Melinda and Destiny are graduates of St. Joseph’s Indian School high school program.

They recently visited St. Joseph’s and shared with our Lakota (Sioux) youth about what to expect once they graduate.

Melinda and Destiny visited with students about challenges they overcame after leaving St. Joseph's

“I remember waking up one morning and realizing Mike and Jean, my old houseparents, weren’t there to make me get out of bed,” said Melinda, laughing. “It was hard at first, and I didn’t realize how much harder it would get. Fortunately, I learned a lot of lessons while attending St. Joseph’s that helped me get through a lot of different things in my life.”

Today, Melinda teaches kindergarten in Pine Ridge.

“I am a stay-at-home-mom,” Destiny told the students. “I love taking care of my kids. One of my daughters has autism, so it takes a lot of time and energy to make sure she has everything she needs.”

Destiny and her husband – also a former student of St. Joseph’s – have three children.

Students and houseparents listened intently to Melinda and Destiny.

Thanks to your generous support, Melinda, Destiny and many other students of St. Joseph’s Indian School are leading happy, healthy lives.

Wakan Tanka kici un – may God bless you – for caring enough to share your blessings with the Lakota children we serve!