"Having an education will shape the rest of your life ..."

Tammy, an eighth-grade graduate and former employee of St. Joseph’s Indian School, was presented with the the 2010 Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Tammy was recognized at the 2010 Graduation Mass held at Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel, which also honored St. Joseph’s seniors and eighth-grade Lakota graduates.

Tammy came to St. Joseph’s Indian School as a second-grade student in 1977 and was an eighth-grade graduate in 1984. She also spent her sophomore year with St. Joseph’s high school program.

Mike, Executive Director of Child Services and Fr. Steve present Tammy with her award.

Tammy is remembered as being a leader in class, a positive role model for others and a responsible, conscientious student.

Tammy graduated from Lower Brule High School as valedictorian of the class of 1988. Afterward, she attended Presentation College for a short time before returning to St. Joseph’s to work as a houseparent.

After experiencing St. Joseph’s from “the other side of the table,” Tammy began working toward her degree to become a Registered Nurse and graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University in 2002. Tammy is currently studying to complete her Bachelor’s Degree.

“Always continue your education,” she urged students. “Having an education will shape the rest of your life, and you’ll never, ever go wrong getting a degree.”

In addition to attending school, Tammy is employed with Indian Health Service. She also serves as an on-call nurse and manages an apartment building with her husband.

Previous award winners include:

• 2009, Michael J.
• 2008, Mike L.
• 2007, Teresa F.
• 2006, Sr. Madeline L.