St. Joseph’s Indian School Announces Graduation of Five from High School

St. Joseph’s Indian School announces the graduation of five seniors from its high school program, which partners with Chamberlain High School. Graduation is on Saturday, May 11, at 2 p.m., at the Chamberlain Armory.

“It is an honor and privilege to be a part of these young lives as they move into the future,” said St. Joseph’s President Mike Tyrell. “They will always be a part of our extended family, and we are richer for having been a part of their school years.”

Graduating high school seniors include:

Clarysia Cooke, an enrolled member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. She plans to study Cosmetology. Clarysia was active in the Native American Club, One-Act Play, choir, and volleyball. She enjoyed participating in a luncheon in San Diego, Calif. Her advice to future Cubs: “Never be afraid to put yourself out there.”

Taylor Jerry, an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. She hopes to go to an out-of-state college and major in Psychology to become a social worker. She was active in the Native American Club. She advises, “Life doesn’t stop. It doesn’t wait for anything, so keep going and prove to everyone that you can do it.”

Ameil Pretty Sounding Flute Jr., an enrolled member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Heplans to attend technical college. He was involved in baseball, Chess Club, Native American Club, and One-Act Play. He says, “Live in the moment.”

Cante Rencountre. She participated in cheerleading and Native American Club. She has a passion for modeling and was in the Black Hills Fashion Show.  She plans to go to Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo., and advises, “Just because you failed once doesn’t mean you give up. If you make mistakes, it shows that you are trying.”

Ezekiel “Zeke” Skunk, an enrolled member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. He was involved in football, basketball, and choir. His favorite memory is when the Cubs beat Vermillion in the DakotaDome. He advises younger students, “Stay caught up on our schoolwork. Don’t get behind or you’ll just have more work to catch up on.

Watch a special video featuring these students here.