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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (July 1, 2007)
TRIBAL MEMBER NEWS Graduates! PSU Honors Indian Graduates Five Siletz Tribal Members are Recognized by Katy Kaady, Portland Area Education Specialist This year at Portland State Uni versity's Native American Graduate Ceremony on June 8. five Siletz Tribal members were recognized for their achievements and their upcoming graduation. The Portland Area Siletz Tribal Education Program also would like to recognize the accomplishments of all these wonderful people: Congratulations to SVECA class of 2007! Siletz Valley Early College Academy graduates (I to r): Ryan Knight salutatorian, Karli Jay, Josh Smith. Liana Kaiser. Charlie Jones, and Brittney Payne. Not pictured: Monica Serna - valedictorian, (photo by Stephanie Morrow) Clifford Higgins graduates with a BA in English and anthropol ogy and a minor in Na tive Ameri can studies. from Mom. Dad. Tashina. Stevie, Grams, Gramps, Andy, and Big Boy Congratulations to Kelani Tomiko Theresa Smith (Bostrom) graduates with a bache lor’s degree in child and family stud ies and a minor in Na tive Ameri can studies. We are very proud of you, Nani, and wish you the best in life with much Aloha! Samantha Danielle Lynch with so much love and happiness - Mom. Dad, and the Rilatos and Lynch Clan Congratulations to Samantha Danielle Lynch! Sam is the daughter of Dan and Selene Rilatos-Lynch; grand daughter of Maxine and the late Robert Rilatos Sr., and Jim and Cleo Lynch; and great-granddaughter of Tuton and Pearl Rilatos and Honor ary Chief Archie and Victoria Ben. Sam graduated from Toledo High School with many High Honors, both academically and athletically: Honor Society member, Honors Diploma re cipient. and CIM Achievement. She carried a 4.0 GPA throughout her school career and was a valedictorian along with her cousin/friend Ami Case. She will attend the University of Oregon in the fall and we wish you all the success and happiness in the world. Sam is the one and only young woman thus far since the removal of our people to the Siletz. Reservation to have had the flower dance in her honor. This dance represents the celebration of her becoming a woman and helps in the preservation of our people. • Not able to attend this special cer emony was Shannon Larsen who will graduate with a bachelor’s de gree in English and German. Becka Saunders will finish her fi- nals/practicum hours and graduate soon with a bachelor’s degree in child and family studies. All of these students have gradu ated with Honors and we are so very proud of them for all their work and their commitment to furthering their education. We know it’s never easy to be full-time students and in some cases parents and/or partners, supporting themselves and their families while all the time focusing on their studies. Getting to know these graduates has been a very special pleasure and seeing how many of them have over come many obstacles to reach this point. Congratulations to each of you. And to all our other students who are still in the process - you are get ting closer to your goal. We know you will get there and way beyond this in your life. Burke, who graduated from Leilehua High School in Hawaii on June 1. Joe Scott graduates with a mas ter’s degree in education. • Michelle McKelvey graduates with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Kelani Tomiko Burke Leilehua HS • Norma T r e f r a n graduates with a bache lor’s degree in social science. Butler Receives Outstanding Achievement Award This is a big feat and will help you and future generations to come. We most humbly still are grateful and carry so much appreciation for all the fam ily and people who witnessed and par ticipated in this historical ceremony. Like your Grandpa Rilatos would say. always remember where you come from, who you are. and remember al ways those who paid a price for you. You're our shining star and like in your valedictorian address, tell your own story. Keep up the good hard work and dedication and remember to follow your dream. Ta gah huska sho na schily to our “Sam I Am." The folks at the Portland area office would like to congratulate Gary Butler Jr. for his most recent accomplishment. Gary was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award for the 2007 school year al Reynolds Middle School. His proud parents are Gary Buller Sr. and Patricia Martin, and his grandfa ther is Reggie Butler Sr. W'e all know Gary has worked very hard this year to receive this honor. He has been active in many tribal youth events and has always been one of the kindest and most respectful young men to everyone. He has always been there to give a helping hand, especially to Katy Kitady as she prepares for youth activities. Gary’s summer plans include work ing out at his local fitness center and Gary Butler Jr. and Gary Butler Sr working at the Oregon Humane Soci ety through the Tribal Youth Education and Employment (TYEE) Program. Congratulations, (¡ary, on receiving this honor. We all are so very proud of you. July 2007 • Siletz News • 13
