Page 2 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - June 2025

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Mission accomplished: Oakville high school seniors celebrate tenacity, tradition and an important goal reached at the 2025 graduation ceremony.

STUDENTS
From page 1 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

on the tables: bowls of steamer Go out in this world
clams, chilled jumbo shrimp, CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL Tayleena Klatush and explore, experience
chicken wings, pizza pockets Shadow Hernandez Everybodytalksabout and enjoy it. Life is
and mozzarella sticks were the Graham Kapousin Lilah Aquilar
appetizers. Addison Sekishiro Daniel Rodas full of opportunities
K-12 Manager John “JJ” Andre Kluth as well as surprises.
Shortman Jr. opened the event ENVISION CAREER ACADEMY Rachel Simmons
and welcomed families. After a Thomas Blacketer Koner Burnett SHEILAH BRAY,
blessing, all of the high school Ares Wittwer VICE CHAIRWOMAN
graduates were asked to serve FUTURUS HIGH SCHOOL Dyani Cayenne
themselves at the buffet. Elders Jordan Lopez SHELTON HIGH SCHOOL
were then invited to dish up for MUCKLESHOOT TRIBAL SCHOOL Deshawn Hernandez
dinner followed by families and Mia Vigil one of our shyer graduates early in
everyone else in attendance. Ryder Vigil ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL the routine, and the relief on the
Roast beef, potatoes, green salad, Joseph Sanchez-Allenbach young man’s face was obvious as he
macaroni and cheese were served. OAKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL ROCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL left the stage! Laughter abounded.
Cupcakes and pudding rounded Andre Kluth Kylee Secena K-12 Program Assistant Jodie
out dessert. Carolann Black Hailey Boyd Smith created a beautiful slide
After the meal, JJ introduced Isiah Bird Artie Romero show presentation. Each graduate
Chehalis Tribe Vice Chairwoman was represented with pictures
Sheilah Bray as the keynote throughout their educational
speaker. bad, keep what’s important and education options. experience.
“Welcome students, parents, move on,” she continued. JJ called the graduates to Each year, Jodie creates
family members and friends. “Let’s remember that it’s the the stage to sign for a gas gift this memorable history of the
Today, we gather in celebration small things that matter most. And card and day pass from Great graduates’ school days for families.
with our future, these young everything is small. Go out in this Wolf Lodge. Each student was After speaking with several
adults here who, with the support world and explore, experience and given a goody bag with all kinds of the seniors, they stated what
of family and friends, reached a enjoy it. Life is full of opportunities of presents to celebrate their they hoped would be their career
milestone this year – graduating as well as surprises. Good luck with milestones. Afterward, seniors path: a nurse, physical therapist,
high school,” Sheila said. your future endeavors and may selected a present for their occupational therapist, filmmaker
“Their lives are progressing to you all be blessed to live your best parents, guardians or someone in and a couple of basketball players.
the next level soon, which may life. Be the best version of yourself! their family who supported them Graduate names were
include independence, higher In a country where you can be through their schooling journey. read off and each student was
education, bigger expectations anything you want to be, be kind. For a fun dose of entertainment, wrapped in a beautiful Pendleton
and more responsibility. Does Dance as if no one is watching and hypnotist Scott Ward entertained blanket and took a seat on
this sound a little scary? You’re Congratulations class of 2025! families, graduates, educators the stage. It was wonderful to
normal! Do you know what you You did it. Thank you,” Sheilah and guests. He asked all of the witness 21 young people being
want to do with your life yet? concluded. graduates to line up on stage. As hugged and recognized for their
It’s ok to not have the answer. Higher Education Coordinator his routine unfolded, some of the accomplishments.
Advice: Make sensible choices and Racheal Mendez spoke briefly to less hypnotizable young graduates Just before the conclusion,
smart decisions for yourselves. the graduates and families. She were dismissed. All of the young all of the graduates on the stage
Remember this. Every experience hoped to see all of the graduates people were engaged and laughing. lined up for a big group photo.
is just that, an experience. Good or come to see her regarding higher Scott was kind enough to dismiss Congratulations to all!