St. Joseph’s Students Participate in Annual Summer Institute in Milwaukee 

(Chamberlain, S.D.) – Four students from St. Joseph’s Indian School traveled to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, June 7-12 to participate in the annual Summer Institute, a program offered through the Schools in Collaboration partnership with other Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJ) schools across the United States. 

 

Students Michael G., Zukai A., Anjalyn G. and Lai’la H.L. were accompanied by chaperones Sharmel Olson, director of education, and Ben Macone, residential liaison. The annual gathering provides students with opportunities to build relationships with peers from other Sacred Heart schools, learn more about the mission of the Priests of the Sacred Heart and experience a new community. This year marked St. Joseph’s first visit to Milwaukee for the event. 

 

Throughout the week, students connected with participants from other SCJ schools, including Holy Family School, Our Lady of Guadalupe School, St. Martin of Tours School and Sacred Heart School, and learned about each school’s unique programs and traditions. Activities also included a tour of the seminary, a meet-and-greet with members of the SCJ Provincial Council and a friendly competition testing students’ knowledge of Fr. Leo John Dehon, founder of the Priests of the Sacred Heart. 

 

Students also participated in a service project and attended an ice cream social with retired SCJs, providing an opportunity to engage with members of the Sacred Heart community across generations. 

 

In addition to the educational and faith-based activities, students explored several of Milwaukee’s notable attractions, including the Discovery World Science Museum, a boat tour of Milwaukee, the Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Holy Hill and the Harley-Davidson Museum. 

 

“The Summer Institute provided our students with a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Priests of the Sacred Heart mission while building meaningful relationships with students and mentors from across North America,” Olson said. “Experiences like these help our students grow in faith, leadership and service while strengthening their connection to the larger SCJ community.” 

 

The Summer Institute offered students a meaningful experience centered on learning, faith, service and fellowship while providing an opportunity to represent St. Joseph’s Indian School and strengthen connections within the broader Priests of the Sacred Heart community.