IYCA graduates honored at SBCH event
ICYA graduates: Tiana Jim, Sandra Damon, Ray'licia Rodriguez, Alize Damon, David Montoya, and Cory George.
By DANA HERNANDEZ
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and Tribal Youth Education Department presented an honoring for the graduates of the Idaho Youth Challenge Academy at the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel Thursday, March 24.
The 2022 graduates were: Tiana Jim- Cadet Senior Airman, Sandra Damon- Cadet Airman 1st Class, Ray’licia Rodriguez- Cadet Staff Sergeant, Alize Damon- Cadet Airman, David Montoya- Cadet Airman, and Cory George- Cadet Senior Airman were present.
Other graduating cadets that were not present for the event were Nadine Bear- Cadet Airman, Aiyona Little Thunder- Cadet Airman, Joey Pebeashsy- Cadet Airman 1st Class, and Aloria Brunette- Cadet Senior Airman.
The moderator for the event was 477 Education Manager Jessica James. The event began with an honor song that was sung by Tyson Shay, who also gave some words of encouragement and said, “I’d like to congratulate these young people for all their hard work and dedication, and to always keep a clear mind and always be positive and to be there for your loved ones.”
Next, Kendra Benally who serves as the 477- Tribal Youth Education Program’s 7-12 grade liaison was mentioned as the person of contact for the Idaho Youth Challenge Academy Cadets, and was honored as the main person who helps the cadets and parents with the application process. Benally said, “I check on the kids weekly because a lot of them get home sick, I’ve talked to a couple of kids over the phone and I am just really proud of you guys.”
Fort Hall Business Council members, Ladd Edmo, Roland Marshall, Lee Juan Tyler, Nathan Small, Marlene Skunkcap, Elma Thompson, and Chairman Devon Boyer were present for the event to present the graduates with words of encouragement.
Also present was U.S. Army Major General Garshak and U.S. Army General Schwartz who gave words of encouragement and to shake the hand of the graduates as they received their certificates and gifts from them and the FHBC.
ICYA graduate Alize Damon shakes U.S. Army General Gershak's hand.
General Garshak said, “I really appreciate being a part of this and I appreciate that I can do this. It’s fun to look at them now because they didn’t look like this, the boys didn’t have hair and the girls didn’t have makeup. Were really just giving the kids the tools they need to shape themselves. They are capable of success.”
FHBC member Edmo said in the past he was able to be a mentor to some cadets and he even got to participate in some of the drills and said it was very hard to try and do some of those things. “One of those things was running a 2-4 mile run and carrying a log on their shoulders as a team and it’s a good experience for them because it teaches responsibility and discipline while completing their education.”
FHBC member Marshall said congratulations to the cadets and they are starting on a good path in life and explained that he is also a veteran himself so he understands what they went through. FHBC member Tyler then sang a journey song for the graduating cadets. FHBC member Small said the event was a way to show appreciation for the youth who accomplish the graduation from the Idaho Youth Challenge Academy. “This teaches you discipline and there are a lot of people out there that are doing things they shouldn’t be doing.”
FHBC Vice Chairwoman Skunkcap said she is really proud of the youngsters, and told a story about her road to earning a degree and how it always wasn’t easy. Skunkcap explained how being the only minority in a classroom was hard. “Like a lot of young people, I wasn’t prepared to go back to school, but I made it and I encourage you to try. You don’t have to go college, you can go to a trade school and become a carpenter, a plumber, or an electrician. The TYEP has resources for you, and I encourage you to move forward.”
FHBC member Lee Juan Tyler hugs ICYA graduate Sandra Damon.
FHBC Treasurer Thompson said she would like to thank not only the graduates, but the families too, because they helped them. “They had to support you and be there for you guys and it’s really important that you guys took that step forward to be responsible for yourselves and to have this achievement, you should hold your heads high.” Thompson encouraged the cadets what she encourages her own children is to always maintain a positive outlook on life. “Positive brings positive and negative brings negative, so keep a positive mind and know that you can,” she said.
FHBC Chairman Boyer thanked everyone for being present and playing a role in the graduates’ success. He encouraged the graduates to think about the words that were said on this day and to carry it with them, and said, “there were two songs that were sung today and that will carry you through, you have to understand that’s what supports you and your spirit, it guides you.” Boyer went on to iterate that not a lot of things have changed in the past 200 years, “a couple hundred years ago, you’d still be warriors right now. It wouldn’t matter if you were male or female. You are the ones who will take over from all of us and are the next council… you can reach whatever you want and do whatever you want.”
As each cadet’s name was called they got an opportunity to speak and thank those who helped them while accepting their certificates and gifts.
Shoshone-Bannock Public Affairs Manager, Randy’L Teton explained the gifts the graduates would be receiving, a beaded key chain and a special Sacajawea 2021 coin, which honors the U.S. Military and features eagle feathers and five stars. “These were traditionally earned in battle and the stars represent the five branches of military, so they are unique because they are uncirculated coins and they are locked in an airtight container and are valued at $100 dollars and each of you will receive one from me and I want you guys to keep it with you as kind of like a victory and a protection for you guys for all of the hard work that you went through,” said Teton.
Afterwards, cake and lemonade was served to all the graduates and their families.
