Ronan High School graduation features guest speaker Governor Schweitzer

By Alyssa Kelly

Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer offered history and future in his speech to the Ronan High School graduates. (Alyssa Kelly photo)

RONAN — Signifying the completion of one life journey and the beginning of the next, Ronan High School recently hosted its annual graduation. Complete with inspirational quotes, beaded caps, tears of joy, and proud parents, the ceremony’s biggest surprise came from its guest speaker, Governor Brian Schweitzer.

Addressing a crowd of over 300 people, Schweitzer discussed Montana’s history and specific industrial needs, which the new graduates could take into consideration when distinguishing their career paths. Closing his speech on a simple, yet powerful note, Schweitzer said: “I believe in you.”

Ronan High School helped jump-start over 40 graduates this year, 14 of which were Native American. Corporate, Tribal, and state organizations offered various scholarships to the students. “I worked really hard and I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family,” says Mariah Friedlander. Friedlander was named student of the year by the Indian Education Committee and received a Pendleton blanket for her success. She is currently working for the KwaTaqNuk Resort and plans to utilize tribal scholarship opportunities by attending Salish Kootenai College in the fall.

Members of the Ronan Indian Education Committee supported the Native American graduates by hosting a dinner last week. Each JOM graduate received Pendleton organizers. “Our IEC in general wanted to support the Ronan graduates because a lot of times they struggle in and out of school in order to succeed,” says Indian Education Committee president Jan Gardipe. “There’s going to be a lot of success stories from this group of graduates.”

In an effort to promote more Native American graduates in the future, Jan had the following to say: “I hope everyone understands that there people here doing the best that they can to support the Indian students. If there are people who want to get involved in IEC, it’s always welcome and I think the students will benefit more from it.”