SCA Curriculum Night honors two SCA alumni
1/15/2015 1:00:00 PM - Tribal Observer

By Natalie Shattuck, Editor

The Saginaw Chippewa Academy hosted its Culture/Language Curriculum Night on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

            Interim Education Director Melissa Montoya welcomed the students, parents and families to the SCA event.

            “I’m so happy to see so many supportive faces,” Montoya said to the guests in the packed room.

            Anishinabe Culture and Language Teacher Aaron Chivis explained courses taught at SCA.

            Montoya said SCA presents a strong cultural identify and contains teachers who understand the traditions, while giving each student individualized one-on-one attention.

            “I wanted to change this school into something that belongs to the community,” Montoya said. “And I wanted to set the standards high.”

Two Eagle Feathers were presented to two SCA alumni: Karen Chippewa and Ethan Hunt, who are both considered positive role models to youth.

“Here at SCA, we don’t hope for success, we expect it,” Montoya said.

Karen currently has a 3.9 GPA and is on track for a 4.0.

Karen was always shy, but she picked up quickly on the language and got along with students, Montoya said.

Montoya’s former student in Culture & Language class, Ethan Hunt, also received an Eagle Feather for being a great influence.

Ethan has taken on a huge role for the family since his father, Eric Hunt, passed away. He also keeps up with his grades and has been doing great in school.

The drummers performed an Honor Song, a meal was served and then students and parents were welcome to visit the various tables set up in SCA for different crafts and activities.