Lakota Phrase of the Day: Blokétu kiŋ waná hihúŋni!

Featuring Phillip Zimiga, Sierra Concha, and David LaDeaux. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

10,000 Hits and Counting: The Maȟpíya Lúta Times

David LaDeaux, Sierra Concha, and Phil Zimiga. Photo by Michael Sunderland. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

10,000 Hits and Counting: The Maȟpíya Lúta Times

 By Christian Phelps '13

As the 2012-2013 school year draws to a close, what better way to reflect on it than by referencing the blog that documented it all? The Maȟpíya Lúta Times has been the go-to internet blog for all of Red Cloud’s daily news happenings. Run by senior English teacher, Michael “Suds” Sunderland, The Maȟpíya Lúta Times recounted all the activities going on starting from its inception at the start of the second semester to the graduation week for the Class of 2013. Articles have included profiles interviewing new teachers and students, athletic accolades made by the Crusaders, after-school clubs’ adventures, and so on. Articles like “The Diaper Dandy,” a profile featuring Kobey O’Rourke and his escapades on the hardwood by Cully Pourier’13, have gained ML Times fame by remaining on the “popular posts” lists since being published. Other fame can be found in the article’s subjects; Colton Sierra’14 has been featured multiple times on the blog and holds several positions on the popular list.

Suds offers extra credit points in his classes to students who write ML Times-worthy articles, but the majority of the site’s editorials come from his 4th period Journalism class. The class consists of only three of the senior class’ top columnists: Elyssa Sierra Concha, David LaDeaux, and Phillip “Hard-Hitter” Zimiga. When asked on what it was like to be writing for Suds and The Times, Sierra Concha stated: “It was fun, yet difficult because [Suds] had strict deadlines. Sometimes I only had one class period to write an article!” The pressure seems to have worked in a positive fashion, though, as Concha took home the coveted “Outstanding Achievement” Award for the Journalism class. Her fellow reporters could not be reached for comment, but it is not hard to tell that they, too, enjoyed their time in the class, evidenced by the numerous articles and smiles seen as they went through the halls on the way to their next ML Times exclusive.

It is noted by the counter on the website that The Maȟpíya Lúta Times has recently passed the 10,000 views marker, a goal made by Sunderland back when the Times was first instituted in January. So coming from an occasional reporter and avid reader: Here’s to the next 10K, Mikey.

Science in Action

Videos by Shane Star '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Graduation Week

Photo by Sierra Concha '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Graduation Week

By Sierra Concha '13

This is the last week the class of 2013 will be walking Red Cloud halls as students.

As this school year comes to an end, the Seniors had their feather tying ceremony on Friday, May 17th. The ceremony also included some fun activities such as the rabbit dance competition and musical chairs.

With Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday being their last days this week, seniors are finally realizing this is it. “I’m pretty excited because high school is finally finished,” said Tatiana Stands ’13. The seniors are cherishing these last moments we have together as a class. Jasa Flanigan is also anxious about graduating, but understands the bittersweet nature of graduation. “I’m happy because I’ll be on my own, but said because I might not see some of my classmates again,” she said. Finals will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday will include periods 4, 5, 6 & 7 finals and Wednesday will conclude with periods 1, 2 & 3.

Baccalaureate Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 22nd at 5:30pm to celebrate the Seniors' last week before they graduate. Graduation will be held this Saturday at 10am in the high school gym. Sierra Concha will start off the ceremony with a Welcoming Speech, Justina Bagola will lead the prayer, Amanda Standing Bear and January Tobacco will have the honor of giving the Valedictorian Speech together, and Mickie Hudspeth will conclude the ceremony with the closing speech.

Congratulations to the Seniors for finishing their high school career. Despite being the smallest class in Red Cloud with the capacity of 32, we are also the closest class, leaving Red Cloud as a family. After four years of hardships, laughter and growing into young adults, we’re finally at the moment we’ve all been waiting for.

Photo of the Day: Mato Tipila

Seniors on retreat. Photo courtesy of Shane Star '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Mahpiya Luta Owayawa: Wiyaka na Wachinhin Iyawichakcaskapi

Bryan Pipe on Head '13. Photo by Viki Eagle. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Mahpiya Luta Owayawa: Wiyaka na Wachinhin Iyawichakcaskapi

By Phillip Zimiga '13

Tonight is the Tying of the Eagle Feather Ceremony for all the seniors. An eagle feather or plume is bestowed to honor the graduating students.

There will be supper at Serena Hall at 5:30 and Grand Entry will start at 6:30. The Eagle Staff Carrier will be Hunter Blacksmith ‘16. The Color Guard will be from the Black Hills Akichita Okholakichiye. 

Red Cloud's royalty will also be present. Miss Mahpiya Luta is Davian Stands ‘16. Jr. Miss Mahpiya Luta is Tristine Cross Dog. Little Miss Mahpiya Luta is Allison Richards. Then to top it off, the seniors will enter with their families.

Here is the rest of the schedule for the evening:
 

The Flag Song

Opening prayer: Andre Starr ‘13

Welcoming Address: Robin Johnson, Principal

Seniors’ Encouragement: Roger White Eyes, Senior Class Sponsor

Inter-Tribal: Everyone welcome to dance.

Feather/Plume Ceremony: Alvin Slow Bear

Feather/Plume Tying: Parents/Sponsors

Eagle Song During Tying: Everyone Stands

Honorings Song: For Seniors and Parents (handshake)

Royalty Dance: Dance for the seniors

Special Honoring

To end the ceremony, there will be a closing prayer by Pauline Wilson, Lakota Language Teacher, and the Grand Exit. 

Playwrights Work with Red Cloud Students

Lunchtime play readings. Photo courtesy of Red Cloud Indian School. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Playwrights Work with Red Cloud Students

By David LaDeaux '13

A few weeks ago RCHS student playwrights read their original plays during lunch in collaboration with professional writers. Students worked with the professional playwrights in developing their own creative plays.

The Alaskan Native Heritage Center came all the way to South Dakota to do a project with Red Cloud called the Pine Ridge Playwrights Project. The students even traveled to the Dahl Fine Arts Center in Rapid City to read their plays with the help of the pros. “I thought it was a fun time. It good for getting us out of our shells,” said Wanbli Hamilton ‘13, who participated in the project.

11th grade English teacher Ashley Boone worked with the students and playwrights on this project. Students who participated included freshmen Bella New Holy and Jacob Cousin, sophomore Hoksila Briseno, juniors Jaycherie Little, Odessa Starr, and William Belt, and senior Wanbli Gleska Hamilton.

The playwrights included Larissa Fast Horse (Rosebud Sicangu) and Darrell Dennis (Shuswap), who have helped the students on their trips to Red Cloud. Odessa Starr was the lucky student writer who was invited to go to Los Angeles this summer to work more with the playwriting project.

For more information, read the story on Red Cloud's website.  

Check out the following videos of the students' performances, courtesy of Ashley Boone:

 

Track: State-Bound

Photos by Josh Twiss '15. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Track: State-Bound

By Sierra Concha '13

May 16th was an intense day for the track team. For some athletes, this was their last meet of the year, and for others this was only the beginning of their journey for state track. The meet was held in Winner, South Dakota, where it was storming. Lightning and thunder filled the sky as the meet pushed on. Rain drenched our clothes with no sign of sun in the sky.

The first one to qualify for state was Gusti Terkildsen ‘15, who will be going in three events: long jump, triple jump and 300 meter hurdles. Next, Red Cloud’s girls 800 meter relay team qualified, proving predictions wrong. Red Cloud was ranked third in this race but pulled up to a decent lead in 1st place. The relay team consists of Myriam Rama ‘15, Christi Sioux Bob ‘14, Kylie I'atala ‘14 and Sierra Concha ‘13. I'atala ‘14 was the first runner of the team relay. “I needed to be quick so we could have a good lead,” she said. “After the 4x2, it hit me that we were going to state. I was pretty excited.”

This wasn’t the end for Red Cloud’s good news. Randy Hughes ‘15 ran an incredible race in the 400 meter dash. “I felt nervous and sickness at the pit of my stomach,” said Hughes. “As the dawning of the race came, the focus overwhelmed me.” Despite the pounding rain and windy weather, Hughes ran his hardest and placed second, which qualified him for state. “My hard work and practices finally paid off, and I also felt exhausted and hurt,” stated Hughes. “It was good.”

The clouds finally started clearing up as the final race of the day approached: the 1600 meter relay. Once again, the Red Cloud girls were ranked 3rd. Rama ‘15, Sioux Bob ‘14, Concha ‘13 and Trista Merrival ‘16 were ready to qualify once more. The race remained close to determine which team got 2nd, but Rama ‘15 finished the race strongly as we earned our place in state for another event.

State track will be held on Friday and Saturday, May 24th and 25th in Sioux Falls. Good luck to the Crusaders. 

Tomo Shirataki Wins Ping Pong Tournament

Tomo. Photo by Michael Sunderland. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

 Tomo Shirataki Wins Ping Pong Tournament

By Wanbli Hamilton '13

A hot breath of humid air filled the corners of the cave better known as Michael Sunderland’s classroom. This cavern seemed as though it came straight from the depths of Hades itself, but the table was cold as ice. The table was always a cold mistress to those who dared bring paddle to ball upon her relentless surface. This blistering day of May the 15th was marked forever in the great Record Halls of Sunderland as the clash of two mighty and esteemed warriors. Raising their paddles, the great pong samurai Tomoaki Shirataki, and his rival, the man about Red Cloud, Christian McGhee, endured a grueling three bout match of Ping Pong for the 1st annual Red Cloud Ping Pong tournament.

Back and forth Tomoaki and Christian battled to their wits end, each game closer and more enticing than the last. It was not till the last bout of three was the champion of Ping Pong revealed. This game was close as Tomoaki hacked and slashed with the burning passion of a great samurai warrior, as Christian held his ground with a firm grip and the solid stance of a mighty boulder. At game point of 20 to 15 Tomoaki could not let up as the guru of sport Christian McGhee began to make a comeback, but on this day Tomoaki Shirataki stood for the honor of his countrymen as he finished the game by a close 21 to 18 final score. Both men shook hands as titans would surely shake if such a battle was ever fought by them. Tomo left with a twisted back and a championship title no man of Red Cloud had ever seen before.

Editor's Note: To watch the final match in all its intensity, click here.  
 

Class of 2013 Plans

The Class of 2013. Photo courtesy of Roger White Eyes. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Class of 2013 Plans

By Justina Bagola '13

Falcon Albers

College: Dakota Wesleyan

Major: Undecided

Crystal Bad Wound

College: University of Wyoming

Major: Criminal Justice

Justina Bagola

College: Black Hills State University

Major: Pre-Vet

Patrick Bordeaux

Work Force 

Shelby Black Feather

College: Oglala Lakota College

Major: Psychology & Art

Patrick Clark

Marines

Sierra Concha

College: University of New Mexico

Major: Education

Carlee DeWolfe

College: Black Hills State University

Major: Pre-vet

Jasa Flanigan

College: South Dakota State University

Major: Nursing

Joey Gomez

College: Black Hills State University

Major: Undecided

Wanbli Hamilton

College: Western Dakota Technical Institute

Major: Undecided

Brent Herman

College: Oglala Lakota College

Major: Business Management

Haley Hernandez

College: Oglala Lakota College

Major: Childhood Development

Mickie Hudspeth-Belt

College: Augustana College

Major: Nursing

Tommy Janis

College: Western Dakota Technical Institute

Major: Law Enforcement

Michael Kelly

Work Force

David LaDeaux

National Guard

Tobie Little Finger

College: South Dakota State University

Major: Undecided

Christian Phelps

College: University of New Mexico

Major: Business

Dom Pilcher

College: South Dakota State University

Major: Undecided

Bryan Pipe On Head

College: South Dakota State University

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Cully Pourier

College: Haskell Indian Nations University

Major: Undecided

Duran Richards

College: United Tribes Technical College

Major: Undecided

Amanda Standing Bear

College: Dartmouth College

Major: East Asian Studies

Tatiana Stands

College: Johnson & Wales University

Major: Culinary Arts & Business

Shane Star

College: South Dakota School of Mines

Major: Engineering

Andre Starr

College: Haskell Indian Nations University

Major: Undecided

January Tobacco

College: Stanford

Major: Political Science

Jakira Valasquez

College: Haskell Indian Nations University

Major: Undecided

Stormy Williams

College: University of New Mexico

Major: Pre-med

Phillip Zimiga

Army

Shaylene Zimiga

Army

Profile: James Flannery

James. Photo by Cully Pourier '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

 Profile: James Flannery

By Cully Pourier '13

James Flannery is a Spiritual Formation and computers teacher at Red Cloud. He was born in Clinton, New Jersey and attended Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York.

This is James' first year at Red Cloud and he has many goals. “I would like to improve my teaching experience. The graduate program I am in from Creighton influenced me to come here,” he stated. James is in the Magis Teaching Program at Creighton University, where he is pursuing his Master's Degree.

He teaches Faith & Justice to seniors as well as Computer Applications to the freshmen. James has enjoyed his time at Red Cloud. “I love it here, because it is a small and tight community filled with people that care about each other,” he stated.

After Red Cloud, James hopes to finish his degree and work at a Catholic school. "He's a hardworking, interesting man," said student Phillip Zimiga.

Lakota Phrase of the Day: Blokétu kiŋ lé oíyokiphi kte.

Featuring Phillip Zimiga '13 and David LaDeaux '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

Awards Banquet Recognizes Student Excellence

Another photo of January and Amanda. Photo by David LaDeaux '13. Copyright Red Cloud Indian School.

 Awards Banquet Recognizes Student Excellence 

By Shane Star '13

Last night at Serena Hall, Red Cloud had its annual Awards Banquet honoring high-achieving students. Academic excellence awards and letters were given out, some of the scholarships were given out to the graduating seniors (the rest will be given out during their graduation), senior department awards were distributed, and new members were inducted into the National Honor Society.

Here is the list of award recipients:

Awards: Recipient(s)

President's Educational Excellence Awards: Amanda Standing Bear, January Tobacco, & Mickie Hudspeth-Belt

President's Educational Achievement Award: Christian Phelps

Academic Letters: Amanda Standing Bear, January Tobacco, Sierra Concha, Mickie Hudspeth-Belt, Shane Star, Ryan Hussman, Savannah Jensen, Shawntà Jones, Monica Sanchez, CeCe Two Lance, Jaycherie Little, Colton Sierra, Caine Goings, Kirkland Ross, Genriel Ribitsch, Kristian Big Crow, Jaime Richards, Santianna Yellow Horse, Augusta Terkildsen, Tim Big Crow, Aaron Thompson, & Myriam Alcantar Rama

Junior Excellence Awards: Savannah Jensen & Shawntà Jones

Sophomore Excellence Awards: Jaime Richards & Santianna Yellow Horse

Freshman Excellence Awards: Kevin Catches, Marlee Kelly, & Jacob Cousin

JSEA Awards: Andre Starr & Mickie Hudspeth-Belt

Principal's Leadership Award: January Tobacco

Drama Award Honoring Casey Zimiga: Crystal Bad Wound

Harvard Book Award: Savannah Jensen

AISEP Build-A-Computer: Christian Phelps & January Tobacco

Athletes Of The Year: Christian Phelps & Sierra Concha

Senior Awards: English - Sierra Concha, Math & Lakota Studies - Shane Star, Science - Christian Phelps, Spiritual Formation - Amanda Standing Bear, Technology/Art - Joey Gomez, & Social Studies - January Tobacco

Scholarships: Donald and Arlene Kusse - Falcon Albers; Joseph Gillis - Crystal Bad Wound; Phyllis Fairbanks - Tobie Little Finger; O’Brien Family and Wentzel - Brent Herman; Bob Clifford Scholarship - Falcon Albers; Cioccolanti - Bryan Pipe On Head; James Lingane - Dominic Pilcher; Hirsch I - Christian Phelps; Hirsch II - Carlee DeWolfe-Shedeed; Carol Jacobs - Tatiana Stands; Paul and Catherine Solon - Bryan Pipe On Head; Lois Ernsberger - Jasa Flanigan; George Laurence - Brent Herman; Catherine Laurence - Jasa Flanigan; Security First - Tatiana Stands & Dominic Pilcher; & Our Lady of the Sioux - Mickie Hudspeth-Belt

National Honor Society: Current Members - January Tobacco, Amanda Standing Bear, Sierra Concha, Mickie Hudspeth-Belt, Shane Star, Savannah Jensen, Kirkland Ross, & CeCe Two Lance; New Members - Justina Bagola, Stormy Williams, Christian Phelps, Jasa Flanigan, Shawntà Jones, Monica Sanchez, Kristian Big Crow, Genriel Ribitsch, Colton Sierra, Santianna Yellow Horse, & Augusta Terkildsen