OKCPS Partners With OSU-OKC To Celebrate Graduating Indigenous Students

Gloomy weather and scattered showers didn't stop Oklahoma City Public Schools from celebrating their Indigenous seniors with a parade.

The district teamed up with Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City to put on the special event after a tough year, while celebrating their heritage.

“Cultural pride is something that resonates within each student, gives them confidence, makes them proud of who they are. They are also tribal citizens, so they belong to an entire separate tribal sovereign nation,” said Dr. Star Yellowfish, the Director of Native American Student Services.

Usually, NASS puts on a banquet, but COVID-19 made them rethink of a way to celebrate their graduates.

Outstanding Senior Alyssa Underwood said this year has been hard, but she is thankful the district found a way to celebrate.

“It’s really amazing, we have come a long way as far as representing Indigenous people and I’m really happy to be a part of that,” said Underwood.

Fellow Outstanding Senior Angel Vaquera, who also attends Metro Tech said after a busy year of dual enrollment he was surprised when they told him they were having a parade.

“Yes, I do I really appreciate it from all the district and everyone that was involved,” he said.

Each graduate was given a graduation stole with a flower design.

“We have a lot of tribes in Oklahoma that use a floral design,” said the NASS Director.

Turquoise representing good health, protection, wealth and blessings.

“We have some really great students that are accomplishing their goals, they are graduating, they are successful and that’s why we really push for our students to get their stoles,” said Dr. Yellowfish.