(Ethete, WY) – The Wyoming Indian High School 2025 graduation ceremony was one of five ceremonies in Fremont County last weekend, where folks filled the Alfred Redman Sr. Gymnasium to support the graduates.
Principal Pam Gambler welcomed the crowd following the Opening Song from the Warm Wind Valley Singers and Flag Song from Eagle Drum, and the opening prayer conducted by Sandra Iron Cloud.
“Today we celebrate not only the academic achievements of the graduating class of 2025, but also their resilience, growth, and unwavering spirit throughout their high school journey,” Principal Gambler shared.
Master of Ceremonies Nate Reinhardt then introduced the Class of 2025 Salutatorian and Valedictorian: Marley C’Hair and Noah Red Willow.
“The world outside these walls is vast and full of possibilities,” C’Hair told fellow graduates in his address. “It’s a world that needs our passion, our talents, and our unique perspectives.”
“Don’t be afraid to take risks, to stumble, to learn from mistakes. Embrace the unknown with courage and determination. … Let us continue to support each other, to lift each other up, and make a positive impact on the world.”
C’Hair was also later recognized for being one of the County 10 Student of the Year scholarship recipients.
“I come from a long line of service and scholarship, and I share this legacy of pride,” Red Willow then told the crowd during his speech. “From them, I’ve learned the values of leadership, lifelong learning, and giving back. …I encourage you to find something you’re passionate about, something positive brings you joy, whether it’s art, sports, mechanics, music or learning. If you haven’t found it yet, don’t worry; it’s never too late.”
“So take care of yourselves mentally, physically, and emotionally,” Red Willow continued. “When you do, be ready to make the world better, starting with your own community. It’s not what the Rez can do for you, it’s what you can do for the Rez.”
Alyson White Eagle was the community speaker for 2025. White Eagle is a Wyoming Indian Graduate from Ethete, and currently serves as a Tribal Water Legal Fellow at the Native American Rights Fund, where she supports tribes nationwide in safeguarding their water resources.
“I’d like to congratulate all of you for your hard work today, but also your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and guardians for all of the support they gave you along the way,” White Eagle shared. “…I want you guys to know that you can do anything. You can do literally anything you want to do, as long as you’re willing to work for it. There will be times when you’re working towards your goals that you have to make sacrifices. And sacrifices are hard to make.”
White Eagle later quoted Frank Herbert from his novel ‘Dune,’ and reminded students that “fear is the mind killer.”
“Don’t let fear hold you back.”
“…Most importantly, I’d like to encourage each of you to stay close to our way of life,” White Eagle advised graduates. “Whether you’re Arapaho, Shoshone or any other tribe, I encourage you to be at our ceremonies, help around, and learn how things are supposed to be done; learn and speak our language. Who are we without these things?”
The various scholarships were then announced, with special note of the Astorga family Shotgunn Scholarship, which went to Martin Underwood IV, and the Sanchezolmos Scholarship, which went to Noah Red Willow and Annessa White.
After the scholarships were awarded, it was officially time for the graduates to receive their diplomas.
The graduating Class of 2025 included:
Kenneth Addison Jr., Mylee Antelope, Anthony Arthur, Darian Augustine, Alianna Brown, Ruby Burton, Anelia C’Hair, Larissa C’Hair, Marley C’Hair, Rachael DuShane, Teque Foote, Woodrowe Friday, Dodie Harris, Faith Headley, Chloe Iron Cloud, Aiken McCabe, Blayden Norse, Reyes Pizarro, Avery Posey, Noah Red Willow, Seth Spoonhunter, Tommie Standing Elk, Pecos SunRhodes, Danielle Surrell, Ivalee Surrell, Martin Underwood IV, and Anessa White.
Class Flower
Stargazer Lily
Class Colors
Columbia Blue, Red and White
Class Motto
“Beginnings are usually scary and endings are usually sad, but it’s everything in between that makes it all worth living.” – Bob Marley
Class Song
“Forever Young” – Alphaville
Congratulations, Class of 2025!