My name is Lily. I have attended St. Joseph’s for four years!

During my time at St. Joseph’s and Chamberlain High School, I have been involved in helping with Inipis (sweat lodge ceremonies), track, Native American club, science club, fall plays, choir, oral interpretation and cheerleading. I believe that staying busy in activities is a good way to socialize and to deal with negative feelings.

My favorite St. Joseph’s memory was my sixteenth birthday. My friends made my birthday a big deal and threw me three different birthday parties!

My favorite memory while attending Chamberlain High School was participating in oral interpretation — practicing and hearing such deep pieces!

There’s so many people to thank, but most of all I’d like to thank Al and Nancy. As my houseparents, they’ve been with me since the very beginning and they’ve only ever been kind to me. They truly are lovely people and I cherish them dearly. I’d also like to thank Aaron ‘Big A’ and Melissa. ‘Big A’ never fails to make me feel better and Melissa always tries her best.

As a kid, I always dreamed of what I wanted to be, but in middle school I realized that my ultimate goal is to be content and happy, not only with my life, but also with myself. After graduation, I plan to pursue a degree in Astrophysics at the University of Denver.

My advice to other students is to just get your work done! It saves you in the end. Also, try to stay happy and get involved in things. Don’t take things for granted. Appreciate what you have. Stand up for yourself. Be nice to everyone (especially if they don’t deserve it).

My name is Danielle. I have attended St. Joseph’s for five years!

During my time at St. Joseph’s and Chamberlain High School, I have been involved with volleyball, cheerleading, concert choir, science club, HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America), tech club, fall plays, Native American club, yearbook committee and was also a boys’ basketball manager.

My favorite St. Joseph’s memory was my trip to Germany! The views were breathtaking and the memories are things I will never forget.

My favorite memory while attending Chamberlain High School would definitely be going to the State A Basketball Tournament both my junior and senior year as part of the cheerleading squad. Both years, our squad won the Spirit of 6 Award!

I’d like to thank all of my houseparents — Stephanie, Lisa, Brian, Angie, Bob, Rich, Tara, Melissa, Aaron, Bonnie, Fahad, Al and Nancy. I’d also like to thank Dee for helping me get through the process of getting into college and for always being there for me. Furthermore, I’d like to thank my counselor Amanda, all of my teachers at Chamberlain High School and my family.

After graduation, I plan on attending South Dakota State University to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

My advice to other students is to simply appreciate the moments you have before they’re memories, always give your all in everything you do, and remember that it’s okay to be independent and get to know yourself instead of just being one of the ‘cool kids’.

My name is Ashley. I’ve been attending St. Joseph’s since the second grade, so I’ve been here 11 years!

During my time at St. Joseph’s and Chamberlain High School, I have been involved in basketball, volleyball, softball, t-ball, fall plays and one-act plays.

My favorite St. Joseph’s memory was my trip to Germany. I enjoyed leading the group everywhere without a map and we always got where we needed to go! Some more of my favorite memories include my freshman year in the Crane Home and our home trip to Minnesota this year.

I would like to thank everyone who had to deal with me all these years, because I can sometimes be a handful!

After graduation, I will be attending Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.

My advice for other students is to stay in school and stay away from drugs. Find what you love to do and do it. Be your own person, because your life doesn’t revolve around others!

My name is Justin. I have attended St. Josephs’ for six years.

During my time at St. Joseph’s and Chamberlain High School, I was part of the Lakota Nation Invitational Quiz Bowl Team which was fun.

I’ve had so many great memories, I have a hard time picking just one!

I would like to thank my counselor Mike, Aaron and Melissa and all the houseparents that I have had over the years.

After graduation, I will be attending Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, South Dakota to study welding. I am interested in pursuing deep sea welding as a career.

My advice for the younger students is to just do your own thing and don’t be a sheep that follows the rest of the herd.