For her exemplary work at the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center, Shay was awarded the Governor's Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Hospitality and Customer Service! She is pictured with Dixie, the museum’s Director.

“Oh my goodness I remember being a little kid my first year!” exclaimed Shay, memories washing over her. “Every day I would ask when the bus was coming to take us home! It was hard to be away from my grandma, but I’m really glad I stuck it out.”

Shay has attended St. Joseph’s Indian School since she was only 6 years old - her entire school career. In the fall, she will pack her bags and embark on her next great adventure: college.

Shay earned a scholarship to Creighton University and will study Business Law. Before she leaves for college, Shay is spending the summer working in St. Joseph’s Development office. Last summer, she worked at the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center.

“I’m extremely nervous about moving to college, but being at St. Joseph’s has prepared me for what’s next,” she said. “I have so many people who have impacted my life and helped me along the way. I’ve experienced different lifestyles in different the parts of the U.S.; I learned so much from those trips.”

Shay spoke at a donor luncheon in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

During her time at St. Joseph’s, Shay traveled to Minneapolis, Minnesota; Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Atlantic City, New Jersey on donor luncheon events, visiting with benefactors about her time at St. Joseph’s Indian School.

“I overcame my fear of public speaking and I’m so glad I did! I loved being able to tell people about all the things I did at St. Joe’s. I really enjoyed meeting new people in high school and am looking forward to that in college,” she said. “I couldn’t have done it without the help of all these amazing people at St. Joes!

“My advice for all the students still here at St. Joseph’s is to be who you want to be; make mistakes, but learn from them. Make as many new friends as you can and get involved in your high school. And always take advantage of all the opportunities that are given to you!”