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!
Aiden
Hi, my name is Aiden. I am from Lower Brule/Kul Wicasa. I’ve been attending St. Joseph’s for eight years — since the fourth grade. A major activity I took part in was basketball. I love the …
Aiden
Hi, my name is Aiden. I am from Lower Brule/Kul Wicasa. I’ve been attending St. Joseph’s for eight years — since the fourth grade. A major activity I took part in was basketball. I love the sport. For my favorite memory, I would say it took place last summer when my friends and I went on a trip to Germany. It was so fun! Throwback to my younger years, I loved going on home trips with all the boys and my houseparents Odis and Theresa in the Cyr Home. I am very thankful for my later houseparents, Norm and Lilli. They’ve given me lots of advice growing up through high school and believed in me the most ways anyone could have. They have helped me become who I am. I really appreciate what they’ve done for me. Thank you! My future plans are to pursue a degree in graphic design at Lake Area Technical College.
Angie
Hi, my name is Angelina, but most know me by Angie. I’ve been attending St. Joseph’s for 10 years. Some activities I’ve enjoyed here are going on the Europe trip, dancing in the annual powwows, playing …
Angie
Hi, my name is Angelina, but most know me by Angie. I’ve been attending St. Joseph’s for 10 years. Some activities I’ve enjoyed here are going on the Europe trip, dancing in the annual powwows, playing kickball and cheerleading at the high school. Through it all, my favorite memory is definitely the Europe trip because it felt amazing to make connections across seas and stand in front of the Eiffel Tower. A closer-to-home memory I love would have to be being with my community. When I was in the Mathias Home, I loved when everybody would run home from school to throw down their backpack and grab their friends and basketball or a jump rope. Even in high school, I love it when the community comes together to have a bonfire with s’mores in the Kateri backyard. I would like to give a thank you and hugs to the staff and peers I’ve met along the way. More specifically, Richard Z. for always seeing the best in me, Tia F. for making my head a lovely place to be in and Amanda H. for sticking by my side since I came to St. Joseph’s. My advice to younger students is to not dim your light to fit in somewhere. If you still like unicorns in 10th grade, then you rock with that like no other. Being your authentic self feels so natural and easy, don’t make it hard for yourself. My future plans are to attend Native American Art Institute in New Mexico. I also plan to remain a good person to my environment, my loved ones and my mental health.
William
Hi, my name is William. I have been at St. Joseph’s for 11 years. I am enrolled in the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. At St. Joseph’s, I participated in different types of activities like football, softball, …
William
Hi, my name is William. I have been at St. Joseph’s for 11 years. I am enrolled in the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. At St. Joseph’s, I participated in different types of activities like football, softball, wrestling, basketball, Native American Club and going to the Rec Center. My favorite St. Joseph’s memory would be when I was in sixth grade. We were sitting in the cafeteria having breakfast for lunch when one of the girls to my right threw their bag of mini pancakes at us. It hit my friend’s chocolate milk, causing it to go all over his white sweatshirt. I would like to thank my houseparents, Mr. Brian and Ms. Glenda, as well as important teachers like Mr. Teil, Mr. Graves and Mr. Kurtz for allowing me to find an interest I would like to pursue after graduation. My future plan is to apply to Lake Area Tech and major in welding.
Mersayis
Hi, my name is Mersayis. I’ve been attending St. Joseph’s for 10 years, (that’s actually crazy). Some activities I participated in while in middle school were track, volleyball, softball, basketball, cheer and the St. Joseph’s Annual …
Mersayis
Hi, my name is Mersayis. I’ve been attending St. Joseph’s for 10 years, (that’s actually crazy). Some activities I participated in while in middle school were track, volleyball, softball, basketball, cheer and the St. Joseph’s Annual Powwow where I was Jr. Miss St. Joseph’s for two years. Activities/clubs I’ve participated in while in high school are volleyball, girls’ basketball manager, Health Occupations Students of America and Native American Club. My favorite and most painful memory had to be when Aiden and I were riding scooters in Germany and I fell trying to keep up with him, thinking I could do parkour. Another favorite memory would be when we were in Paris and ate at a corner café. It was so beautiful and I was surrounded by all the people I love the most in this whole world! Some staff I would love to thank are all my middle school teachers, middle school houseparents — especially Mr. Rigo, Mrs. Julie, Benny and Angie. I would also send a huge thank you to all the people who worked with me my high school years. Counselors, residential coordinators, floats, subs, the garage men … Of course I was always “fender bender-ing” something. Without all of the staff, I would not know the true meaning of family. I want to thank St. Joseph’s as a whole for being there to help shape me into the young woman I am today. Two more people who deserve the biggest shout-out of them all are Tia and Dave F. — thank you for loving and caring for me as if I were one of your own. These four years have had highs and lows and you were there throughout it all. I’m so lucky to have had you a part of my support system, cheering as loud as can be. One last thank you would be the faculty of Chamberlain High School. Thank you for giving me the chance to be a part of your community. I’ve learned and grown so much! Thank you Mr. Steckelberg for letting me pick on you. Advice I would give to younger students would be: you didn’t come this far to come this far and not be happy. My future plans are to attend Dakota Wesleyan University and major in nursing.
Landon
My name is Landon and I’ve been at St. Joseph’s Indian School since third grade. From fourth through sixth grade, I took part in wrestling. I’d like to thank Scott W. for being my counselor, as …
Landon
My name is Landon and I’ve been at St. Joseph’s Indian School since third grade. From fourth through sixth grade, I took part in wrestling. I’d like to thank Scott W. for being my counselor, as well as a thank you to Norm and Lilli for being my houseparents during high school. My advice for younger students is to pursue your creative talents and allow yourself to grow and improve as a person. After I graduate, I will continue my summer job until I go to college at Minot State University in North Dakota. I plan to major in art to pursue a career as a professional freelance artist.
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.
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.
