Friends and families gathered in the stands of the SunUte Community Center on Thursday, May 24, to watch the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy (SUIMA) Transition Ceremony. 34 students transitioned, some to the next grade level or out of SUIMA into private or public schools. Meeko Wesley provided the opening prayer and the presentation of the Color Guard by the Southern Ute Veteran Association followed. Principal Mari Jo Owens and Education Department Director, La Titia Taylor thanked the families for joining them and congratulated all the students. Taylor and Executive Officer Lindsay Box handed out certificates to the students. The Upper Elementary students gave a heartfelt prayer to end the celebration before walking down to the Bear Dance to kick off the weekend events.
Izen Mills stopping to pose for a photo after receiving his certificate.
Raiden Cloud and his mother Gabrielle Velasquez pose for a photo while Raiden’s father Lawerence Cloud captures the special moment.
Tasha Rodriguez guides her daughter Luca Rodriguez back to the stands after she received her certificate.
Principal Mari Jo Owens congratulating Violet Powell while giving Powell her certificate.
Joaiden Height walking away with his certificate after shaking hands with Southern Ute Brave, Henry Whiteskunk II. Both him and his brother Josiah Height received their certificates!
KaiLanii Graham while posing for a photo with her father Nakai Graham.
Southern Ute Brave Alternate, Theoden Greany shaking hands with Chairman Melvin J. Baker while proudly holding his certificate.
Upper Elementary singing the honor song together and with emotions running high, thinking of the previous years, Meskvlwv Wesley began wiping his tears. Meskvlwv will be transitioning to a private school in the new school year.
Milo TwoCrow with his mom and certificate, posing for photos.
The Color Guard presentation by the Southern Ute Veterans Association with Southern Ute Royalty walking behind.
Photo Credit: Rosaleigh Concepcion | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Rosaleigh Concepcion | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Rosaleigh Concepcion | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Rosaleigh Concepcion | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Rosaleigh Concepcion | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Rosaleigh Concepcion | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Rosaleigh Concepcion | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Rosaleigh Concepcion | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Rosaleigh Concepcion | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Rosaleigh Concepcion | The Southern Ute Drum
SUIMA students look to the future
Tags: Chairman Melvin J. Baker, Color Guard, Education Department Director, Executive Officer Lindsay Box, Gabrielle Velasquez, Henry Whiteskunk II, Izen Mills, Joaiden Height, Josiah Height, Kailanii Graham, La Titia Taylor, Lawerence Cloud, Luca Rodriguez, Meeko Wesley, Meskvlwv Wesley, Milo TwoCrow, Nakai Graham, Principal Mari Jo Owens, Raiden Cloud, Southern Ute Brave, Southern Ute Brave Alternate, Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy (SUIMA), Southern Ute Veteran Association, SunUte Community Center, Tasha Rodriguez, Theoden Greany, Transition Ceremony, Upper Elementary, Violet Powell