American Indian Education Program

Class of 2022 American Indian Education Graduation Honoring

May 14, 2022

Central Park - Rosemount, MN

Each year, the American Indian Education Program celebrates our graduating seniors with our annual American Indian Graduation Honoring. We are all so proud of all our graduates this year. They have shown everyone their strength, resilience and growth over these many years with District 196. Please take some time today and help us honor these students.

On behalf of District 196's American Indian Education Program, we would like to congratulate and express our appreciation for the years of service Jorja has committed to the Indigenous students in this community.

Jorja has and will continue to be a fierce advocate for her students and a dedicated mentor to her colleagues.

Our team has learned so much from Jorja and we are so fortunate to be able to count on her guidance when we are in need.

On Indian Education Program would not be where we are today without Jorja's years of hard work.

To celebrate this special occasion, the Indian Education team has gifted a star quilt to honor and express our appreciation for Jorja and the work that she does.

Miigwetch and Pidamaya Jorja Valandra!

While at EVHS, Chris was active on the EVHS Swimming Team, Treehouse, skating, guitar, philosophy, write poetry and graffiti art. Chris plans to attend Dakota County Technical College where he will pursue a degree as an electrician specializing in underwater welding as well as psychology. Chris is from a California Indigenous Nation.

Quote: “I’d rather be wrong to a right answer, then convince others that I’m right about a wrong answer.”

Dylan has been a dedicated hockey player for Eagan High School. He also participated in track and field, soccer, baseball, EHS Marching Band and volunteered for his community and his church. After graduation, Dylan has a 1 year deferment to attend the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. During his year, he will focus on Junior Hockey. He plans to pursue a career as an engineer. Dylan is from the Leni Lenape Nation (Delaware Tribe of Indians).

During High School, Rex played Baseball for Plymouth South High School in Massachusetts. While at Eagan, he was on the Wildcat Football Team. Rex has been building Construction skills since he was a 9th grader. He plans to pursue his career in constructions after graduation - give him a call if you are looking for a deck remodel. Rex is from the Maliseet First Nation of the Wabanaki Confederacy.

During High School, Alex organized the “Minnesota Combat Robotics Club”, TEAM NAME: “Team Kwi-nalt”. He also sponsored 2 Regional Competition events and help create “the Midwest Combat Robotics League” for the Midwest states of Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan. He plans to continue his education with District 196's Transitions Plus program. His career goals include: Combat robotics, voice animation, voice acting and animation. Alex is from the Quinault, Quileute, Aleut Nations.