Flandreau Indian School honors 2025 graduates

By Carleen Wild
Moody County Enterprise
It was an open mic for members of the Flandreau Indian School community this past Tuesday, with teachers, staff, and family stepping up to share words of encouragement and advice for this years graduating class.
Eleven seniors were recognized and honored ahead of formal graduation ceremonies, in front of fellow students, staff, administrators, and community members.
Six other seniors had already returned home but were also recognized throughout the celebration the graduates represent tribes from across the state, region, and country.
I think weve prepared them well, and we want them to go out and do good things in the world, thats what we try to do, said Superintendent Everall Fox.
Meet them where theyre at, help them as much as we can, and we hope they go out and do great things.
Amos Rockman, one of the eleven honored, has spent four years at FIS. Originally from Wisconsin and now living in Casa Grande, Arizona, Amos is leaving the school with a 4.0 GPA and is the second of seven children. Hes applied to several colleges and plans to continue his education this fall.
His mother, Marvene Rockman, spoke during the event and reflected on her own time at the school. She didnt return to complete her senior year at FIS, but said the school left a lasting impact.
Theres a misconception that boarding schools are bad from my personal experience, theyre not, theyre really great, and I wish I had continued on and graduated from here, its such a good school, she said.
Some students plan to enter the workforce, others are pursuing higher education. Many were emotional as they shared final hugs and an honoring that included gifts from the school and community along with well wishes.