SUIMA students welcome the next chapter

Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy Toddler Two student, KaiLanii Graham stands next to her mother, Shiann Graham, after receiving her certificate during the Academy’s transition ceremony and walking parade.

Lower Elementary student Aeden Richards smiles to his family while walking into the parade. Richards will move to the Upper Elementary at SUIMA next fall.

Southern Ute Veterans Association members Bruce LeClaire, Bruce Valdez and Gordon Hammond begin the Walking Parade with an Honor Song and march with flags along Ouray Drive with former Little Miss Southern Ute Shayne White Thunder.

Parents and family members wave to their students as they walk to receive their certificate and a small gift from Tribal Council.

Students of Primary One, Two, and Three begin their walk on Ouray Drive to shake hands with Tribal Council members.

Southern Ute tribal member Tasha Herrera holds her daughter, Luca Rodriguez, before proceeding down Ouray Drive for the SUIMA Transition Walking Parade.

A pair of students gladly share a small gift while walking the course of the Transition ceremony.

Infant Classroom student Kyro Abeyta receives his transition certificate with his mother Shailyn Olguin from Southern Ute Vice Chairman Ramona Eagle.

Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum

Divine Windy Boy

Fabian Martinez | SU Drum

Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum

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Fri Jun 3rd, 2022 , by Staff report |

Over 40 students from various grade levels transitioned from the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy on the morning of Thursday, May 26. This year’s Transition Ceremony featured a very special walking parade led by members of the Southern Ute Veterans Association and former Little Miss Southern Ute Shayne White Thunder. Students were able to walk with parents and family members down Ouray Drive on Tribal Campus and receive their certificates. Vice Chairman Ramona Eagle provided the opening prayer and Hanley Frost Sr. gave a blessing to close out the event for students moving up or into the Ignacio School District next school year.