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.

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“We are proud to honor these students here today. Their strong commitment and steadfast dedication in pursuit of academic excellence is something we feel privileged to support,” Tribal Council members said.

Vivanco said, “We also want to acknowledge all the elders and family members that are here today supporting the success of our Tribal youth and more importantly, we are here to celebrate the achievements they have made. We want to make sure our youth have the tools they need to take us into the future and are prepared and ready to take on that challenge.”

Wayne Nelson, who has two daughters being honored at the ceremony, also performed with the Inter-Tribal Bird Singers as a few of the students came forward to dance as well. Each table at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center was elegantly decorated with black chair- and table covers and beautiful centerpieces of fresh flowers. Soboba Tribal Member Adona Salgado, of Se’ish Design, created the floral showpieces that were taken home by the eldest guest at each table. The lunch offered something for everyone, with Italian and Mexican options and desserts that ranged from crème brulee to cookies.

Each student in attendance received one of the many great raffle prizes that included Amazon gift cards, Nintendo Switch game systems, Apple watches and LIFX smart light bulbs.

Achievement can be defined as something accomplished with special effort. These youths have proven that hard work and dedication can result in amazing accomplishments. Students who earned Silver Achievement for Outstanding Achievement with a grade point average of 3.0 to 3.4 each received a certificate of acknowledgement, a crystal plaque and a cash award.

They are Tatiana Briones, Frank Manuel Moreno, So’a Nelson, Francisca Rivera, Luisa Rivera, Agustin Salgado-Galvan and Jocie Yepa.

Agustin Salgado-Galvan begins seventh grade at Dartmouth Middle School next month and said he kept his grades up by studying hard. He has varied interests and not just one favorite subject in school. So’a Nelson attends San Jacinto High School and said she excelled in school by staying focused.

Gold Achievement for Superior Achievement students, who obtained a 3.5 to 3.9 GPA, also received certificates, plaques and a cash award.

They are Jayden Basquez, Iyana Briones, Soowut Rodriguez, Myah Saenz, Daniel Valdez Jr. and Elijah Vazquez.

Iyana Briones, who also serves as Chairwoman for Soboba Youth Council, said she attributes her good grades to staying on top of things and making sure all her work is turned in on time as well as “extra studying and asking for help when I need it.”

Platinum Achievement for Academic Excellence was given to students with a GPA of 4.0 or higher, and each received a cash award along with a plaque and certificate.

They are Ava Ciccone-Cozart, Jesse Garcia, Aureny Manzanilla, Avellaka Manzanilla, Jade Reyes, Keanu Reyes, Lorraine Salgado-Galvan and Daniel Vazquez.

Lorraine Salgado-Galvan will start her junior year at Hemet High and plans to maintain her 4.0 GPA. Ashley Salgado said her daughter is very self motivated and although having to attend school virtually this past school year, it did not affect her ability to stay on top of her grades.

“I had really good teachers; they were always ready to help,” Lorraine said, adding that her favorite subject is French. She plans to keep an open mind about what career path she will eventually take and plans to explore majors as she finishes her next two years of high school.

Vivanco said there were 32 tribal members who graduated from high school this year and the 13 in attendance were given a handmade plate, certificate of achievement, a Pendleton blanket and a cash award, with those who graduated with a GPA of 3.0-plus receiving additional cash rewards.

Graduates are Asona Arres, Hattie Arres, Lillianna Casarez, Kaya Ciccone-Cozart, Stanley Devore, Jazmine Hernandez, Byrie Lindsey, Raymond Masiel, Shyann Morreo, Noswaamay Nelson, Ava Resvaloso-Wood, Tanya Elizabeth Rivera and Riley Ward.

San Jacinto High School graduate Riley Ward is headed to the University of California, Davis to major in agriculture education with plans to return to the San Jacinto Valley as an agriculture teacher. Her mother, Nicole Ward, said Riley has been a good role model for her two younger siblings.

“She’s loved agriculture and animals since she was very young and she even planted a garden at our home,” her mom said. Her dad, Michael Ward, said he thought it was very nice of Soboba to honor his daughter and the other students with this event.

Noswaamay Nelson, 17, graduated from San Jacinto High. Her mom, Sherral Orosco, said she did good in school and was pleased to see both her daughters recognized at the awards ceremony.

Sierra Vivanco was honored for successfully earning her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies degree from California State University, San Marcos. She received an N7 Pendleton blanket, certificate, hand-beaded lanyard, and a cash award. She was the only college graduate among several others that was able to attend the ceremony.

Chairman Vivanco thanked everyone who attended the special event and said it is important to support all students as they continue their education.

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians | Contributed

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The Soboba Cultural Department Native/Community Garden was started in 2016 with the intention of growing pumpkins that could be harvested before Halloween and shared with the community.

The current and more extensive garden was established in 2018 after Tribal Council approved the cost for a fence to keep large animals from feasting on the plants. The Cultural Department’s plan is to have the garden used for a variety of interpretive programs. The department’s Tribal Land Resource Management (TLRM) Crew is an essential part of the garden’s care and operation.

At just a little over half an acre, about two-thirds of the space is being used for the Practical Garden and about a third has been reserved for the Native Garden.

“The inclusion of the Native plant garden is done through a cooperative effort with Soboba Environmental that began in 2018,” said Joseph Ontiveros, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer at Soboba’s Cultural Resource Department.

Environmental Manager Steven Estrada said the Soboba Tribal Environmental Department was glad to offer some assistance to the Cultural Department in their efforts to maintain the community garden.

“This garden is targeted to showcase traditional plants that can be harvested and utilized in medicines, food and other items,” he said. “More importantly, this garden teaches the importance of preserving natural resources that can be used in a sustainable way.”

Ontiveros’ department holds regular classes with Soboba Tribal TANF, Soboba Parks and Recreation and Noli Indian School that consist of plant walks, talks and traditional food preparation.

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“In the workshops, the attendees have the opportunity to learn the uses of practical plants as well as sample some edible and medicinal plants,” he said.

Certified UCCE Master Gardener Thurman Howard got involved with the project last year and visits at least once a week. He said the aromatic plants such as healthy sage, willow and mesquite being grown in the Native garden help deter many insects from the food plants.

“The crew has learned a great deal about agriculture in a very short period. They have learned how to identify predators and disease, water properly, and care for plants in general,” Howard said. “Most importantly, they have developed a sense of pride in being able to grow and produce food. This is what motivates volunteers like myself to help with this project.”

They are currently working on prepping the soil for the winter crops. Planting fall vegetables is planned for November. Along with that, they will also start prepping the soil for next spring’s garden.

“The soil in the garden lacks nitrogen; therefore, we have been working with Burrtec to bring green compost in to build up the soil. This will be an ongoing effort until the nitrogen levels improve,” Howard said. “Additionally, the irrigation system and the control of watering has been an issue. With that said, we asked Scott Brendt of Riverside Unified School District to help install a more efficient irrigation system that will also reduce how much water is being used. The system has been assessed, parts have been ordered, and plans to complete it are in the works. Thanks to supporters like Scott, we were able to create over 10,000 feet of tape irrigation at a very low cost.”

The most recent tender food crops being harvested are button squash and zucchini with other fall crops maturing. Liz Stephenson, Cultural Programs Facilitator for the Cultural Resource Department, is excited about the prospects of using the garden as a teaching tool as well as the ability to share its abundance with the community.

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“This is our first real harvest and it’s so exciting for the crew to see the fruits of their labor,” she said.

TLRM crew member Eloyd Rodriguez said growing and sharing vegetables was the thing to do when he was little.

“My grandma raised me, and we always had a basket of vegetables by the door and we’d trade baskets with our neighbors – sharing the ones we grew and vice versa,” he said.

Rodriguez said working on the garden for the past couple of months has been a fun learning experience. He has learned about natural ways to deter pests and critters and how to improve the soil to make it more fertile. The crew stops at the garden every morning on their way to the canyons.

“I feel really blessed to be part of this – I’m usually the first one here and the last one to leave,” he said.

Howard hopes this is a great starting point for others to learn from the current crew and to motivate others to start their own backyard gardens.

“This is a good way to teach children where food comes from and to hopefully reach back to the land and once again touch nature,” he said. “I am looking forward to seeing the participants be able to grow their food and their plants for ceremonial activities. I want to see them take pride in what they grow.”

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