BIE Students Lead the Way: Celebrating Youth Leadership Month

The Bureau of Indian Education is shaping the next generation of leaders, providing more than 40,000 students across 23 states and 64 reservations with opportunities to excel in academics, sports, cultural preservation, and innovation. As we celebrate Youth Leadership Month, we recognize the students making a lasting impact in their schools and communities through dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. 

At Little Wound School in Kyle, South Dakota, seniors Katch and Tristen showcased their skills and determination on and off the football field by earning spots in the 2024 Indigenous Bowl. This prestigious event, hosted by the 7G Foundation, gives top Native student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a high level and gain exposure to collegiate programs. Both students submitted 500-word essays highlighting their academic and athletic achievements to qualify, demonstrating that success extends beyond the game. 

Leadership also takes shape through cultural preservation and language revitalization. Enemy Swim Day School students in Waubay, South Dakota, showed off the cultural skills they had learned in the classroom at the Lakota Nation Invitational in December, excelling in various competitions. The school’s archery team secured first place, while its Lakota Language Bowl teams demonstrated exceptional knowledge, with one team winning first place and the elementary team taking second place. Their achievements reflect the staff and students’ deep commitment to language and cultural preservation. 

The pursuit of innovation and technology is another area where BIE students thrive, becoming leaders in STEAM competitions across the country. The Mescalero Apache School’s V5 Robotics Team traveled to from Mescalero to Roswell, New Mexico, in January to compete at the Southeast New Mexico Robotics Challenge. Two teams, The Goofy Goobers and N.W.A. (Natives With Attitude), left a mark on the competition. The Goofy Goobers earned the Design Award, and N.W.A. took first place, making history as the first Native American team to win two tournaments in New Mexico. Their mentor, Nate Raynor, was also recognized as Southwest New Mexico Mentor of the Year, highlighting the school’s dedication to excellence in STEM education. 

Academically, BIE students continue to earn national recognition. Aspyn, a junior from Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington, New Mexico, represented her school at the American Indian Science and Engineering Society National Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Her research, titled "Chemical Analyses of Archaeological Pottery Sherds Found Along the Colorado River, Grand Canyon, Arizona," earned her the American Chemical Society Special Award and second place overall, which came with a $2,000 scholarship to present her findings at a future event in San Diego, California, or Washington, D.C. With the support of her mentor, Ms. Flores, Aspyn’s success highlights the strength of Native students in scientific research and discovery. 

Across the BIE, students are leading by example in athletics, cultural knowledge, technological innovation and academic excellence. Their achievements are a testament to the dedication of BIE educators, mentors, and families who continue to support and uplift the next generation. 

To learn more about the incredible accomplishments of BIE students and schools, visit the BIE School Happenings page. If you have a student success story from a BIE school, email the BIE Communications Office at lead@bie.edu.