Smoke Signals
August 1991
page 4
SPRING GRADUATES
Maria Christina Trevino
SCHOOL: Eastern Oregon State College
DEGREE: Bachelor of Science
Psychology Major
General Studies Major
ACCUME: 135
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On June 7th, 1991, Ms. Maria Christina Trevino
received not one, but three degrees! She earned
Bachelor of Science degree requirements in Psychology
and General Studies; and Associate of Arts in Office
Administration.
In reflecting on her experience, Maria wrote; "Many
thanks from the heart to the Tribe for supporting my
efforts during the last year. There are achievements and
awards I've received from college that I could list, but
none of them are as important to me as the people who
have really helped me to reach my goals. Therefore, I
want to thank all the members of my family for setting
the expectation and encouraging me to finish high
school first... and now college.
My father, Jose' Trevino Jr. always wanted me to 'stay
in school' and even though at times I really resented his
pressure, I see now that he was right. I can never thank
him enough. My mom, Mary Trevino, had faith in me
and my achievements and supports every decision I
make. I appreciate that she listens, and together we
learn by looking back.
My sister, Cynthia, listened to me so many times when
I was down, even when the ejui seemed so far away.
Her humor reminded me of my own strength and
optimism. She is the main source of joy in my life. My
brother Ken, has been a pillar of strength for me.
Financially he has assisted me more than I could ever
repay. I love you Kenny. My littlest brother Ryan, is a
great source of inspiration for me.
I'm proud that I can be a role model for my family
members and other young people. I'm not an 'A' or 'B'
student. I just try very hard to learn about life and share
that experience. Through my 'hard knocks' and suc
cesses perhaps I have felt the real life struggles and as
cension of my heritage. Nothing has been easy, but it
has been all worthwhile."
Ms. Maria Christina Trevino, we applaud your accom
plishments!
Cecile J. Kneeland
Tracy Marie Olson
SCHOOL: University of Oregon
DEGREE: Bachelor of Arts
Political Science - Major
SociologyJournalism - Minor
ACCUME GPA: 2.40
SCHOOL: Western Oregon State College
DEGREE: Bachelor of Science
Social Science - Major ,
AnthropologyEducation - Minor
ACCUME GPA: 2.58
On June 8th, 1991, among the 570 students who
received their diplomas at Western Oregon state
college, was Ms. Cecik J. Kneeland. Cecile earned a
Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science. While
attending WOSC, Cecile also had to contend with the
addition of two children! She managed to balance her
I schedule between studies and family in addition to
serving on the Tribe's Archaeology Committee.
V Ms. Kneeland has been active with the Tribal Commu
nity. She taught Chinook Jargon classes to children in
the Willamina School District's Title V Indian Educa-
1 I tion Program. She has expressed a strong desire to
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continue working with Indian people.
Cecile is the daughter of Alton Kneeland and Cordelia
(Tom) Kneeland. She has expressed thanks to her
family for their support and to the Tribe's Education
Program.
) Ms. Kneeland, you are a model of "stick-to-it-ness".
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congratulations to you on a job well done.
Teresa J. Pearsall
SCHOOL: Western Medical College of
Allied Health Careers .
MAJOR:- Medical Administrative Management
ACCUME GPA: 97 Overall test Scores
MAM Courses
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On June 9th, 1991, Ms. Tracy Marie Olson, daughter
of June (West) Olson & Douglas Olson, and grand
daughter of Marian Davidson, graduated form the
University of Oregon. Tracy expressed great joy and
relief at her commencement. She stated "It's really
been a long journey but the reward of graduation has
been well worth it! I feel pretty lucky, I really didn't face
any major crises or negative experiences during my
college experience. I feel that I had a lot of moral
support from my parents."
"I would like to thank the Tribe for all the assistance
they provided. Without this assistance, things would
have been very difficult." Tracy further voiced encour
age to young people to go on to college. She feels that a
college education helps you in obtaining necessary
knowledge for the future.
In Tracy's application for college, she wrote "I have a
real passionate interest in educating others about us as
Native Americans. I am extremely proud of who I am
and want to learn all I can."
Tracy, you have certainly backed your words, by
earning your degree. We are proud of you, YOU are
our future.
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Originally Mr. Teresa Pearsall though of pursuing a
four year degree program, but due to circumstances, she
felt the need to switch toward a vocational training
program. On May 10th, 1991, Mr. Teresa Pearsall
graduated for the Western Medical College of Allied
Health Careers, in Salem.
In speaking with Teresa, she felt that the training she
received was valuable. She feels that with the skills she's