St. Joseph’s Indian School celebrates Eighth-Grade Graduates, honors distinguished Alumni

CHAMBERLAIN – St. Joseph’s Indian School celebrated 16 eighth-grade graduates on May 22 during a ceremony in the school’s Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel. The event recognized students for reaching an important milestone in their educational journeys while celebrating their academic, personal and cultural growth during their time at St. Joseph’s.

Students representing the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Yankton Sioux Tribe and Omaha Nation Tribe participated in the ceremony. During their years at St. Joseph’s, the graduates were involved in athletics, academics, cultural activities and extracurricular programs that helped shape their experiences both inside and outside the classroom.

Many students reflected on the friendships, encouragement and opportunities they experienced while attending St. Joseph’s. Several graduates plan to continue into the St. Joseph’s High School Program and pursue future careers in health care, education, construction, mechanics, law, entrepreneurship and public service.

“St. Joe’s has given me the tools and knowledge to achieve my goals. It’s helped me grow academically while also keeping me connected to my culture, which is very important to me,” graduate Margaret Parker of Norfolk, NE.

St. Joseph’s Indian School Principal Sharmel Olson said the graduating class demonstrated resilience, leadership and determination throughout their educational journeys.

“Our eighth-grade students have grown tremendously during their time here, not only academically, but also as individuals,” Olson said. “This class embraced opportunities, supported one another and showed great perseverance. We are proud of all they have accomplished and excited to see where their futures lead.”

The graduates included:

• Camille Black Lance of Chamberlain, Rosebud Sioux Tribe
• Hehaka “Tristan” Black Lance of Rapid City, Rosebud Sioux Tribe
• Zenneth Driving Hawk of Lower Brule, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
• Jay Eagle Jr. of Fort Thompson, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe
• Crystal Franklin of Yankton, Yankton Sioux Tribe
• Kyler Honomichl of Marty, Yankton Sioux Tribe
• Aleighya LaRoche of Lower Brule, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
• Jamisha Medicine Crow of Fort Thompson, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe
• Margaret Parker of Norfolk, Omaha Nation Tribe
• Carlito Peneaux of Rosebud, Rosebud Sioux Tribe
• Eduardo Peneaux of Rosebud, Rosebud Sioux Tribe
• Jordanna Red Bear of Fort Thompson, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe
• Romeo Roubideaux of Mission, Rosebud Sioux Tribe
• Melissa Stead of Rapid City, Rosebud Sioux Tribe
• Persais Swift Hawk of Fort Thompson, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe
• Victoria Wilson of Fort Thompson, Yankton Sioux Tribe.

In addition to recognizing graduating students, St. Joseph’s Indian School honored 2010 graduate LaToya Crazy Bull as the 2026 Distinguished Alumni recipient.

St. Joseph’s Indian School became part of Crazy Bull’s story when she enrolled as a third-grade student. Through the school’s elementary and middle school programs, she built a strong educational foundation before continuing her academic journey through classes and activities at Chamberlain High School.

A member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Crazy Bull currently serves as a parent advocate for the Sicangu Lakota Oyate Early Head Start Program while pursuing a master’s degree in human services with an emphasis in criminal justice at Sinte Gleska University.

Crazy Bull was recognized for her dedication to education, community service and advocacy, including volunteer efforts supporting Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Relatives initiatives. Earlier this school year, she returned to St. Joseph’s to share her personal story with students, encouraging them to make healthy choices and persevere through adversity.

As an alumna, Crazy Bull understands firsthand the opportunities St. Joseph’s can provide. Now the guardian of her younger brother while also raising her own child as a single mother, Crazy Bull said she knew her family needed additional support and trusted that St. Joseph’s Indian School could provide a stable, supportive environment for her brother to grow and succeed.

Joe Tyrell, director of mission integration, said Crazy Bull’s journey reflects the lasting impact of perseverance, resilience and service to others.

“LaToya’s story is one of resilience, growth and service,” said Tyrell. “She continues to make a positive impact in her community while inspiring the next generation of students to believe in themselves and their futures.”

The ceremony celebrated both the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 and St. Joseph’s continued mission to support students as they prepare for successful futures.

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