Smoke Signals July 1992 . Page 7
1992 GRADUATIONS
Concluding the 1991-1992 school year, the Tribal
Education Program is attempting to recognize students for
their academic and leadership accomplishments. We
realize not all of the students are being listed for
recognition. The program through the Tribal Newsletter,
April-June 1992 issues asked families to submit names of
children and relatives who were deserving of recognition
as well as names of children who were graduating.
Additionally, we mailed Tribal Education Trust Fund
Achievement & Recognition Scholarship announcements
and application packets to Title V, Indian Education Act
Projects, School Districts, and Johnson O'Malley
Programs throughout Oregon, as well as utilizing the
Tribal Enrollment Office's mailing list. Please join us in
congratulating the students listed in this Educational
Update for all their hard work and perseverance. If the
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde is to realize a bright
and positive future, we must foster, support, and nurture
our young people for all their educational
accomplishments.
HIGHER EDUCATION GRADS
STUDENT: KELLY J.NELSON
SCHOOL: California State University, Sacramento
MAJOR: Health and Human Services
DEGREE: Masters of Social Work
In fulfilling her degree requirements for an MSW,
Ms. Nelson's Master's project entailed study and co
authoring of an "ABSTRACT OF ECO-MAPS OF
INSULARITY OF CHEMICALLY DEPENDENT
WOMEN". The study viewed the "psychological
stressors resulting in isolation or integration that
contributes to mother's drug dependency". In
speaking with Kelly regarding her project, she felt
that "in spite of all the time one spends in school
working on projects such as this one, you realize just
how little you really know, and how much there is yet
to learn". On May 22nd, 1992, both Kelly and her
husband Robert Nelson received their Master's
degrees from California State University
Sacramento. Kelly has been a Higher Education
Program participant of the Confederated Tribes. She
earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology
and Chemistry in 1991. During the 1991-1992 school
year, Ms. Nelson received funding graduate studies
under the tribe's EDUCATION TRUST FUND
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM and through the
American Indian Graduate Center in New Mexico.
Kelly expressed both relief and joy on receiving her
Master's degree. She did feel a little anxious in
getting started on the job search. Ms. Nelson expressed
"thanks for all the support and for putting up with her
limited time, to her children Sarah and Ray, and to her
husband for constantly being there". She thanked the
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Tribal
Council for the foresight in providing educational
assistance to tribal members. Kelly is the daughter of
the late John Pichette, and her mother Jayne Pichette,
who currently resides in Sacramento. Kelly, our
CONGRATULATIONS on a job well done. You are a
model parent, student, and tribal member!
STUDENT: JUNE L. OLSON
SCHOOL: University of Oregon
MAJOR: Psychology
DEGREE: Bachelor of Science
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June Olson
After earning an Associate's degree from Clark College
and completing training in the Washington State Police
Academy, Ms. JUNE OLSON worked with the Sheriffs
Department in Clark County for seven years. In
January, 1991, Ms. Olson decided to pursue another
goal, that of completing a Pre-Law degree ant the
University of Oregon. On June 14, 1992, June earned a
Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the
university. During her U. of O. experience, Ms. Olson
maintained an accumulative Grade Point Average of
3.11. June writes, "I would like to thank the tribe for
their assistance, and my family for standing behind me
through this experience. Although the degree is in my
name, the work and personal sacrifice it took to earn it
was a combined effort. I would like to particularly thank
my sister, Joannie West, who made financial
contributions to my cause at her own expense. I would
like to thank my sister, Joyce DeHart, for her
continuous support, faith, and encouragement. 'I would
like to thank Laney and Robert Majors for the use of
their computer and the many hours invested in keeping
my car running. And finally, I would like to thank my
mother and stepfather, Bud Davidson, for always being
there for me. Without them I don't think I would have
made it, and I know the journey would not have been
the same. As for the future, I have two goals. I plan to
write a historic account of Grand Ronde, and the
families who lived and died there. Second, I plan to take
the exam for Law School in the Fall. Whether I pass
will largely determine where I go from here, but
ultimately, whatever I do, the Grand Ronde tribal
community will be the focus of my work".
June Olson is the daughter of Marion Haller Davidson
and granddaughter of Adeline Menard Haller. June,
you are our future! CONGRATULATIONS on your
accomplishments!
STUDENT: PAUL COONEY
SCHOOL : University of Oregon
MAJOR: Law
DEGREE: Doctorate Jurisprudence
On June 14, 1992, PAUL COONEY completed the final
segment of his educational experience, graduating from
the University of Oregon School of Law, with a
Doctorate of Jurisprudence degree.
Mr. Cooney is the son of Thomas E. and Beverly
McKnight Cooney. His grandmother is Elvira Langley.
Paul's sister, Tracy Cooney, is currently attending
Portland State University.
While pursuing his undergraduate and graduate degrees,
Paul was able to forgo assistance from the Tribal Higher
Education Program. During his graduate experience,
Paul received a scholarship from the American Indian
Graduate Center, in Albuquergue, New Mexico.
Currently Paul is beginning preparations to take the
State Bar Exam in July, 1992. His future plans
tentatively involve working for the Law Firm of Cooney,
Mascato, and Crew.
On graduating Paul expressed thanks to all his family
and his dog "Suds" for constantly standing by him! Paul,
our CONGRATULATIONS, you have made us all
proud.
STUDENT: HEATHER L. DAVIDSON
SCHOOL: Chemeketa Community College
PROGRAM: Health Care Support Services
DEGREE: Associate of Science Certificate of
Completion
With the words,"Opportunity, Diversity, Excellence" the
graduating class of 1992 at Chemeketa Community
college received their diplomas, certificates, and
degrees. Ms. HEATHER DAVIDSON , on June 12,
1992 received her diploma and certificate in Medical
Secretarial Administration, under the Health Care
Support Services program.
Heather is the daughter of Harry and Kathleen Cole
Davidson. Her brother, Jeffery Davidson also plans to
attend college at Central Oregon Community. Ms.
Davidson indicated that she was very happy and relieved
that school was finally finished. Prior to graduation
Heather had conducted job interviews and has landed a
job in a clinic in Forest Grove. Heather, for all your
hard work, CONGRATULATIONS!
STUDENT: TERRY BOERCKEL
SCHOOL: Western Business College
MAJOR: Travel and Hospitality Administration
DEGREE: Diploma of Completion
In the Spring of 1991, Ms. TERRY BOERCKEL,
watched her daughter graduate from the International
Air Academy as a Reservation and Ticket Agent. After
doing serious evaluation of her personal work
environment and also due to health reasons, Terry
decided to make a career change, she enrolled in
Western Business College's Travel and Hospitality
Administration program. While attending WBC, Ms.
Boerckel participated in the school's "Evening Program"
and continued to work full time.
In April, 1992, Ms. Boerckel completed all requirements
at WBC to earn her diploma. While attending WBC
Ms. Boerckel maintained a solid 2.5 GPA. She
managed to juggle work, personal time, and academics
in order to complete her program. Terry, for your
perseverance, our CONGRATULATIONS.
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