St. Joseph’s Indian School Announces Graduation of Five Seniors

(Chamberlain, S.D.) – St. Joseph’s Indian School, a member of the American Indian Catholic Schools Network, is proud to announce the graduation of five 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 make plans for the future.

Jacie Catches started St. Joseph’s her freshman year. At Chamberlain High School, she belonged to the Native American Club, the fall play and was student manager for boys basketball. She will work this coming year before heading for college and a career.

This is Carolina Fallis’ fifth year at St. Joseph’s. Currently the Native American club president, she was in the fall play and was student manager for boys basketball. She will attend South Dakota State University in the fall.

Her favorite memory was the summer trip to St. Joseph’s sister school in Germany. She advises younger students, “Stay rad and excel in school. If I could do this, then you definitely can.”

Lillian Ferris attended St. Joseph’s since her sixth-grade year. In high school, she played volleyball and was in the fall play and Native American Club. Travel took her from St. Joseph’s to Boston and Germany, and she enjoyed meeting new people along the way. Lilly will attend South Dakota State University in the fall and expresses interest in pursuing photography as a career.

She says, “Don’t take the easy way out. It won’t benefit you in the long run. Get enough sleep, be involved, take leadership in things you do and don’t ignore the many opportunities St. Joe’s provides.”

Trinity Sazue started St. Joseph’s in the first grade. Activities he participated in include basketball, football, cross-country, track, golf, softball and powwow. He plans to enter the Building Trades Technology Program at Lake Area Technical College in the fall.

He says, “The people of St. Joe’s are my family. St. Joe’s is my home.” With lots of good advice for younger students, he includes, “Do what you need to do to achieve your goals. Taking any step is another step out of the way … People are willing to help you. They never know to help you if you don’t ask for it.”

For eight years, Tayeden  Seeking Land attended St. Joseph’s. He played basketball, football, softball and track. Tayeden participated in  Chamberlain High School National Honor Society and will make a final decision on a technical school shortly.

Tayeden advises, “Have fun and enjoy the things that seem fun to you, whether that be hanging with friends or sleeping. Yet, at the same time, focus on the senior year and the after-graduation phase of life.”

Scholarship opportunities continue to roll in. The University of South Dakota offered Lilian, Carolina and Tayeden the Wokini Scholarship Award ($25,000 total for up to five years). Tayeden has a Double Edge scholarship for a full-ride with an industry partner.

More Than 220 Native American students in first through twelfth grade find hope and opportunity through our educational, counseling, and residential programs. Strengthened by spirituality and culture, St. Joseph’s Indian School transforms lives—mind, body, heart and spirit—every day. Visit us at www.sjiskids.org and www.stjo.org.

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