Rev. Dr. Gerald Yellowhawk, artist, author, spiritual leader, ordained minister, delivered the invocation and blessing for the graduates. Daniel Butcher, Director of the Piya-Wo'ecin Oti (New Hope/New Beginnings) homeless shelter on the Cheyenne River Reservation, was the guest speaker. Whitney Rencountre II, Rapid City's Ateyapi Program Director, speaker, singer, and performer, introduced the honoring ceremony and provided encouragement and reflection. Carolyn LaRoche, Western Dakota Tech Eagle Feather Society Club President, announced special presentations. Ann Bolman, Ed.D., Western Dakota Tech President, welcomed everyone to the special event. Northsiderz drum group provided the Grand Entry song and Honor Song.
"We congratulate our graduates on their achievements," said Jennie Best, Western Dakota Tech's Eagle Feather Society Club Coordinator and Student Success Coach. "For our Native American students, it is an honor to receive an eagle feather or plume during a special ceremony such as this one for graduation. It signifies someone has done something outstanding for themselves, their family, and/or community."
The honored graduates, their programs, and hometowns are as follows:
- Alana Brown Bull, Health Information Management, Kyle
- Maynard Bull, Jr., Business and Technology, Lead
- Amanda Clifford, Medical Lab Technician, Rapid City
- Nichole Fast Horse, Business & Technology, Rapid City
- Cameron Moser-Asbjeld, Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Emphasis, Rapid City
- Hunter Oliver, Computer-Aided Drafting, Rapid City
- Halana Quick Bear, Phlebotomy/Laboratory Assistant, Rapid City
- Angela Ware, Practical Nursing, Rapid City
- Cecelia White Eagle, Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Emphasis, Rapid City
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About Western Dakota Tech
Western Dakota Tech was established in 1968 and is the only technical college serving the western South Dakota region.
Western Dakota Tech offers programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction and Manufacturing, Energy and Environmental Technologies, Health Sciences, Legal and Public Services, and Transportation Technologies.
More than 96 percent of Western Dakota Tech's most recent graduates are working, continuing their education, or are enlisted in the military.
Western Dakota Tech faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, Western Dakota Tech students graduate ready to make a real and immediate contribution to their employers and to their communities.
For information about Western Dakota Tech, call (800) 544-8765 or (605) 718-2565 or send an email to admissions@wdt.edu. Visit us on the web at wdt.edu.
