My name is Shawn. I have been attending school at St. Joseph's Indian School since fifth grade. I like St. Joseph’s because staff have done a lot for me and helped me become who I am today.

While in high school at Chamberlain High School, l was involved in football and basketball. In football, I was nominated for the All-Conference Team two years in a row. I also broke two school records with six touchdowns and 280 rushing yards in one game, which I’m very proud of.

My favorite memory is from my seventh grade year when I got to go to Washington, DC on an educational trip. We got to see a lot of sites and the best part of the trip was going to a NBA game.

I would like to thank all my houseparents — my time attending school here has helped me a lot. My plans after high school are to get a job and work or maybe attend Haskell University in Kansas.

My advice to other students is to just stay in school and keep up on your work. Most importantly, have fun!

My name is Kyran and I have attended St. Joseph’s for ten years. These past few months, I’ve really taken a step back and tried to enjoy my time here, knowing it’s my final year. To be involved with St. Joseph’s for so long is really an amazing accomplishment for me!

I’ve participated in a bunch of different activities while attending high school. The clubs I’ve been a part of include the Native American Club, Drama Club, and FFA (Future Farmers of America). I have participated in basketball, baseball, and football.

I have made countless memories while at St. Joseph’s. One of my favorites is the time I went to Maine for a donor luncheon. Meeting the people who make this place possible was really extraordinary.

I want to thank every single one of my houseparents. I don’t know how you put up with me, but I really appreciate it. For the staff and teachers, all of the Family Service Counselors as well, words can’t express how much I thank you guys for being there for me. You guys really are special, so just another thanks to everyone who works at St. Joseph’s.

My plan for next year is to attend the University of South Dakota and major in business. Some advice I’d like to share is don’t be afraid to try anything you really want to do. You can’t be afraid to fail — failing is a part of life and it will only help you get better. Also, if you’re going to do anything, do it to the best of your ability.

My name is Erica and I came to St. Joseph’s in third grade. I have been involved in a lot while attending St. Joseph’s, including track, cross country, cheerleading, basketball, tee-ball, pep club, volleyball and student council. When I started at Chamberlain High School I grew an interest in the performing arts. I was involved in choir, show choir, one act plays, and fall plays.

I do not have a particular memory that sticks out … being here for so many years, a lot of memories come to mind!

I am really undecided on what my plans for the future will be. What I want to do with my life has been a question since I was a little girl. When asked the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I always gave a different answer, ranging from a bus driver to an actress. Now I am more focused on filmography and directing.

I have a long list of staff that I would like to thank; I’m so grateful for all St. Joseph’s staff and their families. You all helped me through everything, helping me to become who I am today.

The advice I will give to you younger students is this: you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. St. Joseph’s may seem horrible with all the rules and CONSEQUENCES, but you won’t know what you have until it’s gone. It is important to realize all the good stuff St. Joseph’s does for you. Once you leave and graduate, you will understand where you would be without it. I certainly wouldn’t have come this far without St. Joseph’s.

My name is Angela and I am a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. I have been at St. Joes for six and a half years. I started second semester of my fifth grade year. I left after my freshmen year and I came for my junior year. In fifth and seventh grades I was in softball. Throughout middle school I was in basketball and volleyball. In high school I have been a member of the Native American Club and served as President my senior year. I have been a big sister for St. Joseph’s Big Sister/Little Sister program. I have worked as a dishwasher at a restaurant, at St. Joseph’s Thrift Store and as a junior houseparent in the summer break home. My senior year I got a job as a Dietary Aid at the local hospital and that was my favorite job.

My favorite years at St. Joseph’s were middle school and being in the Mathias Home. Another favorite memory is going to Washington, DC. I really liked the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. My favorite part of that trip was going to the Arlington National Cemetery and seeing the resting places of Ted, Bobby, Jack, Jacqueline, Patrick and Arabella Kennedy.

I am not sure what my plans are for the future, but I love to travel. I did my eighth grade presentation on JFK and I wrote my research paper on JFK, so I was thinking of joining the Peace Corps. I will go to college and I want to be a role model for my siblings. Hopefully, they will go even farther than I do. I am not sure of what I want to major in, but I like math, science, history and Native American Studies.

There are so many people I want to thank but I will shorten the list and say thanks to all my teachers at St. Joseph’s and Chamberlain High School, my houseparents over the years and other staff members at St. Joseph’s. I also want to thank my auntie Cheryl and uncle Marty for being the best guardians I ever had, and my siblings for being my inspiration to further myself.

My advice for everyone is if you want to do something — anything — you can do it. There are people in your life that will be proud of everything you do and there will be people who will never be proud of anything you do. All that really matters is what you want.

If you want to get a good job instead of working at McDonalds, then you need to have the work ethic. If you want a good job you should go to college. You have to really work hard to do what you want and I would recommend taking classes that challenge you. Work hard now and play later.

My name is RJ and I have been attending St. Joseph’s since I was in first grade. During my tenure at St. Joseph’s Indian School, I have been involved in Native American Club, Teenage Republicans and Drama Club.

My favorite memory while attending school at St. Joseph’s is going on a donor luncheon trip to San Francisco, California.

I would like to thank my houseparents and other St. Joseph’s staff, especially high school staff and my counselor Scott, for all their help.

My future plans are to attend South Dakota State University and major in History Education.

My advice for the younger students is to get involved in school and study hard. It pays to have good grades.

My name is JaTonne and I’ve attended school at St. Joseph’s since fifth grade. At Chamberlain High School, I have been involved in the theatre department. I played guitar for a couple of the high school plays and for show choir.

My favorite memory while attending St. Joseph’s was winning the high school talent show. I entered the talent show when I was in eighth grade with two of my friends and we won the competition!

My plan after graduation is to go to school in Arizona and major in Audio Engineering. I would like to say thank you to every single houseparent I have had throughout the years. My houseparents have helped me become the person I am today and helped me prepare for the road ahead. Thank you!