De La Salle Blackfeet School
De La Salle Blackfeet School (DLSBS) witnessed a transformative academic year, where students not only achieved milestones but also embarked on journeys that broadened their horizons. In February, DLSBS hosted a Scholastic Book Fair, igniting students' passion for reading. The month of February also witnessed a momentous occasion as De La Salle Blackfeet student representatives stood before the Montana House Committee. Their powerful testimonies supported the proposed bill, HB 141, advocating for the establishment of Indigenous Peoples' Day as a statewide holiday. By engaging in this dialogue, students displayed their commitment to social justice and advocated for the recognition of their heritage.
April brought forth a sacred celebration as students received their Sacraments of Baptism and First Communion during a school mass. Our 8th graders also completed their final sacrament of initiation in to the Catholic Church and presided over by Bishop Austin Vetter. These spiritual experiences allowed students to deepen their connection with their faith and mark important milestones in their religious journeys.
Undoubtedly, one of the most memorable experiences in the final month of school was the 8th-grade class trip to Chicago and the University of Notre Dame. This transformative journey offered students the chance to explore a vibrant city and embrace cultural diversity. This exposure to new environments and perspectives broadened their horizons, fostering a deeper understanding of the world. Continuing their adventure, the 8th graders visited San Miguel School Chicago, forging connections with students from different backgrounds. They experienced the richness of the Back of the Yards neighborhood's history and engaged in games, conversations, and cultural exchanges. Another highlight of their trip was a visit to De La Salle Institute, where students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in high school life as they interacted with fellow students and shadowed classes. This firsthand experience at a high school setting prepared them for the next chapter of their academic journey while instilling a sense of camaraderie and belonging within the Lasallian family. Before bidding farewell to their transformative journey, the 8th graders visited the University of Notre Dame. They delved into the world of television production, engaged with students from other American Indian Catholic Schools, learned from Indigenous professors, and explored the campus's beauty. These experiences not only sparked their curiosity but also inspired them to dream big and pursue higher education.
As the school year concluded, DLSBS held an Honors Convocation celebration, recognizing students' accomplishments and contributions. By leading mass and receiving honors, students were commended for their exceptional achievements, reinforcing their self-confidence and motivation for future endeavors. Our final school day of the year, DLSBS students and alumni participated in 'Field Day,' a day of fun-filled activities for the students. The day included exciting games such as capture the flag, whiffle ball, a staff vs. student basketball game, and water balloon games.
Our Class of 2022-23 Mass and Commencement brought the community together for a sending forth of our graduates to the next steps of their educational journey. Ultimately, through engaging experiences, educational trips, and opportunities for personal growth, De La Salle Blackfeet School empowered its students to expand their horizons. The 2022-2023 academic year will be remembered as a time of exploration, connection, and personal transformation.
