St. Joseph's Students Graduate

Mario is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Mario’s favorite school memory is when they went to Pierre to tour the Capitol because it was fun being together with his class. His favorite memory from time in his home was when they went shopping at the mall during a trip to Sioux Falls. After ^8th grade graduation, Mario plans to come back to St. Joe’s and graduate from high school. When he does this, he will have gone to school from 1^st-12^th grade and be dubbed a “lifer” as we endearingly call them! When he grows up he wants to be a mechanical engineer!

Jalonna is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. Jalonna’s favorite school memory is the Cultural Trip because her class went to cultural places she had learned about. Her favorite memories in her home are all the home trips they took throughout the years. After 8^th grade graduation, Jalonna wants to get a summer job and go to high school in Chamberlain. Jalonna wants to be a homicide detective when she grows up!

Taylen is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. Taylen’s favorite memory of school is the Staff vs. Students basketball game. He said it was fun to play against older people! His favorite memory in the home was laughing with the boys and houseparents. After 8^th grade graduation, Taylen plans to go to high school and go to college. When he grows up, Taylen would like to be a basketball player or basketball coach!

MaKaia is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band. MaKaia’s favorite school memory is the 7^th grade Cultural Trip because they explored and learned new things! Her favorite memories in the home are playing hide and seek and socializing! MaKaia plans to be in the St. Joe’s high school program after 8^th grade graduation. She wants to be a physical therapist when she grows up!

Memphis is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. Memphis’ favorite school memory is meeting new friends and meeting with his counselor. His favorite memories are going fishing with his houseparents, the 7^th grade Cultural Trip, going to Bear Butte, and participating in sweats (inípi) with Scott, a St. Joe’s counselor. After 8^th grade graduation, Memphis plans to go to high school in Chamberlain. He is still exploring his options for what he wants to be when he grows up.

Kaedyn is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. Kaedyn’s favorite school memory is the buffalo harvest because he liked the view of all the buffalo. His favorite memory in his home was hanging out with brothers. Kaedyn plans on going home and finishing high school after 8^th grade graduation. When he grows up, Kaedyn wants to be an artist!

Amelia is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Amelia’s favorite school memories include a fun game of tag and the 7^th grade Cultural Trip because she learned about her culture with friends! Her favorite memory in her home was playing hide-and-seek with other homes. Amelia plans to stay at St. Joe’s through high school and graduate. When she grows up, Amelia wants to work with kids!

Jack is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Jack’s favorite school memory is enjoying time outside of the classroom with friends. His favorite home memory is staying up all night with everyone. After 8^th grade graduation, Jack plans to attend high school but is still deciding where he wants to attend. When he grows up, Jack wants to go into the military!

Paul is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Paul’s favorite school memory is the 7^th grade Cultural Trip. While at Bear Butte, a cloud came to the class while they were singing. His favorite memories in his home were the water balloon fights! Paul plans to go to Chamberlain High School after 8^th grade graduation. When he grows up, Paul wants to go into the military!

Demarius is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. Demarius’ favorite school memory is the Cultural Trip because the cabin was big! He also liked going out of state. His favorite memory in the home is when all the homes played hide and seek. Demarius plans on going to high school and getting a job after 8^th grade graduation. When he grows up, he wants to be a pilot!

Oyate is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Oyate’s favorite school memories are having fun and learning. His favorite memories in the home are the trips to Sioux Falls, especially eating out and going to AirMadness with his friends. After 8^th grade graduation, Oyate plans to have a fun summer and then, this fall, be a part of the St. Joe’s high school program to attend Chamberlain High School. When he grows up, he wants to play sports!

Emilia is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Emilia’s favorite school memories are the cultural trip and being with friends. Her favorite memory in the home is the home trip to Rapid City, SD. After 8^th grade graduation, Emilia plans on finishing high school but she is still deciding where she will attend. When Emilia grows up, she wants to be self-employed and make her own ribbon skirts and do her own beadwork!

Secret is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Secret’s favorite school memory is the Cultural Trip because she got to learn more about her culture. Her favorite home memories include when they would have water fights, and also when they would stay up and watch movies outside. After 8^th grade graduation, Secret plans to graduate high school. When Secret grows up she plans on saving up money to get an apartment of her own and get a job. Secret wants to be a doctor and have a profession!

Gabriel is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. Gabe’s favorite school memory is the Students vs. Staff basketball game. His favorite memory in the home is playing basketball with his home. After 8^th grade graduation, Gabe wants to attend high school at Chamberlain and work harder in basketball. When he grows up, Gabe wants to play for the NBA!

Consuelo is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Consuelo’s favorite memory in school is the buffalo hunt because she saw the process and all the stuff you can get from harvesting a buffalo. Her favorite home memory was playing hide and seek in the homes and going on drives. Consuelo plans to be in the high school program at St. Joe’s and go to Chamberlain High School. When she grows up, she wants to be a social worker!

Jules is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. Jules’ favorite school memory was when they hiked Black Elk Peak for the 7^th Grade Cultural trip — it was fun! His favorite memory in the home was going on home trips. Jules plans to stay at St. Joseph’s for the high school program after 8^th grade graduation. When he grows up, Jules wants to be a basketball player or mechanic!

Gabe is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. His favorite memory of school is the 7^th Grade Cultural trip, specifically Bear Butte and Black Elk Peak. His favorite memory in the home was of William (a classmate) falling down the stairs in the Speyer Home. Gabe plans to stay at St. Joseph’s for the high school program after graduating 8^th grade. When he grows up, he wants to be a mechanic!

Shayla is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Shayla’s favorite school memory is when she and Ava were washing dishes in Personal Living Skills and the sink sprayer got stuck, sprayed her when it turned on, and Ava just stood there laughing at her. Her favorite home memory is when Stevens and Mathias Homes were walking back from the river and it was very windy that day and Shayla, Amelia, and Emilia saw the water fountain blowing high in the wind so they asked Miss Evelyn to walk by the museum and they ran toward the fountain. Amelia ran through the fountain and Shayla and Emilia were getting soaking wet from the wind blowing the water on them. After 8^th grade graduation, Shayla plans on finishing high school in Chamberlain. She wants to travel around the country when she grows up!

Delante is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Delante’s favorite memory of school is the 7^th Grade Cultural trip: he got to spend a week with friends and had the chance to speak with an elder about the “becoming a man” ceremony at Bear Butte. His favorite home memory is going to Watiki in second grade with his home. Delante plans to attend Chamberlain High School after 8^th grade graduation. When Delante grows up, he wants to be successful!

Waniyetu (Misun) is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Waniyetu’s favorite school memory was during PE with Pam in 2^nd grade: he found a stick and realized a snake was wrapped around it. It was the farthest he has ever jumped! His favorite memory in the home is going on home trips. Waniyetu plans to stay at St. Joseph’s for the high school program after 8^th grade graduation. When he grows up, Waniyetu wants to become a Marine or do something with technology.

Kansas is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. Kansas’ favorite memory of school is the staff vs. student game his 8^th grade year. His favorite home memories are the home trips. Kansas plans to attend Chamberlain High School after 8^th grade graduation. When he grows up, Kansas wants to be successful!

Akicita is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Akicita’s favorite school memory is the 7^th Grade Cultural trip because he got to hang out with friends and walked up Black Elk Peak. His favorite home memories are all of the home trips! Akicita plans to attend high school after 8^th grade graduation, either through St. Joseph’s program or at home. When he grows up, Akicita would like to go into the military, possibly the Air Force, and wants to walk in a traditional way.

William is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. William’s favorite school memory is going on the 7^th Grade Cultural trip with his friends. His favorite memory in the homes is of his making friends at St. Joseph’s Indian School. William plans to attend either Chamberlain or Mitchell High School after 8^th grade graduation. William wants to be successful when he grows up!

LaShanti is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. LaShanti’s favorite school memory is visiting the high school homes. Her favorite home memory is having a sleepover in the living room and watching movies. After 8^th grade graduation, LaShanti plans on spending time with her brothers and going into the St. Joseph’s high school program. LaShanti wants to be a 1^st grade teacher or a fashion designer when she grows up.

Ezmiah is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. Ezmiah’s favorite school memory is making castles with cardboard boxes. Her favorite memory in the home is when she went to the zoo in Sioux Falls, SD. Ezmiah’s plans after 8^th grade graduation are saving up for college and getting a job. When she grows up, Ezmiah wants to go to college and play college basketball!

Latoya is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Latoya’s favorite school memory is when they had “I Hate Winter” Day. Her favorite home memory is going to Sioux Falls, SD, in the 6th grade. Latoya plans to stay at St. Joseph’s for the high school program after 8th grade graduation. When she grows up, Latoya wants to be a carpenter.

Armand is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Armand’s favorite school memory was the 7^th Grade Cultural trip when they climbed Black Elk Peak. His favorite home memories are the home trips taken and laughing with friends. Armand plans on completing high school and getting a job after 8^th grade graduation. When he grows up, he wants to get a job and be successful!

Kaylee is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Kaylee’s favorite school memory was the 7^th Grade cultural trip, when she was able to see Native American cultural sites in-person. Her favorite memory in the home is having a glow stick party with some friends — it was very fun! Kaylee plans to stay at St. Joseph’s for the high school program after 8^th grade graduation. When she grows up, Kaylee wants to be a horse trainer, designer, and counselor!

Jose is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Jose’s favorite memory in school is the 7^th grade Cultural Trip: the group was eating pizza during a tornado watch. His favorite home memory is being in Speyer Home in 7^th grade with Mr. Brian. Jose is undecided in his plans after 8^th grade graduation. When he grows up, Jose plans on being successful!

Neleigh is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Neleigh’s favorite school memory is when she threw woodchips at her classmate, Na’Taye. Her favorite memory in the home was when Tara (her houseparent) went to scare Loren as a joke. Neleigh plans on going to high school after 8^th grade graduation. When she grows up, Neleigh wants to be a cosmetologist or a detective like Lieutenant Benson from Law and Order!

Angelina is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, the Sicangu Lakota. Angelina’s favorite memory of school was when her class went outside for PE and the slides were wet, so they all slid down them and ended up with soaking pants. Her favorite home memory was when she and LC ran around outside laughing really hard until they couldn’t run anymore. Angelina plans on coming back to St. Joseph’s for her freshman year and joining the basketball and volleyball teams at Chamberlain High School. She wants to be an artist when she grows up!

Landon is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. Landon’s favorite memory of school was the cultural trip. His favorite home memories include the Halloween celebrations! Landon plans to stay at St. Joseph’s for the high school program after 8^th grade graduation. He wants to attend college and begin a career when he grows up!

Lars is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Lars’ favorite school memory is the cultural trip. His favorite memory in the home is the home trip with houseparents Odis and Brett. They stayed in cabins and Odis told scary stories. Lars plans to attend the St. Joseph’s high school program after 8^th grade graduation. He wants to possibly be a welder when he grows up!

Kenyon is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Kenyon’s favorite memory of school is the cultural trip — especially hiking Bear Butte. His favorite home memory is hanging out with friends in his home. Kenyon plans to attend the St. Joseph’s high school program after 8^th grade graduation. He would like to play professional basketball when he grows up!

DeVarrell is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. DeVarrell’s favorite class was Math. His favorite memories in the home are going on home trips with his houseparents Odis and Theresa and when he and his friends rode around on their bikes! When he grows up, DeVarrell would like to be a welder.

Aiden is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Aiden’s favorite school memory is of the cultural trip and having the best laughs with his friends. His favorite memory in the home is having fun at an indoor water park on a home trip. Aiden plans on returning to St. Joseph’s for the high school program after graduating 8^th grade. He wants to be a professional basketball player when he grows up!

Jacob is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Jacob’s favorite memory of school was the cultural trip. His favorite home memory was when his home travelled to Niobrara for a home trip. Jacob plans to go to high school in Chamberlain or a nearby town after 8^th grade graduation. He wants to join the NBA when he grows up!

William is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. William’s favorite school memory is a time at lunch when Aiden, his classmate, got milk on himself. William plans on going to high school and college after graduating 8^th grade. When he grows up, he wants to be a rancher or a “teeth fixer”!

Richard is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. Richard’s favorite memory of school was being the volleyball team manager! His favorite home memory is going tubing in the snow at Great Bear in Sioux Falls, SD. Richard plans on attending Chamberlain High School after 8^th grade graduation. He is still exploring his options for future careers!

Loren is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. Loren’s favorite school memory was the cultural trip because the basement of the cabin where the boys stayed was fun. His favorite memory in the home was hanging out with his housemates over the past two years. Loren plans to attend the St. Joseph’s high school program after 8^th grade graduation. He would like to be an electrician or serve in the military when he grows up!

Brianna is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. Brianna’s favorite memory of school was in 7^th grade just before Spring Break. Mr. Baldwin was on his computer (taking online CPR) and Jacob asked him what he was doing. He said, “Tryna save your life, THAT’S WHAT I’M DOIN’! Come here.” Jake and Aiden went up to Dave, but when he told them to lay down to demonstrate CPR they made funny faces and ran away. Her favorite home memory was the snowball fight with another home, and the snow was so wet his jacket and clothes were soaked. Brianna plans to attend high school after 8^th grade graduation. She wants to be a zoologist to help monkeys, elephants, and tigers, or she wants to be a supervisory special agent for the FBI when she grows up!

Leslie is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Leslie will always remember Sarah (her teacher) having to match every day in school as her favorite school memory. Her favorite memories in the home were when her home went to the State Fair and to the movies. Leslie plans to attend the St. Joseph’s high school program after 8^th grade graduation. She is still exploring ideas for her future plans after high school!

Mersayis is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. Mersayis’ favorite school memory is being in Bobbi’s classroom and laughing and making memories. Another favorite was when they went on the cultural trip. They hiked Black Elk Peak. Mersayis’ favorite home memory was when they went on their home trip to Rapid City. It was her favorite because she was surrounded by the people she felt closest to. Mersayis would like to attend Chamberlain High School (as part of the St. Joseph’s high school program), get good grades and graduate. She would like to be a pediatric nurse or neonatal nurse when she grows up!

Back Row: Elron, Jordan, Fr. Anthony, Isaiah, Vincent, Everardo
Row 3: Kaiden, Amiel, Jackson, Jolissa, Melissa, Taylor
Row 2: Addisson, Jeremy, Eden, Julian, Eric, Juliana, Clarysia
Front Row: Zaley, Zeke, Landon, Sunni, Javin

Joselle is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

Joselle has attended St. Joseph’s Indian School for one year. She has loved all the staff while here at St. Joseph’s — how nice they are and how they want students to succeed. Joselle’s favorite class is Personal Living Skills. The best thing about her home was her friends and houseparents. Joselle is most grateful for the staff and is very proud of her good grades.

After finishing school, she dreams of being a photographer.

Bradyn is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.

Bradyn has participated in basketball, cross country and track while attending St. Joseph’s. He loves being in sports and hanging out with friends. His favorite class is Math and his favorite home activities were the home trips! Bradyn is most grateful for his mom enrolling him at St. Joseph’s to receive a better education and make new friends. He is most proud of making his mom happy by participating in sports and getting good grades. Bradyn will always remember the home and Cultural Trips he went on, but especially the Air Madness trip with Speyer Home, the Seventh Grade Cultural trip, and going to Sioux Falls his eighth grade year.

Bradyn hopes to get a college degree and dreams of becoming an artist.

Julius is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe.

During his two years at St. Joseph’s, he has participated in football, basketball and softball. He has appreciated the trips he’s taken, and also that he has been well taken care of. His favorite class is PE because of the activities. The best thing about his home was the food and the houseparents. Julius is very grateful for the trips he’s gone on and is proud of being responsible and respectful. Julius will always remember his Cultural Trip to Black Elk Peak when Delmar and Juju had to go to the bathroom and they were racing and Delmar got there first, and Juju had to go really bad, so he used the girls’ room.

Julius dreams of going to college and possibly becoming a firefighter.

Jada is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

She has attended St. Joseph’s for five years and was involved in basketball, volleyball, softball, Beta Club, Honor Roll and Outstanding Attendance. Something Jada has loved about being here at St. Joseph’s is that it took her into new and exciting things! Out of all the classes, Jada’s favorites are Religion and History because both are fun and cool to learn about. The best thing about Jada’s home is everyone makes her happy and feel supported. She is most grateful for all her friends. Jada is proud of her eighth grade year, because sometimes she didn’t know if she could make it, but she did! She will always remember the Seventh Grade Cultural trip because it was a good time with all her friends and she experienced a lot about her culture.

Jada dreams of being a model for a fashion designer someday, or perhaps a doctor!

Jade is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

She has participated in basketball, volleyball and track during her five years at St. Joseph’s. Jade has loved the houseparents, counselors, home trips and the education she received at St. Joseph’s. Her favorite class was math because it comes easy for her. The best thing about her home is Rich and Tara’s food and Ms. Julie and Mr. Rigo’s children. She is very grateful for her houseparents, and is proud to be graduating eighth grade this year. She will always remember the memorable moments on the Washington trip!

Her future hopes are to go to college and get a good job. She wants to be a flight attendant someday!

Nevaeh is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe.

During her time at St. Joseph’s she has been involved in basketball, volleyball, track, softball, National Honor Society, and Junior Beta Club. She has loved the Rec Center and the people she has met — the staff and the donors — while at St. Joseph’s. Her favorite class was Religion and the best thing about her home was Tara’s cooking. She is very grateful for the donors, friends and family. Nevaeh is proud to be graduating eighth grade with her friends. She will always remember when the Mathias Home had a water balloon fight with the rest of the 7^th/8^th community.

Nevaeh dreams of graduating high school, and attending a four-year college for event management. She wants to be an event planner when she grows up.

Julian is enrolled in the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe.

He has been in basketball, track and football while here at St. Joseph’s. Julian has loved playing sports during his time at St. Joseph’s and his favorite class is Nancy’s math class. The best things about his home are the home trips and hanging out with his friends. Julian is grateful for his education here at St. Joseph’s and is proud of graduating the eighth grade. He will always remember all the places he went to on the Seventh Grade Cultural trip.

His future hopes and dreams include graduating high school, going into the Army, and then traveling the world!

Basil is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe.

Basil has been attending St. Joseph’s since first grade for a total of eight years! While he’s been here, he has participated in basketball, track, cross country and softball. He has loved the chances St. Joseph’s gives — especially the donor luncheons. Basil’s favorite class was PE and the best thing about his home is it helped him learn right from wrong. He is most grateful for the education and chances that not every child gets. Basil is very proud of learning how to grow up without drugs or alcohol. He will always remember the Seventh Grade Cultural trip and his trip to Orlando, Florida

Basil dreams of getting a job and helping his family.

Taivin is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe.

During his four years at St. Joseph’s, he has been involved in football, basketball, Explorers, track and softball. He has loved going to baseball trips with the Explorers Club while at St. Joseph’s. Math is Taivin’s favorite class. The best thing about his St. Joseph’s home is the houseparents! Taivin is most grateful for the good education St. Joseph’s provides. He is extremely proud of his grades.

Taivin’s future hopes and dreams are to graduate high school, go to college and become a firefighter.

Destiny is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe.

While at St. Joseph’s, she has participated in basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, softball and the YES Girls program. Destiny has loved that there is always something to do at St. Joseph’s. Her favorite class is art. The best thing about her home is hanging out with friends and having a good time. Destiny is most grateful for her friends and family. She is proud of her accomplishments to make her family proud and graduate. Destiny will always remember laughing with her friends.

Destiny’s future hopes and dreams are to go into the National Guard and college. She wants to be a photographer someday.

Lavella is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

She has been here at St. Joseph’s for two years. During that time, she was involved in volleyball, track, basketball and softball. She has loved the home trips while here at St. Joseph’s. Lavella’s favorite class is Math, and the best thing about her home are her friends. She is most grateful for friends and family. Lavella is proud that she joined track. She will always remember her time with friends.

Lavella’s future hopes and dreams are to go to college and become a dentist one day.

Walter is enrolled in the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

During his two years at St. Joseph’s, he has participated in basketball, track, football, softball, cross country and wrestling. He has loved going to school here at St. Joseph’s and learning new things. Walter’s favorite class is Math because he is always learning new things. The best thing about his home are the home trips. Walter is most grateful for being at St. Joseph’s and is very proud of his learning, his math skills, and just being a part of St. Joseph’s! He will always remember his home trips and the Seventh Grade Cultural trip.

He dreams of going to college and one day being an electrician!

Ivis is enrolled in the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.

He has been in football and basketball during his time at St. Joseph’s. Ivis loves having lots of friends at St. Joseph’s. His favorite class is Math, and the best thing about his home is that it had a lot of video games. Ivis is grateful for basketball and is proud to have accomplished graduating from the eighth grade. He will always remember the Seventh Grade Cultural trip when they got to go to Evan’s Plunge.

Ivis’ future hopes and dreams are to be in the military — more specifically, the Marines.

Diamond is a Rosebud Sioux Tribal member.

She has attended St. Joseph’s for eight years and has participated in basketball, cheerleading, volleyball, softball, Beta Club and National Honor’s Society. St. Joseph’s has given her the opportunities to travel, meet new people and receive a great education. Her favorite class is Native American Studies and the best thing about her home was the houseparents. Diamond is most grateful for the staff who helped her and is very proud to be finishing the eighth grade here at St. Joseph’s. She will always remember traveling to different states while at St. Joseph’s.

Diamond’s future hope is to graduate college, travel and one day become a lawyer

Larsten is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.

During her year here at St. Joseph’s, she was involved in cheerleading. She has loved St. Joseph’s and her favorite classes are Religion and English-Language Arts. The best thing about her home is the food! Larsten is most grateful for her teachers and houseparents and is proud of her attendance this year. She will always remember the great effort her homeroom teacher always gave her!

Larsten’s dream is to become a successful writer one day.

Razalia is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

She has been in volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, and track while here at St. Joseph’s. She has loved all the opportunities St. Joseph’s has given her. Razalia’s favorite class was art. The best things about her home were the memories she made with the other girls she lived with and her houseparents. She is most grateful for the experiences she’s had with her friends and family. She is most proud of being able to go to Washington D.C. She will always remember the memories she made with new friends!

Razalia’s future hope is to be able to do one of her dream jobs: cosmetologist or accountant.

Sheresa is enrolled in the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

She has been at St. Joseph’s since the fifth grade. She took part in volleyball and the graduation committee during that time. She loved that St. Joseph’s staff encouraged her to do better. Sheresa’s favorite class is Algebra and the best thing about her home was the houseparents! Sheresa is most grateful for her mom, grandma and family. She is proud of her accomplishments and graduating from the eighth grade. Sheresa will always remember her seventh grade home trip with Chuck and Rachel.

Sheresa’s future hopes and dreams include becoming a teacher, but for right now she is going to be focused on going to and graduating from high school.

Amira is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.

Amira has loved all the people she’s met here at St. Joseph’s. Her favorite class was Social Studies and the best thing about her home was the food. Amira is extremely grateful for the St. Joseph’s staff she was closest to, because they were helpful and kind. She is very proud of the grades she earned this year. Amira will always remember the girls that she hung out with the most.

Her future hopes and dreams are to graduate high school, go to college and study to become a nurse!

Dayzah is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

She has participated in volleyball during her year here at St. Joseph’s. She has loved everything about St. Joseph’s this year! Dayzah’s favorite class was Religion and the best thing about her home was her houseparents and Rich and Tara’s food! She is most grateful for all of her grandmas, her mom and her dad. Dayzah is proud to be graduating the eighth grade. She will always remember her first time going to Jennie’s office because she was nervous, but Jennie was nice once she got to meet her!

Dayzah’s future hopes and dreams include going into the Army and becoming a therapist one day.

Mariah is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe.

She has been involved in volleyball, basketball, cheer and the YES Girls program during her time at St. Joseph’s. She has loved how safe St. Joseph’s is and that she always had something to do! Mariah’s favorite class is math because there’s always a challenge to it. The best thing about her home was the girls, because they were family. Mariah is most grateful for her family because they accept the choices she makes. She is most proud of being Miss St. Joseph’s for her eighth grade year. Mariah will always remember the Seventh Grade Cultural trip because it was a fun experience!

Mariah’s future hopes and dreams are to travel the world and be a photographer

JayCee is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

She has been at St. Joseph’s since the third grade and has participated in basketball, volleyball and softball. She has loved the Seventh Grade Cultural trip as well as other trips while here at St. Joseph’s. JayCee’s favorite class is Personal Living Skills and the best things about her home were the houseparents. She is most grateful for the trips she went on with her home and school. Jaycee is proud of being able to express her culture and be herself at school. She will always remember the teachers and staff who helped her through her struggles, because if it weren’t for them, she says she would not be here today.

JayCee’s future hopes and dreams are to graduate high school and college and to one day become a photographer.

Delmar is enrolled in the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe.

Delmar has been here at St. Joseph’s for six years, and has participated in basketball, football, softball, cross country, bowling and track. Delmar has loved all the activities St. Joseph’s has to offer. His favorite class is math because he finds it easy and the best things about his home were the people he got to be around, like his friends and houseparents. Delmar is most grateful for the great education and good food at St. Joseph’s. He is most proud of getting good grades. Delmar will always remember the Cultural Trip, the Explorer’s Club trips, and his teachers.

His future hopes and dreams are to join the military and become a soldier.

Collin is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

He has been at St. Joseph’s since the third grade, during which time he was involved in basketball, football and softball. He has loved learning new stuff and going on trips while at St. Joseph’s. Collin’s favorite classes are Religion and PE, and the best things about his home are the houseparents and food. He is most grateful for the houseparents that have helped him through the years and for his grandma for enrolling him at St. Joseph’s. Collin is most proud of being able to do things on his own, and his improvements in sports. He will always remember the Seventh Grade Cultural trip, blocking Colton in the eighth grade vs. staff basketball game, and all the help given by his houseparents.

Collin’s future hopes and dreams are to do well in high school, and be an electrician someday.