2 APRIL 15, 2003
Smoke Signals
Dear Smoke Signals,
Those of you that are not familiar with the Educational Department, I
am here to tell you they make dreams come true.
Five years ago, my sister talked me into taking a couple of classes at
my local college. Her leverage was, "the Reservation will pay your tu
ition." I was quite nervous; I only held a GED and never went to high
school. See, I had three kids by the time I was eighteen, but always
stressed to kids the importance of a good education.
So, I applied for college, took three classes and walked away with two
A's and a B. Not bad for a 9th grade drop out and a mother of four with a
fulltime job. And yes, the Tribe did help me financially. Frankly, there
was no way I could afford to pay the tuitions.
With my sister, Roxanne Teeter and her nursing degree and with my
bother, Ken Lanier and his Bachelor's Degree in business, I had inspira
tion. The Tribe again provided me with the financial assistance I needed
when they awarded me an Educational Trust Fund Scholarship in 1998.
What I was not expecting was the emotional support the Educational
Department gave me. They truly cared about me and really wanted me to
succeed. They treated me as if I was family and have never even met me
as I live in Colorado. For this, I want to publicly thank my entire Tribe
and personally thank Marion Mercier, April Campbell, John Harp and
Dean Azule. You guys are the best! You make dreams come true. These
are very special individuals that deserve recognition for going beyond
their expected duties.
I would like to take this opportunity to also honor my kids, June, Ezekiel,
Michael and Megan. I love you all. Your support and love are given
unconditionally; you are all such a special part of my life. By the way,
those three kids that entered my life and blessed me in every way possible
are now beautiful, productive adults that I could not by more proud of.
Appropriately, on May 11, 2003, which is Mother's Day, I will gradu
ate with my Bachelors Degree in public accounting. I even managed a
3.25 GPA and am already working fulltime. Of course right now I am
knee deep in tax season and love it! Also, with assistance of the Tribe and
several local scholarships, I am walking away from my college career ow
ing nothing to student loans.
So, if you want your educational dreams to come true, visit the Educa
tion Department, they will do everything they can to assist you. God bless
us all, The Confederated Tribe of Grand Ronde, we are more family then
one could wish for.
One last note, hello Mom (Sharon Beard) I love you.
Shereena Lanier
Roll 1986
P.S. Now that I am working I will be able to help my kids with their
higher education dreams. I am the end of the bloodline and they are not
eligible for educational assistance. So as you can see, the Tribe really is
helping them when they helped me. Again, I thank you all deeply.
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GRAND RONDE ROLL :
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BRENT MERRILL
PUBLIC INFORMATION
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503-879-2321
brent.merrillgrandronde.org
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