LEADership Graduation Banquet 6-10-15

Joseph V. Sowmick - June 11, 2015

In an effort to provide bonus coverage, Team Observer joins with the Youth LEAD Department as they celebrate their accomplishments of Tribal youth at the “LEADership Graduation Banquet 2015.  The event was held at the Swan Creek Ballroom at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort on June 10. 

 

SCIT Public Relations Director Frank Cloutier served as emcee with Tribal Sub-Chief Lorna Call delivering opening remarks and Tribal Council Chaplain Jennifer Wassegijig providing a blessing.  Tribal Council Members Sandy Sprague, Shelly Bailey and Julius Peters also celebrated with the students and their families.  SCTC and CMU Graduate Christina Otto delivered words of encouragement as the Student Alumni Speaker for the event.  

 

Youth LEAD Director Jen Crawford and many of the Youth LEAD advisors and staff were also present at the event.   “On behalf of Youth LEAD, we would like to extend a huge congratulation to all of the 2015 graduates!  We are so proud of each and every one of the graduates and expect to see big things from each of them,” Crawford said.  “We had 28 youth that were recognized at the event, demonstrating their commitment to education.  Our vision is to help youth become educated, healthy, successful leaders and active members of society, and we are so proud of all of our Youth LEAD team members who have invested so much time, energy and love into the youth of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe!”

 

 

The Mino Ode Singers were on hand for a welcome song and an honor song for Zane Jewell and his family.  Zane’s mother Tonia received his posthumous diploma from Shepherd High School in a touching tribute that brought many tears and a standing ovation.  Youth LEAD Achievement Advisor John Shelton provided closing remarks for the capacity crowd in attendance.  A full story on the “LEADership Graduation Banquet 2015” will be featured in the July powwow issue of the Tribal Observer.