Ten students graduate from the SRPMIC Early Enrichment Program 

The next generation of stellar students has arrived. 

On July 11, 10 tiny students enrolled in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Early Enrichment Program received their diplomas. They will embark on their scholastic journey with kindergarten now on the horizon. 

The graduation celebration was held inside room 56 in the Ske:g Himdag Ki, which was nearly filled with family members and loved ones celebrating their graduate. Attendees were also served refreshments and a light meal.

Before the graduates received their certificates, Kristy White, youth development specialist for the Early Enrichment Program, offered a moment of appreciation for the staff and faculty who helped teach the young kiddos traditional songs, dances and more. 

“They spent time with Mr. Isaac (Lopez),” began White to the families. “They learned their body parts, numbers and more. If you ever hear them talking in O’odham, that’s because of Mr. Isaac,” White shared with a smile. 

Later, Cody Achin, outreach coordinator for the O’odham Piipaash Language Program, shared two songs, The Kakaicu and Going Home songs. “Don’t worry, running around is part of the song, they’ll run around and chase each other,” shared Achin as the students got into their places. 

After Achin performed the songs, it was time to celebrate the graduates. In all, 10 graduates received certificates, acknowledging their hard work and achievements throughout the year. With kindergarten officially on the way, the staff from the Early Enrichment Program wanted to provide the graduates an extra special award to celebrate the ceremony. 

As a result, each graduate received a special award while all their names were read aloud to roaring rounds of applause.  

This year’s graduates were:

Christalynn Ray, recipient of the kindness award.
Julian Gonzales, recipient of the fabulous friend award
Avery Smith, recipient of the friendship award
Marcello Flores, recipient of the awesome artist award
Zuna Thomas, recipient of the good vibes award
Charlie Hillan, recipient of the sunshine award
Azariah Miller, recipient of the O’odham/Piipaash Language award
Mateo Flores, recipient of the best builder award
Celestia Avalos, recipient of the best dancer award
Richard Billie, recipient of the track star award

Following the distribution of certificates, the graduates were showered with additional gifts from various departments in the Community as staff continued to share their appreciation with the parents, families and loved ones of the graduates. 

Tori Paukgana, Youth Services director, brought the ceremony to a close by providing heartfelt remarks about the grads. 

“No matter what kind of day it is, [the students] always come in with a smile and a hug. There’s no negativity for them, which is awesome,” Paukgana said. 

She continued, “It is true that it does take a community to raise a child, this definitely has shown the work that we put in to make sure they move on to be successful in whatever they choose to do. But most importantly, thank you to the parents and families for all that you contribute to our program and for all you do.”

The Graduates: