local church where he donates supplies for their lunch sales and soup kitchen to help the needy.

The ceremony honoring the eighth-grade class was held in Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel on the St. Joseph’s Indian School campus. Sharmel Olson, Director of Education; Jennifer Renner-Meyer, Executive Director of Child Services; Mike Tyrell, President and Fr. Greg Schill, SCJ; Chaplin and Spiritual Director all congratulated each student for their achievements as they were presented their certificates.

St. Joseph’s Indian School 8th grade class of 2025:

  • Brooklynn Jane Bear Shield, Mission, SD
  • Janessa Jo Blanton, Lincoln, NE
  • James Merle Blue III, Ft. Thompson, SD
  • Tyree Harding James Day, Mission, SD
  • Mykah Antoinette Goings, Pine Ridge, SD
  • Rayne Warchild Grassrope, Lower Brule, SD
  • Kellen Blake Gray, Lower Brule, SD
  • Randi Ethann Johnson, Lower Brule, SD
  • Blayze Hunter LaRoche, Lower Brule, SD
  • Tristine Jovonna Larvie, Rosebud, SD
  • Victor Eugene Peneaux, Rosebud, SD
  • John Lynn Quick Bear, Ft. Thompson, SD
  • Darnel Joseph Robinson, Jr., Sioux City, IA
  • Tatiyopa Makena Lei Sharpfish, Rapid City, SD
  • Pte San Sophia Thunder Horse, Oglala, SD
  • Brayden Michael Thunder Shield, Pierre, SD
  • Alexis Jade Ziegler, Rapid City, SD