Mahpiya Luta | Red Cloud School Senior Class of 2026 Marks Final Spiritual Retreat at Outlaw Ranch

Maȟpíya Lúta embraces Lakȟota and Jesuit Catholic values to foster community growth through education, spiritual formation, Lakȟota language, art, and culture. With the generous support of the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions, we continue to guide our students toward academic excellence with a deep spiritual grounding.
In late spring, Maȟpíya Lúta’s Senior Class of 2026 gathered for their final spiritual retreat at Outlaw Ranch in Custer, South Dakota. Spending three days and two nights at this serene retreat center in the Black Hills, students stepped away from the classroom to reflect, connect, and prepare for the journey ahead.

The Spiritual Formation retreats invite students to delve deeper into their personal spirituality and relationship with Thunkasila (God) and offers students a meaningful pause at the close of their high school experience—a time to step away from the classroom and be present with one another. Grounded in prayer and guided reflection, students spent time considering their relationships—with each other, themselves and with Creator—as they explore their hopes for the future and how their spirituality will carry them into the next chapter of their lives.

Throughout the retreat, seniors gathered in small groups for discussion, sharing stories, memories and hopes for the future. They embraced the natural beauty of the Black Hills with a hike to Black Elk Peak plus fishing and swimming at Sylvan Lake. Restorative and quiet moments in nature created space for our students to connect and create lasting memories.

As part of Mahpiya Luta’s Spiritual Formation Program, spiritual retreats are an important tradition and part of a larger retreat experience offered to students throughout their high school years. Each retreat builds on the last, giving students time to grow in relationship with one another and with Creator. Together, these experiences create space for reflection, connection, and community—lessons that extend far beyond the classroom.

We are incredibly proud to announce that on Saturday, May 9, 2026, Maȟpíya Lúta celebrated its campus Graduation Ceremony, marking a 100% graduation rate with all 46 seniors receiving their diplomas. The class was congratulated by our school’s leadership, teachers and their families and recognized for academic honors and achievement, with 18 students receiving scholarships. Our graduates are attending college, volunteering in the AmeriCorps teacher initiative or pursuing a career in the military.

Our newest scholars are now attending outstanding colleges and universities across the country including Dartmouth College, University of Minnesota, University of Denver, Bismarck State College, Oglala Lakota College, University of Kentucky, University of South Dakota, Whittier College, University of Minnesota and Creighton University. Students have plans to study and major in pre-med, information technology, physics, business, psychology, environmental science, nursing, health sciences, forestry, architecture and criminal justice.

As we celebrate the Class of 2026, we send them forward with immense pride and hope as we continue to cheer them on as they make their way in the world. Our prayers are with them for health, happiness, and strength in the path they choose to walk. We also remain deeply grateful to our partners and your support which makes Mahpiya Luta’s holistic, value-centered and spiritual informed education possible.