Once they were all lined up in front of the stage, Soboba Elder Marian Chacon offered a blessing for the parents, families and all the helpers.

“Heavenly Creator, we ask you to bless these children and to keep them safe as they go on to new adventures,” she said in part.

The Intertribal Bird Singers and Dancers then joined the students, with girls in their traditional bird skirts and boys with their handmade gourd rattles.

After they all took their seats on stage, Preschool Administrator Lenora “Ponie” Mojado welcomed everyone to the event. Her words were heartfelt and a little bittersweet as she recalled the past year working with the students, many who she has known throughout the seven years she has been at the preschool, first as a teacher’s aide and then as a preschool teacher

“It is a great honor to celebrate these kindergartners,” she said. “These children are special to my heart and will forever be my friends.”

Mojado told the children she will miss the talks she had with them throughout the school day as they leave and move on to first grade.

“Remember to feel confident, be fearless, and strive for greatness,” she told them. “Whether you become leaders in the Tribe, work for the Tribe, or pursue careers as educators, lawyers, doctors, I want you all to find success in life. I look forward to seeing you at the Fiesta, softball tournaments, gatherings, and around the Rez.”

She introduced and thanked teachers Laura Aldrete and Elena Vega-Castello for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

“Ms. Elena and I are extremely delighted to welcome you all to our 2025 kindergarten graduation,” Aldrete said. She thanked Tribal Council for their help and support of the school, the families for their continued love, support and encouragement, and all the staff and other teachers at the preschool for all they do every day.

To the students she said, “You have learned so much during your time in kindergarten. You have learned ABCs and 123s, painted beautiful pictures, told wonderful stories, and discovered the joy of learning. Each of you has worked so hard and we are all so proud of you. Dream big and remember each and every one of you is unique and can be and do anything.”

Graduates are Cha’ish Briones, Loovi Burton, Emilia Chapparosa, Kai Crook, Leilani Grant, Jensen Hamilton, Jonathan Helms Jr., Palki Herrera, Dominick Lara, Azalea MacDonald, Kisinta Martinez, Lupitah Miranda, Anthony Ortega, Paa’akal Resvaloso, Tavish Valdez, Jefferey Vallez, Avellaka Vega, Notoowish Velazquez, and Jericho Vivanco.

The students then performed songs before being presented with their individualized certificates of achievement for excelling in math, reading, painting, making friends, and more. A video message by each of them, describing what they had enjoyed most about the school year, was played on the big screen as they posed with their certificate and diploma for photos to be taken.

All of them have set their sights on what they want to do when they grow up. Like most five- and six-year-old children, they might change their minds by the time they graduate from high school in 2037. But for now their plans are to be a professional baseball player (Cha’ish); ballerina teacher (Loovi); veterinarian (Emilia); police officer (Kai); dolphin trainer (Leilani); pizza baker (Jensen); pizza maker (Jonathan); princess or doctor (Palki); Blue Beetle superhero (Dominick); veterinarian (Azalea); chef (Kisinta); veterinarian (Lupitah); helicopter police officer or SWAT team member (Anthony); doctor (Paa’akal); chef (Tavish); astronaut (Jefferey); doctor (Avellaka); professional dirt bike rider (Notoowish); and police officer (Jericho).

Each child received a gift bag of items, such as a plush bear with a mortarboard and diploma, to remind them of the school’s mascot, a Class of 2025 framed photo of the child in their cap and gown, and a yearbook filled with happy memories from the entire year. Gifts also included an American Doll for the girls and Lego sets for the boys, donated to the school by Santa Claus Inc.

The school is now enrolling for the fall semester. For more information, https://preschool.soboba-nsn.gov.

The post Kindergartners say goodbye to Soboba Tribal Preschool appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Principal Donovan Post welcomed students and their families as well as Noli School Board members, Tribal Council members and dignitaries from other tribes who were in attendance. Although signing days were once reserved for student athletes, Post said, “This is an opportunity for our school and community to celebrate and support our seniors who have committed to attend community college, university, trade school or the military after graduation.”

Damon Miranda was invited to offer a blessing and songs of honor and affirmation at both events. As a Peer Support Specialist at Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health Inc.’s Behavioral Health Services, the Soboba Tribal member has become a close partner with the school, offering talking circles and other interactive programs for all students in grades 6-12.

Students from the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians who received awards were Breanna Casarez and Luisa Rivera who made the honor roll for having a GPA of 3.5 or above. Several students were singled out by individual teachers for outstanding effort including Luisa Rivera for Outstanding Citizenship and Excellence in Economics and Breanna Casarez for Excellence in Art. Leandro “Andy” Silvas IV was recognized for his success in English.

Culture Department Coordinator/Instructor Tashina Miranda Ornelas chose Breanna Casarez and Luisa Rivera to receive beading awards. Breanna also received an award for Traditional Ecological Knowledge. The ASB Leadership award was presented to Luisa Rivera, who was also presented with a four-year sash from the AVID program and an award for winning the Write-Off.

Principal Post officially named Luisa Rivera as Salutatorian at the luncheon, stating, “She represents the school in every positive way. I couldn’t find a better example of what we hope to produce as a student, so this award was well earned.”

Deangelo Mangilinan from the Cahuilla Band of Indians was given his Valedictorian sash and Post told him, “You represent Noli so well; I am proud to give you this honor.” Chairwoman Erica Schenk presented him and Anthony Salgado with blankets. “On behalf of the Cahuilla Band of Indians, I would like to congratulate you on your accomplishments and dedication and for striving to move forward in your next journey in life; continue to make Cahuilla proud.”

Students were then directed to recite a pledge and sign a certificate in symbolism of the college or career they are committing to attend. Post said, “I want you to know the power of these words. We need you to be successful and persevere. You’re our future, our gift to this world.”

That evening’s commencement began with each student entering the Event Center to a pre-recorded message they made that offered thanks and gratitude, reflection on their time at Noli and ended with their favorite quote. Luisa Rivera chose one from Bob Marley: “You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice.”

Guest speaker Geneva Mojado is serving her second term as Vice Chair of the Soboba Tribal Council. Principal Post introduced her as “a friend, mentor, part of our staff but most importantly, she’s been a leader.”

She shared, “Creator has gifted us all with a purpose. Remember those that helped you get to this point and don’t ever be afraid to ask for help. Believe in yourself.”

After talking about her own journey as a varsity sports athlete at San Jacinto High School, college student at San Diego State University and Mt. San Jacinto College, serving her first term on Tribal Council at the age of 22, becoming a mother of two children and working for Native Challenge through Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health Inc. for several years, she said she still has more goals she wants to accomplish in order to make a bigger impact.

“Graduates, your path may change as you grow older or take on a new job and that’s okay,” Mojado said. “Just stay the course and continue to thrive. We all have a story and yours in just beginning. Know where you come from and let it help guide you. Have the courage to pursue the goals and dreams that you want. I will leave you with a quote from one doctor we’re all familiar with: ‘You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.’ from Dr. Seuss.”

Salutatorian Luisa’s speech included thanks to all her supporters, past and present. She has attended Noli since sixth grade and was active with AVID for six years and was named Homecoming Queen in October. She told her classmates, “Finally, our senior year is here. Now it’s time to live life to the fullest and never look back. Enjoy your life and be the person you always wanted to be. Let 2024 be the year you tell your children about and even your grandchildren. Congratulations Class of 2024; I’m proud of us all and thank you.” She plans to attend MSJC to pursue a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer.

Valedictorian Deangelo has been a Noli student for the past three years and said he has many happy memories there. He is headed to UCR to major in art. He hopes “to travel to Japan to study the art of manga and create stories that can have a positive influence on everyone around the world.” About his classmates, he said, “I see students who can fulfill their lives with the dreams they have and what they can accomplish.” He told them, “No matter what stands in your way during your darkest hour, you will always find hope in the brightest light.” He said that although high school may be the end of their childhoods, it is the beginning of their adult future. “It is an ending to a beginning and a beginning to an end. Deep down we are all proud of ourselves for reaching this far in life and we are proud of you parents for taking care of us this long. Thank you.”

Principal Post said, “I’m always proud of every class that graduates but these are the ‘COVID’ kids who started high school behind a computer screen.” To the students he said, “You have proven that no matter what obstacle gets in your way, you can overcome it.”

Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco, Secretary Monica Herrera, Treasurer Michael Bentiste and Sergeant-at Arms Daniel Valdez joined Mojado in congratulating each graduate as they received their diploma. Noli School Board President Sandy Boniface, Vice President Lucille Briones, Secretary Avellaka Arviso, and Members-at-Large Mia Gonzalez and Darryl Silvas also shook the graduates’ hands before they returned to the stage for the traditional tassel turning moment led by Salutatorian Luisa Rivera and Valedictorian Deangelo Mangilinan.

Noli Indian School Class of 2024 graduates and their Tribal affiliations are Suzette Almada, San Juan Southern Paiute; Breanna Casarez, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians; Jesse Cruz, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians; Jasmine Lemus, Oglala Sioux of Pine Ridge; Nataly Lemus, Oglala Sioux of Pine Ridge; Deangelo Mangilinan, Cahuilla Band of Indians; Luisa Rivera, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians; Raymond Russell II, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians; Anthony Salgado, Cahuilla Band of Indians; Leandro Silvas IV, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians; and Matthew Torres, Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.

The post Noli Indian School celebrates its seniors as they graduate appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.