Eleven Noli Indian School students were recognized for completing eighth grade with a promotion ceremony at the Soboba Sports Complex, June 3. After a welcome from Principal Donovan Post, a blessing was provided by Damon Miranda Jr. The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Bird Singers and Dancers shared a few songs for the special occasion.
Post said he has been at the school for 30 years, starting out as a teacher, and enjoys seeing the children of former students now attending Noli. He thanked the Soboba Tribal Council for their continued support and generosity that enables these students to be successful. Post also acknowledged the tireless efforts of the Noli Booster Club who host fundraisers to assist the athletic and academic programs throughout the 6-12 grade school. Members also volunteer at events and provided special gift baskets for each of the students being promoted. Post thanked his entire staff for the hard work, dedication, and love they put into their jobs every single day that he said makes his job easier.
In what has been a long-standing tradition at the ceremony, Post offers students the opportunity to give a speech if they choose to do so. This year, Monica Rivera came forward to share her thoughts with her peers and the families and friends who were there to support them all. She said she was grateful to have been able to play sports and be part of ASB, AVID and the Beading Club while in middle school.
English and Culture teacher Emma Avellaka Herrera served as one of the emcees for the event and explained that being a small school, all staff members are given the unique opportunity to get to really know each and every student on campus. She sent out a survey to all staff members asking them to describe each student. Based on those responses, personalized awards were created for them.
“Every passion, skill, breakthrough, and even every mistake is visible,” Herrera said. “As you can imagine, this can be a very intimidating place to learn because learning demands we are going to make mistakes. Regardless of the audience these students have, they have persevered through many challenges in their classes and in sports. I have never seen a group more willing to stand up for one another.”
Students, with their Tribal affiliations, were recognized for their distinctive attributes. Aliyah Brane, Mesa Grande Band of Digueño Indians, received the Peacekeeper Award for always looking out for her friends and community members. Candace Devore, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, was given the Náavut Award for being a strong and admirable young woman. Aydreean Garcia, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, was acknowledged as a Firekeeper for making connections in all she does. Sally Lopez-Reyes, Kumeyaay and Tongva, was singled out for being a Critical Thinker who is beyond her years in thinking, risk-taking, and rigor.
Nadillyn Mendoza, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, earned the Omqée’is Award for looking after others with the same care and grace as only an “older sister” can. Su Kutt Morreo, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, received the Storyteller Award because he is constantly creating through stories, art, or business endeavors. Angel Reyes, Texas Band of Yaqui Indians, was given the Áswut Award for being observant and intentional in his interactions with others. Monica Rivera, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, earned the Stewardship Award for taking responsibility for the care of friends, family, teammates, and her school community.
Destiny Saucedo, Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, received the Kwíila Award because of her confidence in character, writing, and reflection that inspires others to become better versions of themselves. Avasily Témanwanvish, Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeño Indians, was given the Móomat Award for her ability to bring life to every relationship she cultivates. Samuel Venegas, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, received the ‘Íswut Award for taking pride in leading other young men on campus.
The event also included the awarding of additional recognition to several students. Spanish teacher Andrea Duran serves as an AVID advisor and gave recognition to four students who are making a difference. She said they have challenged themselves and know how to make the most of every opportunity. They are Aydreean Garcia, Sally Lopez-Reyes, Angel Reyes, and Monica Rivera.
Science teacher Sabrina Smith is Noli’s ASB Coordinator and presented certificates to three students who have stood out as leaders in and out of the classroom and can always be relied upon. They are Aliyah Brane, Candace Devore, and Monica Rivera.
Herrera presented Destiny Saucedo with a Culture Recognition award for having remarkable accountability for her words and actions and practicing restraint and respect regardless of any difficulties or obstacles.
After certificates of completion were presented to the students, they were congratulated by Noli teachers and School Board members President Sandy Boniface, Vice President Antonia Briones Venegas, Secretary Avellaka Arviso, and Members at Large Lucille Briones and Mia Gonzalez. The students were then free to join their family members and friends who were there for the important event that had them looking forward to transitioning into high school.
