Siletz news /, July 01, 2002, Page 8, Image 8

TRIBAL MEMBER NEWS
I
Hill Honored at Eagle
Feather Ceremony
Jeremy Hill was honored at an Eagle Feather Ceremony held on May 31,
2002, at McNary High School. The Salem-Keizer school district’s Indian
Education program hosted the event. They presented the graduating students
with plaques, eagle feathers, and ribbon shirts for the boys and shawls for
the girls. Speakers included the school district superintendent and local
school principal.
Eagle Beak (from Grand Ronde) provided the drumming for the event.
After the ceremony, refreshments were provided.
Those present to help Jeremy celebrate included his mom, stepdad,
grandmother, sister, aunt, uncle, and cousin.
Kids Turn Their Lives Around
by Jeff Anderson of the Keizertimes (reprinted with permission)
A year ago, Jeremy Hill was close
“I wasn’t going to graduate,” said
to becoming a dropout at McNary
Hill, a senior, “I needed 14 credits at
High School.
the beginning of the year.”
I
Jennifer Lavery thought school at
Hill said he was told he’d be a
Claggett Creek Middle School was a
five-year senior, and that he should
waste of time.
think about enlisting in the military.
And Phillip Moullet was the
“I just didn't like school and then
unofficial king of detention at
I got into the CE2 program, and they
Whiteaker Middle School.
got me back on track to graduate on
All three Keizer kids turned their
time,” he said.
lives around and were honored for
His mom, Cindy Jackson, said her
their efforts, along with 17 Salem
son went through some tough times.
students, at the Salem-Keizer School
His parents divorced and he took it
I District’s eighth annual Turnaround
hard, she said.
Achievement Awards ceremony. The
“He had dug himself quite a hole.
event was held May 15 at Willamette
He’d been doing that for three years,”
Lutheran Homes in Keizer.
said Larry Hayward, the CE2 teacher
Sponsored by Keizer’s Town and
at McNary who teaches students life
Country Lanes, the ceremony drew a
and work skills.
host of local leaders, including Salem
Hayward “is a real miracle
Mayor Mike Swaim, schools
worker,” Jackson said, adding that her
Superintendent Kay Baker, Keizer
son gained in self-confidence and his
Fire Chief Greg Frank, Keizer
Police Chief Marc Adams, state Rep.* entire attitude improved.
“They wanted to send him to boot
Vic Backlund, and several Keizer
camp,” she said. “I said he can do this.
city councilors.
I knew he could do it.”
Jim Seymour of Catholic
Hayward said it’s always
Community Services was the guest
rewarding to see kids' lives change for
speaker, and he challenged the
the better.
turnaround students to set goals, keep
learning, and keep their eyes focused
“It’s a labor of love,” he said.
“That’s why we go to work every day, I
on the straight path.
to see kids succeed. To turn your life I
“You can make mistakes. You
can screw up,’’ he said, “as long as
around you have to start going to I
school and putting forth some effort.” I
you admit it and get back on the
right track.’’
Hill said he plans to attend I
All three Keizer students admitted Chemeketa Community College in the I
to having made some poor decisions.
fall and become an electrician.
|
|
Four Siletz Tribal members were honored at this year’s Eagle Feather
Ceremony, held on June 10 at the Siletz Tribal Community Center. Pictured
clockwise from top left are Joe Lane, Maggie Norton, Kurtis Barker, and Sarah
Butler. Two Siletz Tribal members, Jason Howell and Andrea Retherford, are
not pictured. The Indian Education Program staff conducted the ceremony,
with Patty Savage Socha, Juanita Whitebear, Ann Goddard, Ahna Wagnon, and
Fred Rider taking part. Mike Darcy gave the keynote address.
Siletz Iribal Head Start sang at their graduation on June 6 (above).
Donovan Carey (below, I) and Clarinda Black (below, r) recieve graduation
packets from Teacher Vella.
8
□
Siletz News
□
Juíy 2002