About
Student Stories
Every gift you make writes a new chapter in a child’s life.
The children of St. Joseph’s Indian School come from communities that have faced generations of hardship, yet every day on our campus, we witness resilience, joy and an unquenchable spirit. Our student stories capture real moments: a child conquering fear in the classroom, a young dancer finding pride in their heritage, an alumnus returning to give back. These are the stories your support makes possible.
Makaia Makes History as Homecoming Queen
Queen Makaia and Native American Studies teacher LaRayne smile for a photo during Chamberlain’s Homecoming parade. To some, it might just be a crown. To the St. Joseph’s Indian School community, it’s a place in school …
Read More about Makaia Makes History as Homecoming Queen (opens in a new tab)
Introducing the 2026 Powwow Royalty of St. Joseph’s Indian School
Introducing the 2026 Powwow Royalty of St. Joseph’s Indian School The drums hadn’t even started yet, but the Rec Center was already buzzing. It was the kind of excited, can’t‑sit‑still energy that only happens when students …
Read More about Introducing the 2026 Powwow Royalty of St. Joseph’s Indian School (opens in a new tab)
Embracing Life at St. Joseph’s: Zukai’s Story
Embracing Life at St. Joseph’s: Zukai’s Story Even as a new student, Zukai proudly danced and sang at St. Joseph’s 49th Annual Powwow. Spend just a few minutes with seventh grader Zukai, and it might be …
Read More about Embracing Life at St. Joseph’s: Zukai’s Story (opens in a new tab)
St. Joseph’s Students Explore Faith and Future at Notre Dame
Some moments help students see a wider horizon than they knew existed. For four St. Joseph’s Indian School middle schoolers, stepping onto the University of Notre Dame campus became one of those moments — a chance …
Read More about St. Joseph’s Students Explore Faith and Future at Notre Dame (opens in a new tab)
Senior Suitcase: St. Joseph’s Graduates Shop for the Future
“I am in line to check out everything for my future right now,” Delante said as he looked down at a shopping cart piled high with essentials for adulthood.
Read More about Senior Suitcase: St. Joseph’s Graduates Shop for the Future (opens in a new tab)
Students Explore Faith, Service and Discovery at Summer Institute
Some journeys shape students long before they return home. For four St. Joseph’s Indian School students, a week in Milwaukee, Wisc., became more than a trip. It became a chance to see themselves as part of …
Read More about Students Explore Faith, Service and Discovery at Summer Institute (opens in a new tab)
Stepping Up: St. Joseph’s Indian School Student Finds His Voice as a Leader
One evening at the Rec Center, Bryan, St. Joseph’s Indian School’s Athletic Director, found himself short a basketball referee. The game was about to begin, and he needed someone dependable who could step in quickly. Kansas, …
Read More about Stepping Up: St. Joseph’s Indian School Student Finds His Voice as a Leader (opens in a new tab)
St. Joseph’s Graduate Earns $10,000 Scholarship
Meet Mersayis, an extraordinary young woman whose resilience, compassion and dedication have earned her the prestigious Dr. Henry C. Mueller Scholarship, awarding her $10,000 toward her dreams of becoming a nurse. Growing up in the foster …
Read More about St. Joseph’s Graduate Earns $10,000 Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
St. Joseph’s Student Shoots for the Stars … Literally
At St. Joseph’s Indian School, every student has a story. Some stories are rooted in athletics, others in overcoming challenges, and some, like Marybella’s, are destined for the stars. Marybella, a bright and determined high school …
Read More about St. Joseph’s Student Shoots for the Stars … Literally (opens in a new tab)
Class of 2020
Back Row: Elron, Jordan, Fr. Anthony, Isaiah, Vincent, Everardo Row 3: Kaiden, Amiel, Jackson, Jolissa, Melissa, Taylor Row 2: Addisson, Jeremy, Eden, Julian, Eric, Juliana, Clarysia Front Row: Zaley, Zeke, Landon, Sunni, Javin
Class of 2020
Back Row: Elron, Jordan, Fr. Anthony, Isaiah, Vincent, Everardo Row 3: Kaiden, Amiel, Jackson, Jolissa, Melissa, Taylor Row 2: Addisson, Jeremy, Eden, Julian, Eric, Juliana, Clarysia Front Row: Zaley, Zeke, Landon, Sunni, Javin
Camron
Camron
Jered
Jered
Listella
Listella
Louie
Louie
Sarah
Sarah
Treyah
Treyah
Wankiya
Wankiya
Building a Future: Taivin’s Alumni Story
At St. Joseph’s Indian School, we believe the values we instill in our students — respect, gratitude, hope and integrity — don’t just shape young lives. They ripple outward, touching families, communities and future generations. As …
Read More about Building a Future: Taivin’s Alumni Story (opens in a new tab)
Chelsea’s Story
The slogan for Chelsea Wilson’s “RezKutz” business is, “Your satisfaction is my goal,” and it’s something she lives out through the satisfaction of giving back to the school she attended from 1st through 8th grade: St. …
Read More about Chelsea’s Story (opens in a new tab)
Richard’s Story
Richard Two Two has had many titles already during his young life. He’s been called son, brother, student, husband, dad, corrections officer and more. But, recently he added another title to that list — one he …
Read More about Richard’s Story (opens in a new tab)
LaToya’s Story
When LaToya Crazy Bull thinks about her future, it’s not necessarily a scene of events that come to her mind — rather, it’s the faces of those she loves most. At 29-years-old, she cares for her …
Read More about LaToya’s Story (opens in a new tab)
Lily’s Story
Every year, approximately 200 students live and learn on the campus of St. Joseph’s Indian School. We clothe them, supply them with virtually limitless educational resources, and nourish their bodies with healthy foods and their souls …
Read More about Lily’s Story (opens in a new tab)
Christian’s Story
Higher education is expensive. It’s the simple fact of the matter. Not everyone can afford college, as well as the living expenses that go along with it. And the idea of paying back a large amount …
Read More about Christian’s Story (opens in a new tab)
Jacob’s Story
If you were to call someone on the phone, the most common response you’d expect to hear upon their answer is, “Hello, this is [insert name].” But Jacob Lacota is not your typical 22-year-old. He answers …
Read More about Jacob’s Story (opens in a new tab)
Martina’s Story
Martina, an alumna of St. Joseph’s Indian School’s graduating class of 2016, was recently awarded the Army Achievement Medal for the second time! Martina attended St. Joseph’s for 11 years and was very involved in the …
Read More about Martina’s Story (opens in a new tab)
Irene’s Story
Irene, an alumna of St. Joseph’s Indian School’s graduating class of 2016, was recently awarded the Army Achievement Medal. Irene, of Lower Brule, S.D., attended St. Joseph’s from first grade through her senior year, graduating from …
Read More about Irene’s Story (opens in a new tab)
Shay’s Story
Shay, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at a veteran’s hospital, was working a night shift when she heard an alarm sound. The alarm was to signal that a patient was in need of help, so she …
Read More about Shay’s Story (opens in a new tab)
Become a DreamMaker
The DreamMakers are a special group of friends who give automatic monthly gifts to ensure the Lakota (Sioux) children are provided for year-round … and will help provide dreams for the future.
Continue Exploring Our Story
Our Mission
Since 1927, St. Joseph’s has educated Lakota (Sioux) children in mind, body, heart, and spirit.
Lakota Culture
Explore the traditions, language and ceremonies woven into daily life at St. Joseph’s.
Your Impact
See how friends like you bring hope and opportunity to Lakota children and families.
