{"id":40166,"date":"2026-06-01T18:23:09","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T23:23:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/st-josephs-indian-school-celebrates-eighth-grade-graduates-honors-distinguished-alumni\/"},"modified":"2026-06-01T18:23:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T23:23:15","slug":"st-josephs-indian-school-celebrates-eighth-grade-graduates-honors-distinguished-alumni","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/st-josephs-indian-school-celebrates-eighth-grade-graduates-honors-distinguished-alumni\/","title":{"rendered":"St. Joseph\u2019s Indian School celebrates Eighth-Grade Graduates, honors distinguished Alumni"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Eighth-grade<\/a><\/p>\n

Eighth-grade students from St. Joseph\u2019s Indian School gather for a group photo during the 2025-26 school year in Chamberlain, South Dakota. (Photo courtesy of St. Joseph\u2019s Indian School)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

CHAMBERLAIN \u2013 St. Joseph\u2019s Indian School celebrated 16 eighth-grade graduates on May 22 during a ceremony in the school\u2019s 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\u2019s.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s, the graduates were involved in athletics, academics, cultural activities and extracurricular programs that helped shape their experiences both inside and outside the classroom.<\/p>\n

Many students reflected on the friendships, encouragement and opportunities they experienced while attending St. Joseph\u2019s. Several graduates plan to continue into the St. Joseph\u2019s High School Program and pursue future careers in health care, education, construction, mechanics, law, entrepreneurship and public service.<\/p>\n

\u201cSt. Joe\u2019s has given me the tools and knowledge to achieve my goals. It\u2019s helped me grow academically while also keeping me connected to my culture, which is very important to me,\u201d graduate Margaret Parker of Norfolk, NE.<\/p>\n

St. Joseph\u2019s Indian School Principal Sharmel Olson said the graduating class demonstrated resilience, leadership and determination throughout their educational journeys.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur eighth-grade students have grown tremendously during their time here, not only academically, but also as individuals,\u201d Olson said. \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

The graduates included:<\/p>\n