WPS Indian Education Program held its first annual Senior Recognition banquet, Thursday, April 20, at the Comanche Nation Center. The seniors were presented their tribal graduation cords by Susan Whitehorse-Johnson, WPS Indian Education Program director.
Seniors in attendance were (picture 1, l-r): Nathan Pueblo, Hayden Nelson, Cyrus Blackstar, Ryan Kosechata, Denna Bussinger, Hadlee Smith, Aaliyah Lewis, Emma Youngblood and Barbara Monoessy.
Emma Youngblood, Hadlee Smith and Denna Bussinger are pictured with WHS Counselor Aadel Bussinger and Mrs. Johnson (picture 2, l-r). All three ladies are valedictorians of the 2023 class, received their cords as induction to the Oklahoma Indian Student Honor Society by Mrs. Bussinger. Students must have: *a weighted or unweighted cumulative 3.9 grade point average (GPA) or above. *Certify qualifications, submit the nomination information, and pay a $15.00 membership fee each year.
*Meet the definition of Indian under the Title VI Indian Education Program, possess tribal membership identification, or be able to provide a Certificate Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB).
*Demonstrate substantive cultural participation, including virtual opportunities set forth by the school district.
Indicate service or leadership activities, including virtual opportunities set forth by the school district.
Allyson Pahcheka Thrash, Comanche Language Apprentice Teacher Candidate, provided the Invocation. Jacob Tsotigh, Kiowa Vice-Chairman, left the seniors with words of encouragement and sang the Kiowa 'Birthday' Song and its translation and provided the closing prayer. Dena Landers, Comanche Nation Youth Program Tribal Education Department National Assembly and TEDNA, discussed the importance of the relationship with the tribes and schools and the career guidance they provide to tribal students. Randi Attocknie, Director of Comanche Nation Youth Services, spoke to the seniors about the continued services provided to them as college or tech center students. Brittany Turner, Comanche Nation Circles of Care Director, explained to the seniors the importance of taking care of their mental health and the services provided by her program that is available to any tribal member not just Comanche Nation members.
We would like to thank everyone who attended the banquet and always supporting our students!