Flier grads encouraged to lead with heart

It is common for renowned historical figures to be quoted during major life events like graduations. The intent, always, is to inspire young people to dream big and go out into the world ready to make a difference.
But during this past weekends graduation ceremony in Flandreau, featured speaker and US history, world geography and personal finance teacher Owen Parsley offered students a different perspective using three bullet points referencing each of his three classes.
In World Geography, he told them, Flandreau is a great place to call home, he told them. You are blessed to be able to grow up and live in Flandreau, South Dakota. There are a lot of beautiful places in the world, but it is here, too.
He then reminded them that some of the greatest heroes are not those in history books but those who make an impact in small, meaningful ways every day.
Some of the most memorable people in history are those that serve and help others, said Parsley, as he thanked students for what they will go on to become.
Those people, even though they are local, they are making a big impact on history, and in your life, you can do that tooyou can be that hopeful, historical, helpful impact to them. Those regular everyday jobs impact history by bettering the lives of others and encouraging others. Remember, history is made up of regular people like you and me. Famous people are just regular people.
Parsley also reminded students of the importance of building a life of substance yes, get a good job, make money, and enjoy nice things but invest just as deeply in relationships. It has the best return on investment of anything theyll ever do, he said.
Having a sibling, a mom, a dad, a guardian that love you, and you love them back, is better than a million bucks. Intentionally pursue those goals now and in the future.
The best return on investments and true wealth is your family, friends and faith, he said.
Material things dont last.
Class valedictorian Ben Kulm also addressed his peers, encouraging them to keep perspective when life gets tough.
When things get hard, remember, they can do anything for a short amount of time. Its the more long-term commitments that seem scary, he said, but he reminded them they have a solid foundation coming out of Flandreau, and wished them well as they all head off into the future.
As speeches came to a close, next years seniors Kaden Iott, Xavier Bien, Kody Kneebone, Emmett Skroch, and Alex Poitra sat quietly in the back of the gym, watching friends say goodbye to their high school years. Each expressed how much theyll miss their classmates, noting how close the class of 2025 has remained over the years.
Representatives from Upward Bound were also on hand to celebrate the achievements of two students long involved in the program.
Im very proud of our students, said former local director Samantha Contarino. She, along with True Thorne and Nathan Bylander, was there to support Johnny Ghost Dog and Alaina Unkenstine.
Theyve faced so many adversities that theyve not only overcome but theyre been able to thrive and theyre going onto their next steps in life, Alaina is going on to SDSU, Johnny is going onto the University of MN, Morris, were so proud.
Both Johnny and Alaina are first-generation, low-income students. Johnny is attending the University of Minnesota, Morris, on a full-ride scholarship. Alaina has received the Wokini Scholarship to attend South Dakota State University.
The two have been part of Upward Bound since their freshman year of high school. Program leaders say opportunities like these are in jeopardy due to pending federal education cuts, theyre asking anyone who might reach out to the Department of Education to advocate for continued support.