GOAL High School of Durango, Colo., held its commencement ceremony at the Fort Lewis College Community Concert Hall on Thursday, May 28. “Pomp and Circumstance” played as Southern Ute tribal members, first descendants, and Johnson O’Malley (JOM) graduates, among their fellow students, filled the hall. Graduates walked across the stage to receive their diplomas in front of their families, friends, and loved ones.
Southern Ute tribal member, Eva O’John, hugs teachers after walking the stage to receive her diploma, sharing a sweet moment before leaving the stage.
Southern Ute tribal member, Aspen Naranjo, shows off her diploma following the GOAL High School.
Marcus White is a Southern Ute tribal member and graduate of GOAL High School.
Daymien Aguilar stands with family following the commencement ceremony on
Thursday afternoon. Families and friends gathered outside of the FLC Community Concert Hall to share gifts and take photos.
Eva O’John shares a gift with Lisa Pratchett, Lead Public Education Counselor, with the Southern Ute Education Department, following the ceremony on Thursday.
Sisters, Katerie and Tatum Lang, shared their journey to graduation with the crowd of families during their commencement ceremony. Following the loss of their grandfather and after becoming caretakers, the pair completed their high school education and were honored by speaking at the GOAL High School graduation.
Sisters Katerie and Tatum Lang, hail from the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and they proudly show their heritage with beaded caps, jewelry, and color coordinated ribbon skirts.
Southern Ute tribal member, Maleina Carel dons her regalia with her gap and gown during graduation on Thursday – she is also draped in celebratory leis and stoles for the momentous occasion.
Maleina Carel stands with her sister, Rhianna Carel (left) and mother, Marie Joy (right) following her graduation from GOAL High School on Thursday.
Briel Cruz holds her hard-earned diploma following the GOAL High School graduation ceremony on Thursday. Cruz is adorned with flowers, leis, and stoles gifted to her by friends and family.
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
GOAL Grads Grace FLC
Tags: Aspen Naranjo, Briel Cruz, Daymien Aguilar, Eva O’John, first descendants, Fort Lewis College Community Concert Hall, GOAL High School, Johnson O'Malley (JOM), Katerie Lang, Lisa Pratchett, Maleina Carel, Marcus White, Marie Joy, Rhianna Carel, Southern Ute Education Department, Southern Ute Tribal Members, Tatum Lang