Page 10 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - June, 2019

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Adna High School graduate Jakeb
Hoyle is excited to be finished with
high school and looks forward to a
Chehalis tribal member Diana Pickernell graduated from The Evergreen State College this year. summer of travel and adventures.

GRADS Pendleton blanket and eagle

From page 1 ‘To me, it signifies a feather.
K-12 staff member Jodie Smith
challenge the minds of the guests coming of age. I haven’t organized the gathering. She
of honor. had anything else like has worked with the students
Keynote speaker JaNessa through the years and has seen the
Bumgarner, COO of Lucky Eagle this from the tribe.’ adversity they faced. Her advice to
Casino, spoke about her personal them moving on is to never give
journey and challenges after high – MATTHEW REYNOLDS, up.
school. She gave advice to the 2019 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE One aspect of this event is that
graduates in attendance as they it highlights some of the tribal
take their first major step into members that live off the Chehalis
adulthood. office. She said tribal members Reservation. It’s a way for them to
“You don’t have to decide the are welcome to come see her for connect with their community and
rest of your life today,” Bumgarner higher education resources and culture.
said. “Know you have many questions. Matthew Reynolds, who is part
options. Take different paths until Talisa Baker filled in for of the Penn Family (son of April
you find the one that fits you.” Tony Medina to represent the Penn), built up the courage to give
She finished by letting Youth Center at the event. She a speech in which he thanked his
the graduates know that the invited co-workers Geo Jack and family that played an essential
community of the Chehalis Amanda Jennings up to the stage Seniors took the opportunity role in helping him make it to this
Reservation is here to support to congratulate the graduates to thank those who helped them exciting point in life.
them every step of the way. and hand out $200 Walmart gift get to the milestone of graduating He recalls his mom putting
Higher Education Coordinator cards. high school by giving flowers to him on the bus every morning and
Racheal Mendez spoke to the Some of the kids have been part their parents and loved ones. making sure he got his work done
grads about the options of of the youth program for most of The K-12 program signified
college and where to find her their childhoods. their rite of passage with a See GRADS, page 11