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SKC graduates receive diplomas Saturday

Issue Date: 6/10/2010
Last Updated: 3/10/2014 4:30:02 PM | By Kate Haake  

PABLO — The graduates at Salish and Kootenai College on Saturday morning were not your ordinary run-of-the-mill graduating class of Lake County. 

Donning shawls and regalia instead of caps and gowns, the proud graduates entered the Joe McDonald gymnasium following elders Octave Finley and Linda King. 

Once the graduates were at their seats, Salish language instructor Alec Quequesah gave the invocation. Quequesah was also presented the 2010 teacher of the year award.

His message to the graduating class was one of inspiration and praise for their hard work and dedication. 

“Don’t ever walk with your head down,” he said. “Walk tall and proud.”

Two welcoming addresses were given by Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Chairman Ernest “Bud” Moran and SKC president Joe McDonald. 

“Remember that this is just the beginning,” Moran said. “On behalf of the tribal council, we would like to extend our appreciation and thanks to the faculty and staff.”

Student senate president and athlete Angie Redstar gave an inspirational note to her fellow students, gracing her captive audience with words of wisdom and confidence. 

The founder of Full Circle Foundation Jeff Kaufman gave commencement address. The Full Circle Foundation provides scholarships to students from rural towns with a population of 3,000 people or less. In his speech, Kaufman asked the graduates to acknowledge and thank their family members, friends and mentors, who have helped them in their academic endeavors. The students immediately turned around and waved at clusters of loved ones. 

Following the presentation of diplomas, Dr. Vernon Finley gave the closing prayer in the Kootenai language and an honor song was played by the Yamncut Drum Group.