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TyLee Pinnecoose is presented with a Pendleton blanket in celebration of graduation from Wolverine Academy; Executive Officer Lindsay Box wraps Pinnecoose in the blanket.
Southern Ute tribal students and Johnson-O'Malley students who have recently graduated, receive embroidered Pendleton blankets, celebratory cards, and some students receive plaques in recognition of their academic achievements.
JOM student, Marissa Olguin is wrapped in a celebratory Pendleton blanket by her mother Lisa Olguin, who serves on the JOM Committee. Marissa is a graduate of Ignacio High School.
Lisa Weaver received a plaque and blanket for earning her certificate of Medical Billing and Coding from Gateway Community College in the summer of 2024.
Edward Box III is recognized for his Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Box also served as guest speaker for the Graduation Banquet on Friday, July 18.
During the presentation of graduates, Stoney White Thunder-Lucero sings an honor song for all the graduates during the event.
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
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
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Celebrating Native graduates

Friday - July 25, 2025 by Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum

The Southern Ute Education Department hosted its annual Graduation Banquet on Friday, July 18 at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Durango. Southern Ute and Johnson-O’Malley students were recognized for their graduation at all levels, from high school diplomas to master’s degrees each student received custom Pendleton blankets, celebratory cards, and some received plaques. Emceed by Sheila Nanaeto, students and their families enjoyed a meal while hearing from guest speaker and recent college graduate Edward Box III, remarks from Southern Ute Tribal Council, Education Director Dr. Joseph Claunch, Southern Ute Royalty and the Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council.  

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