CELEBRATING EDUCATION — CLASS OF 2023
By BENJI SAM
On May 10, 2023, the Onamia and Isle Indian Education Departments gathered at Grand Casino Mille Lacs to celebrate 14 graduates for the Class of 2023. Each of Onamia and Isle’s graduates enjoyed a fantastic meal together presented by the Grand Casino staff with their closest friends and family gathered around the room.
The night began with an introductory and welcoming by District I Representative Virgil Wind, followed by an Invocation by Elder Joseph Nayquonabe Sr. to ring in the celebration with appreciation. Superintendent of Onamia School District, JJ Vold, stood and spoke of each of the ten graduates from Onamia followed by K-12 Principle of Isle, Jen Ernest, who spoke about each of the four Isle graduates. Some students have plans to attend college while some were recognized for their incredible artistic abilities and work ethic; someone is entering the military service field; and some are simply incredible people. It is so amazing to hear and see the dreams, accomplishments, and aspirations of the next generation of young Anishinaabe, who need to know it’s okay to pursue their dreams.
Following recognition of each student and their accomplishments, both Chris Nayquonabe, who serves as the Onamia American Indian Education Director, and Katie Raverty, who serves as the Isle American Indian Liaison, were recognized for their due diligence in helping to promote welcoming and accepting learning environments for their students within the walls of each respective school. In the last 10 years, there have been consistently more and more graduating American Indian students than ever before. A great deal of that success has to do with the level of involvement of these staff members, as well as parent committee commitment, teacher buy-in, and support systems for these students at home.
As Anishinaabe, it is important for youth to see people who look like them, and came from where they are, succeed and to learn from them along the way. Adrienne Benjamin, a graduate of Isle High School, was asked to talk for the kids and delivered a compassionate message — do all the things you can, take chances on being who you want to be, and that you are the sum of the five people you hang around with the most. “Keep your circle full of doers and those who cheer you on, hang with your Elders, speak up for yourself, have a voice, and know how lucky you are to have a community like Mille Lacs to support you,” said Benjamin.
The author, Benji Sam, was also asked to speak to the students from the perspective of a previous Onamia graduate who went on to find success. His message was also about keeping your Elders close, asking questions, learning, and to be present when and while possible — that time doesn’t last forever. “People may never remember what you said, but they will always remember the way you make them feel,” Sam said. “Don’t ever be afraid to fail — it is because I have failed that I know what it takes to succeed."
In closing, each graduate was presented with a gift bag to honor their accomplishment and to send them off into the next phase of their lives with honor. Surrounded by their closest family members, friends, and many community members who helped support them along the way, the Class of 2023 can send off to the next chapter with confidence. Best of luck to all graduates as they round out their high school career, and always remember to be proud of who you are.
