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St Joseph’s Indian School Announces Graduation of Seven Seniors
(Chamberlain, S.D.) – St. Joseph’s Indian School is proud to announce the graduation of seven seniors from its high school program, which partners with Chamberlain High School. As part of the program, students reside on St. Joseph’s campus where they receive support during their high school years and plan for the future.
Louie Running Horse has attended St. Joseph’s since fifth grade. He was involved in every sport except cross-country while attending St. Joseph’s. He joined basketball while attending Chamberlain High School.
Louie plans to attend Mitchell Technical Institute in Mitchell, S.D., to major in welding and manufacturing technology. He is the grandson of Marion Running Horse from Parmelee.
“My advice to younger students is don’t do drugs and stay in school,” said Louie. “Work hard in everything you do. Don’t care what other people think — do what you feel is best for you.”
Wankiya Rios has attended St. Joseph’s for six years. He was involved in several sports while attending St. Joseph’s, including basketball, football, softball and archery. He joined basketball and football while attending Chamberlain High School.
Wankiya plans to attend Mitchell Technical Institute in Mitchell, S.D., to major in welding and manufacturing technology. He is the grandson of Beverly Running Bear from Rapid City.
“My advice for the younger kids is to do your homework on time,” said Wankiya. “I know it sounds like I’m barking up the same tree, but it’s true. Don’t be like me and wait until the very, very last minute to do your work.”
Listella Arcoren has attended St. Joseph’s nonconsecutively since fifth grade. She made the decision to return for her senior year to graduate with the Class of 2019.
Listella was involved in several activities while attending St. Joseph’s, including basketball, cheerleading, softball and track. She joined drama and Native American Club in addition to cheerleading while attending Chamberlain High School, as well as competing on the knowledge bowl team at the Lakota Nation Invitational.
She plans to attend Mitchell Technical Institute in Mitchell, S.D., for the radiology technician program after working toward her Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) licensure. She is the daughter of Bianca Arcoren from Wagner.
“You can have a plan, but it may not always go accordingly,” Listella tells younger students. “I wanted to go to Mitchell Tech and become a Radiology Technician but because of my procrastination, I will be attending the following year. The goals I have set for myself are still in reach, and because of that mindset, I believe I can achieve anything. I believe everyone can if they work hard enough.
The most-given advice is to keep up on your schoolwork, and it’s true. Stay on top of your homework, take the opportunities offered and stay out of drama.”
Treyah Sitting Bear has attended St. Joseph’s for six years. She was involved in several activities while attending St. Joseph’s, including basketball, dancing, softball and cheerleading. While attending Chamberlain High School, she played basketball and was a member of the Native American Club.
Treyah plans to attend the University of South Dakota or Black Hills State University to study art education and coaching. She is the daughter of Sharisse Sitting Bear, and Mission is her hometown.
“My advice for younger students (and I know you hear this a lot but trust me, you need to do it) is do your work. Get it done!” said Treyah. “Do not fall behind in school. If you plan on doing sports, please take that advice. Don’t forget to have fun, though. Before you know it, you’ll be a senior and wonder why the years went so fast. It does go by fast, so be involved in things, have fun and take advantage of opportunities.”
Sarah Eagle Elk has attended St. Joseph’s for five years and was involved in several activities while attending St. Joseph’s and Chamberlain High School, including volleyball, Native American Club, Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) and cheerleading.
Sarah plans to further her education at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo., or a school in South Dakota with a major in the medical field. She is the sister of Bridgette Running Horse, and her hometown is Winner.
“My advice to younger students: try your best in your academics,” said Sarah. “High school isn’t always great, but there is no limit to what you can accomplish. Never let anyone’s negativity discourage you. Honestly, you’re living for yourself, so as long as you’re happy, your own opinion matters most.”
Jered Herron has attended St. Joseph’s for eight years and was involved in football and basketball throughout his school years, in addition to working part time. He plans to attend Dakota State University online. He is the nephew of Benjamin LaSalle Brown from Lower Brule.
His advice to younger students is to do what you want in high school and don’t be scared to make friends. “Life is short,” said Jered. “You’re here for a good time, not a long time. Also, don’t fall behind on schoolwork and pay attention in class – it’ll help you a lot in the future, trust me.”
Camron Carpenter has attended St. Joseph’s since second grade. He was involved in archery, taking first place at both the Lakota Nation Invitational and Dakota Oyate Challenge his freshman year.
He plans to attend Dakota State University for computer game design. He is the son of Ron Estes, and his hometown is Lower Brule.
“I have a load of advice I’d like to give to younger students,” said Camron. “But I’ll try to keep it short. Do your homework. I know everybody says this one, but it can’t be stressed enough. Doesn’t matter how smart you are, either. It’s easy to lose motivation and let the assignments pile up. In the words of Shia LaBeouf, ‘Just do it.’ Next, don’t be afraid to try new things. Whether it’s a club, extra-curriculars, getting a job or making new friends. I was the guy who very rarely did any of that, and I probably would’ve had a better high school experience if I put myself out there a little more. Also, keep your priorities in check. Whatever is necessary to achieve your goals should be at the top of your list. The staff and teachers are there to help you. Lastly, survive. It’s a dangerous world in high school. Especially if you don’t have ninja skills like me.”
St. Joseph’s Indian School, an apostolate of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, partners with Native American children and families to educate for life – mind, body, heart and spirit.