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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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.
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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 …
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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, …
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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 …
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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 …
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Mario
Mario is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Mario’s favorite school memory is when they went to Pierre to tour the Capitol because it was fun being together with his class. His favorite memory from …
Mario
Mario is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Mario’s favorite school memory is when they went to Pierre to tour the Capitol because it was fun being together with his class. His favorite memory from time in his home was when they went shopping at the mall during a trip to Sioux Falls. After 8th grade graduation, Mario plans to come back to St. Joe’s and graduate from high school. When he does this, he will have gone to school from 1st-12th grade and be dubbed a “lifer” as we endearingly call them! When he grows up he wants to be a mechanical engineer!
Jalonna
Jalonna is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. Jalonna’s favorite school memory is the Cultural Trip because her class went to cultural places she had learned about. Her favorite memories in her home are …
Jalonna
Jalonna is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. Jalonna’s favorite school memory is the Cultural Trip because her class went to cultural places she had learned about. Her favorite memories in her home are all the home trips they took throughout the years. After 8th grade graduation, Jalonna wants to get a summer job and go to high school in Chamberlain. Jalonna wants to be a homicide detective when she grows up!
Taylen
Taylen is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. Taylen’s favorite memory of school is the Staff vs. Students basketball game. He said it was fun to play against older people! His favorite memory in the …
Taylen
Taylen is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. Taylen’s favorite memory of school is the Staff vs. Students basketball game. He said it was fun to play against older people! His favorite memory in the home was laughing with the boys and houseparents. After 8th grade graduation, Taylen plans to go to high school and go to college. When he grows up, Taylen would like to be a basketball player or basketball coach!
Makaia
MaKaia is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band. MaKaia’s favorite school memory is the 7th grade Cultural Trip because they explored and learned new things! Her favorite memories in the home are playing hide and …
Makaia
MaKaia is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band. MaKaia’s favorite school memory is the 7th grade Cultural Trip because they explored and learned new things! Her favorite memories in the home are playing hide and seek and socializing! MaKaia plans to be in the St. Joe’s high school program after 8th grade graduation. She wants to be a physical therapist when she grows up!
Memphis
Memphis is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. Memphis’ favorite school memory is meeting new friends and meeting with his counselor. His favorite memories are going fishing with his houseparents, the 7th grade Cultural Trip, …
Memphis
Memphis is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. Memphis’ favorite school memory is meeting new friends and meeting with his counselor. His favorite memories are going fishing with his houseparents, the 7th grade Cultural Trip, going to Bear Butte, and participating in sweats (inípi) with Scott, a St. Joe’s counselor. After 8th grade graduation, Memphis plans to go to high school in Chamberlain. He is still exploring his options for what he wants to be when he grows up.
Kaedyn
Kaedyn is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. Kaedyn’s favorite school memory is the buffalo harvest because he liked the view of all the buffalo. His favorite memory in his home was hanging out …
Kaedyn
Kaedyn is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. Kaedyn’s favorite school memory is the buffalo harvest because he liked the view of all the buffalo. His favorite memory in his home was hanging out with brothers. Kaedyn plans on going home and finishing high school after 8th grade graduation. When he grows up, Kaedyn wants to be an artist!
Amelia
Amelia is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Amelia’s favorite school memories include a fun game of tag and the 7th grade Cultural Trip because she learned about her culture with friends! Her favorite memory …
Amelia
Amelia is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Amelia’s favorite school memories include a fun game of tag and the 7th grade Cultural Trip because she learned about her culture with friends! Her favorite memory in her home was playing hide-and-seek with other homes. Amelia plans to stay at St. Joe’s through high school and graduate. When she grows up, Amelia wants to work with kids!
Jack
Jack is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Jack’s favorite school memory is enjoying time outside of the classroom with friends. His favorite home memory is staying up all night with everyone. After 8th grade …
Jack
Jack is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Jack’s favorite school memory is enjoying time outside of the classroom with friends. His favorite home memory is staying up all night with everyone. After 8th grade graduation, Jack plans to attend high school but is still deciding where he wants to attend. When he grows up, Jack wants to go into the military!
Paul
Paul is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Paul’s favorite school memory is the 7th grade Cultural Trip. While at Bear Butte, a cloud came to the class while they were singing. His favorite memories …
Paul
Paul is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Paul’s favorite school memory is the 7th grade Cultural Trip. While at Bear Butte, a cloud came to the class while they were singing. His favorite memories in his home were the water balloon fights! Paul plans to go to Chamberlain High School after 8th grade graduation. When he grows up, Paul wants to go into the military!
Demarius
Demarius is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. Demarius’ favorite school memory is the Cultural Trip because the cabin was big! He also liked going out of state. His favorite memory in the home …
Demarius
Demarius is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. Demarius’ favorite school memory is the Cultural Trip because the cabin was big! He also liked going out of state. His favorite memory in the home is when all the homes played hide and seek. Demarius plans on going to high school and getting a job after 8th grade graduation. When he grows up, he wants to be a pilot!
Oyate
Oyate is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Oyate’s favorite school memories are having fun and learning. His favorite memories in the home are the trips to Sioux Falls, especially eating out and going to …
Oyate
Oyate is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Oyate’s favorite school memories are having fun and learning. His favorite memories in the home are the trips to Sioux Falls, especially eating out and going to AirMadness with his friends. After 8th grade graduation, Oyate plans to have a fun summer and then, this fall, be a part of the St. Joe’s high school program to attend Chamberlain High School. When he grows up, he wants to play sports!
Emilia
Emilia is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Emilia’s favorite school memories are the cultural trip and being with friends. Her favorite memory in the home is the home trip to Rapid City, SD. After …
Emilia
Emilia is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Emilia’s favorite school memories are the cultural trip and being with friends. Her favorite memory in the home is the home trip to Rapid City, SD. After 8th grade graduation, Emilia plans on finishing high school but she is still deciding where she will attend. When Emilia grows up, she wants to be self-employed and make her own ribbon skirts and do her own beadwork!
Secret
Secret is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Secret’s favorite school memory is the Cultural Trip because she got to learn more about her culture. Her favorite home memories include when they would have …
Secret
Secret is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Secret’s favorite school memory is the Cultural Trip because she got to learn more about her culture. Her favorite home memories include when they would have water fights, and also when they would stay up and watch movies outside. After 8th grade graduation, Secret plans to graduate high school. When Secret grows up she plans on saving up money to get an apartment of her own and get a job. Secret wants to be a doctor and have a profession!
Gabriel
Gabriel is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. Gabe’s favorite school memory is the Students vs. Staff basketball game. His favorite memory in the home is playing basketball with his home. After 8th grade graduation, …
Gabriel
Gabriel is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe. Gabe’s favorite school memory is the Students vs. Staff basketball game. His favorite memory in the home is playing basketball with his home. After 8th grade graduation, Gabe wants to attend high school at Chamberlain and work harder in basketball. When he grows up, Gabe wants to play for the NBA!
Consuelo
Consuelo is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Consuelo’s favorite memory in school is the buffalo hunt because she saw the process and all the stuff you can get from harvesting a buffalo. Her …
Consuelo
Consuelo is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Consuelo’s favorite memory in school is the buffalo hunt because she saw the process and all the stuff you can get from harvesting a buffalo. Her favorite home memory was playing hide and seek in the homes and going on drives. Consuelo plans to be in the high school program at St. Joe’s and go to Chamberlain High School. When she grows up, she wants to be a social worker!
Clarysia
Hi, my name is Clarysia. I am enrolled in the Yankton Sioux Tribe. I been at St. Joseph’s Indian School for six years. In middle school, I was involved in basketball, volleyball, track, cross country, cheerleading …
Clarysia
Hi, my name is Clarysia. I am enrolled in the Yankton Sioux Tribe. I been at St. Joseph’s Indian School for six years. In middle school, I was involved in basketball, volleyball, track, cross country, cheerleading and gymnastics. In high school, I participated in volleyball, Native American Club, One-Act Play and choir. My favorite memory during my time at St. Joseph’s was when I went on a trip to San Diego for a donor luncheon event. My other favorite St. Joseph’s memory is the Cultural Trip because it was my first time traveling out of state. My friend Sunni and I decided to wrestle, but it escalated quickly, and I do not recommend that. I would like to thank Tia and Dave, Angie and Benny, Kirstie, Darcy Belitz, Rigo and Julie, and Tearsa. My future plans include going to Stewart School for Cosmetology. My advice for the younger students is freshman grades are important and never be afraid to put yourself out there.
Cante
Aŋpétu wašté — good day. My name is Cante, and I’ve been at St. Joseph’s since my junior year of high school. I participated in cheerleading, Native American Club and modeling. I have so many favorite …
Cante
Aŋpétu wašté — good day. My name is Cante, and I’ve been at St. Joseph’s since my junior year of high school. I participated in cheerleading, Native American Club and modeling. I have so many favorite high school memories. My favorites would have to be modeling in in The Black Hills Fashion show for designer, Tiano Suerte, with host Ashley Callingbull. During Denver’s Native Fashion in the City I modeled for Jillian Waterman. I got so many opportunities that I’m very honored and thankful for. I’d like to thank Native Maxx Magazine for a photoshoot in their magazine, Bitterwater for Redhouse for her designs as well as SNO Baby’s beadwork and awesome jewelry. It’s such an honor to represent myself and others. As you can see, I have a passion for this, and I hope for this to be a big part of my life in the future. I’d like to thank my friends, family, staff and everyone who supported me through and through, especially my mother who’s been on my side since birth, obviously. I couldn’t have done it without them. Without your support, I couldn’t have really tried and stayed on my ten toes. My advice to the younger kids, just because you failed once doesn’t mean you give up. If you make mistakes, it shows you are trying. My plans in the future include going to college in Fort Lewis. Durango, Colorado is where this path will take me in the future.
Taylor
Hi, my name is Taylor and I am enrolled in the Rosebud Sioux tribe. I first came to St. Joseph’s in sixth grade, but left. Then I came back my eighth grade year and have been …
Taylor
Hi, my name is Taylor and I am enrolled in the Rosebud Sioux tribe. I first came to St. Joseph’s in sixth grade, but left. Then I came back my eighth grade year and have been here ever since. I was involved in Native American Club at Chamberlain High School, and I was in Student Council briefly at St. Joseph’s, as well. My favorite memory from St Joseph’s would have to be when I was in eighth grade in the Stevens Home. Benny and Angie (houseparents) were on shift and Leslie and I were bored. We decided to grab Angie’s coffee creamer and take a drink. It’s so childish to look back on because why did we think that would be a good idea? But it’s also funny to look back on. I’d like to thank all the houseparents who worked with me, my counselor Darcy, all the high school staff, and all my friends and family. Especially my mom and dad for pushing me to not give up and to keep going. My future plans are to major in Psychology so I can become a social worker. My advice to younger kids would probably be that life doesn’t stop. It doesn’t wait for anything, so keep going and prove to everyone that you can do it.
Zeke
My name is Zeke, and I’ve been at St Joseph’s for seven years. I’m enrolled in the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Activities I was involved in were football, basketball and choir. My favorite memories are when …
Zeke
My name is Zeke, and I’ve been at St Joseph’s for seven years. I’m enrolled in the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Activities I was involved in were football, basketball and choir. My favorite memories are when the Chamberlain Cubs beat Vermillion in the Dakotadome and when Kansas slipped and fell in the kitchen and broke his plate. I was laughing so hard I couldn’t breathe. My plans for after high school are undecided. My advice to younger students is to stay caught-up on your schoolwork. Don’t get behind or you’ll just have more work to catch-up on. People I’d like to thank are Bobbi, Trond and Steph, Polly, Mr. Brian, Ms. Glenda, Scott, Jeff, Joe, Norm and Lilli for being there for me when it mattered most. They helped me through tough times and good and helped me mature into the young man I am today.
Amiel
My name is Amiel, and I’m an enrolled member of Lower Brule Kul Wicasa Oyáte. I’ve been at St. Joe’s for 11 years, or since second grade. I’ve been in baseball, chess club, Native American Club …
Amiel
My name is Amiel, and I’m an enrolled member of Lower Brule Kul Wicasa Oyáte. I’ve been at St. Joe’s for 11 years, or since second grade. I’ve been in baseball, chess club, Native American Club and One-Act Play. My favorite memory is during the Cultural Trip. We’d just got done driving for a while, and we were supposed to go to a log cabin for the night. We stopped for lunch, and while we were inside getting something to eat, Shoeny was doing something with the things we had packed. He was probably checking the soup or stew he made, he accidentally dropped the pot and the stew spilled out onto the Burger King parking lot. I’ve been here for a long time, maybe not as long as other people but still a while. It’s kind of cool to think about how the campus has changed since I first carried my Lightning McQueen suitcase into Raphael Home. A few homes have changed, the playground used to have little wood chips that stuck to your shoes, and the football field was surrounded by trees and had a wall of trees where the barn (Equine Therapy Center) is now. There’s a lot of people I want to thank, my houseparents Leonard and Alice, for helping me get settled into living at St. Joseph’s when I first got here. Mr. Brian and Mrs. Glenda, who made the best biscuits and gravy and were the main reason I actually woke up early most days. Trond and Steph, who would let us Fisher Home boys use the wi-fi at their house, both of whom still work here but aren’t house parents anymore, and Norm and Lily, who helped me get through high school with most of my mental health intact. My advice to the younger kids is to live in the moment. It’s still important to plan for your future, but it’s also important to enjoy your time. Stop and smell the roses. If you don’t want to do a certain sport or be a part of an activity, still try it out. You’ll never know you loved it, or you hated it if you hadn’t tried it. Don’t do something you’re going to regret in a few years. It’s important to put school first, but be sure to take time to relax and enjoy yourself. Do your best to have as many fun memories as possible. My plans for the future aren’t set in stone yet. Generally, I plan on trying to go to a tech college, and then I want to be able to make movies and build robots for the rest of my life.
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 …
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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. …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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.
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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.
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