The Southern Ute Montessori Academy held its yearly Transition Ceremony on Friday, May 23 inside the SunUte Community Center. Students from various grade levels transitioned to either the next grade, public schooling, or middle school. With opening remarks from SUIMA Principal Mari Jo Owens and Education Director Dr. Joseph Claunch, the ceremony began, and the gym bleachers filled with family, friends, teachers, and visitors. Ahead of the presentation of certificates, the Southern Ute Veterans Association presented its color guard, with Southern Ute Royalty following behind and a flag song provided by Yellow Jacket Singers. The Transition Ceremony marks a new beginning for students as they look forward to summer vacation.
Former Upper Elementary students, Jacoby Scott and Leandro Litz Jr. proudly hold up their certificates marking the end of their time at the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy as students. In the fall, both students will head to middle school.
Yellow Jacket singers perform a flag song, honoring veterans both presenting colors and within the audience.
The Southern Ute Tribal Council took time to share their congratulations with all the SUIMA students transitioning into new grades in the fall, Chairman Melvin J. Baker also acknowledged teachers and other faculty who helped in making it another successful school year.
The Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council (SCSYAC) gave a welcoming address during the ceremony as well; newest member Shayne White Thunder shared her pride in students who are transitioning and shared her experiences as a SUIMA alumna.
SCSYAC member and current Miss Southern Ute, Maleina Carel shares well wishes to all students transitioning from SUIMA on Friday, May 23.
Sandra Toledo and her mother, Angela Baker, walk to receive Toledo’s certificate marking her transition from the infant level at SUIMA.
De’Vra Richards shares an embrace with SUIMA Principal Mari Jo Owens after receiving her certificate of transition, Richards is transitioning from the Primary 2 level.
Cassius Harlan wears his best attire during the SUIMA Transition Ceremony, Dr. Joseph Claunch proudly presents Harlan with his certificate on Friday, May 23. Harlan is transitioning from Lower Elementary 1.
SUIMA student Jacoby Scott is presented with a graduation stole from his mother Gabrielle Velasquez during the yearly Transition Ceremony. Scott is moving onto middle school and is now a SUIMA alumnus.
Southern Ute Veterans Association presents the colors as the SUIMA Transition Ceremony begins at the SunUte Community Center.
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Eagles moving up!
Tags: Angela Baker, Cassius Harlan, Chairman Melvin J. Baker, De'Vra Richards, Dr. Joseph Claunch, Education Director Dr. Joseph Claunch, Gabrielle Velasquez, Jacoby Scott, Leandro Litz Jr., Maleina Carel, Mari Jo Owens, Miss Southern Ute, Sandra Toledo, SCSYAC, Shayne White Thunder, Southern Ute Montessori Academy, Southern Ute Royalty, Southern Ute Tribal Council, Southern Ute Veterans Association, SUIMA Principal Mari Jo Owens, Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council, SunUte Community Center, Transition Ceremony, Yellow Jacket Singers