Five Native American high school seniors were honored during a celebration hosted by the Hopkins Public Schools Native Group, recognizing not only academic achievement but also cultural identity, community, and perseverance.
Annie Huberty, American Indian Program Coordinator, opened the evening by reflecting on the students’ journey. “It’s just been absolutely wonderful to see and to hear the stories about each one of them as they shine,” she said.
Debra Andreen, Instructional Associate, shared remarks about the importance of honoring Indigenous culture in public schools. “Most of us are just a generation or two away from boarding school survivors,” she said. “Celebrating being Native in a public school—it's amazing.”
Each senior was presented with a blanket, symbolizing warmth and protection, along with a handcrafted cedar feather box lined with red felt. The gifts included traditional items such as smudge kits and sweetgrass braids. Students selected someone meaningful to wrap them in the blanket during the ceremony.
Superintendent Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed congratulated the seniors and their families. "I am honored to be in community with you. I feel blessed to be here, and to have a meal with you, and to celebrate and recognize our five amazing Native American seniors, soon to be graduates."
Mhiripiri-Reed concluded with a quote from Ponca Chief White Eagle, "Go forward with courage. When you are in doubt, be still, and wait; when doubt no longer exists for you, then go forward with courage. So long as mists envelop you, be still; be still until the sunlight pours through and dispels the mists – as it surely will. Then act with courage."