Honoring heritage and achievement

Native American seniors from Renton were celebrated in a special ceremony

By Renton Reporter Staff • June 13, 2019 5:30 pm
Native American story teller and musician Paul Cheokten Wagner music & art provided music and stories at Renton School’s celebration of Native American graduates. Photo courtesy of Renton Schools. Native American story teller and musician Paul Cheokten Wagner music & art provided music and stories at Renton School’s celebration of Native American graduates. Photo courtesy of Renton Schools. Native American story teller and musician Paul Cheokten Wagner music & art provided music and stories at Renton School’s celebration of Native American graduates. Photo courtesy of Renton Schools.
Native American story teller and musician Paul Cheokten Wagner music & art provided music and stories at Renton School’s celebration of Native American graduates. Photo courtesy of Renton Schools. Native American story teller and musician Paul Cheokten Wagner music & art provided music and stories at Renton School’s celebration of Native American graduates. Photo courtesy of Renton Schools. Native American story teller and musician Paul Cheokten Wagner music & art provided music and stories at Renton School’s celebration of Native American graduates. Photo courtesy of Renton Schools.

A special ceremony honoring a few graduates’ heritage took place at Renton High School.

On Thursday, June 13, a special graduation ceremony took place for 15 Native American seniors, according to Renton School’s Facebook page. The students were celebrated for their hard work to complete requirements for graduation while also representing their heritage and culture.

The ceremony included special music and dance, and then concluded with a presentation of hand-made stoles.

The students included;

•Michael Berdnt

•Charlotte Brock-Alexander

•Megan Decoteau

•Saul Hernandez

•Jennifer Lee

•Emma Murdy

•Nathaniel Spears

•Timothy Harris

•Tyler Holbrook

•Elijah Montgomery

•Tyjion Rath

•Jaimie Sullivan

•Olivia Ventura

•Bethany Mitchell

•Brianna Mitchell

•Julia Zepeda

Native American students who graduated this week were honored with a special, cultural celebration at Renton High School. Courtesy of Renton Schools. Native American students who graduated this week were honored with a special, cultural celebration at Renton High School. Courtesy of Renton Schools.

Native American students who graduated this week were honored with a special, cultural celebration at Renton High School. Courtesy of Renton Schools. Native American students who graduated this week were honored with a special, cultural celebration at Renton High School. Courtesy of Renton Schools.

Native American students who graduated this week were honored with a special, cultural celebration at Renton High School. Courtesy of Renton Schools. Native American students who graduated this week were honored with a special, cultural celebration at Renton High School. Courtesy of Renton Schools.

Native American students who graduated this week were honored with a special, cultural celebration at Renton High School. Courtesy of Renton Schools. Native American students who graduated this week were honored with a special, cultural celebration at Renton High School. Courtesy of Renton Schools.

Earline Bala, Renton School District’s former Native American advisor, presents high school graduates with stoles hand-made by current advisor Nemasia Moala (Sháaxeidee Tláa). Photo courtesy of Renton Schools. Earline Bala, Renton School District’s former Native American advisor, presents high school graduates with stoles hand-made by current advisor Nemasia Moala (Sháaxeidee Tláa). Photo courtesy of Renton Schools.

Earline Bala, Renton School District’s former Native American advisor, presents high school graduates with stoles hand-made by current advisor Nemasia Moala (Sháaxeidee Tláa). Photo courtesy of Renton Schools. Earline Bala, Renton School District’s former Native American advisor, presents high school graduates with stoles hand-made by current advisor Nemasia Moala (Sháaxeidee Tláa). Photo courtesy of Renton Schools.

Native American story teller and musician Paul Cheokten Wagner music & art provided music and stories at Renton School’s celebration of Native American graduates. Photo courtesy of Renton Schools. Native American story teller and musician Paul Cheokten Wagner music & art provided music and stories at Renton School’s celebration of Native American graduates. Photo courtesy of Renton Schools. Native American story teller and musician Paul Cheokten Wagner music & art provided music and stories at Renton School’s celebration of Native American graduates. Photo courtesy of Renton Schools.

Native American story teller and musician Paul Cheokten Wagner music & art provided music and stories at Renton School’s celebration of Native American graduates. Photo courtesy of Renton Schools. Native American story teller and musician Paul Cheokten Wagner music & art provided music and stories at Renton School’s celebration of Native American graduates. Photo courtesy of Renton Schools. Native American story teller and musician Paul Cheokten Wagner music & art provided music and stories at Renton School’s celebration of Native American graduates. Photo courtesy of Renton Schools.