Graduation commencement for Smoky Mountain High School is set for Thursday, May 24, at 7p.m. at the Ramsey Center on Western Carolina campus. Eric Toedtman will be the guest speaker.
There are 15 students who are EBCI tribal members that are expected to walk the stage among the 166 potential Mustang graduates. They are:
Arnold, Tyler Charles of Sylva is the son of Nancy Arnold. Tyler is interested in mixed martial arts and judo. He listens to music, likes to read and play video games. He received the Tribal Council Merit Award. Tyler has been offered a full scholarship to the Dream Center Ministries Academy in St. Louis, Missouri.
Blackfox, Cassandra Dawn of Painttown is the granddaughter of Nancy and Robert Bigmeat. Her parents are Minda Armachain and David Blackfox. Cassandra plans to attend Southwestern Community College and major in Nursing.
Chiltoskie, Kaniawa Cree is the daughter of Kim and Linda Chiltoskie of the Wolfetown Community. Kai likes to hang out with her friends and play basketball. She plans to enlist in the Navy.
French, Landon Eagle of Yellowhill is the son of Dawn Arneach and the late Danny French. Landon enjoys kickboxing and has achieved a white belt-2nd stripe in Jiu Jitsu. Landon received the Tribal Council Merit Award. He has been accepted to Mars Hill College and plans to major in History.
George, Michael Anthony of Birdtown is the son of Michael Shane Davis and Chena George. Michael played Smoky Mountain football and he likes to play community basketball and hang out with his friends. Michael plans to attend Southwestern Community College and then transfer to Mars Hill College. He would like to someday be a teacher.
Huskey, Elias Cade of Wolfetown is the son of Sharrianne Pheasant and the late Kent Huskey. Cade enjoys playing stickball and listening to music. Cade received the Tribal Council Merit Award. Cade has been accepted to and plans to attend North Carolina State University. He is presently undecided about a major.
Ledford, Brooklynn Jonet’ is the daughter of Katina Price of Birdtown. Brooklynn is an early graduate; she received a Tribal Council Merit Award and was selected to receive the Principal Chief’s Award. She played basketball and volleyball for Smoky Mountain. Brooklynn has been accepted to and plans to attend Cape Fear Community College where she will declare a major in Medical Stenography.
Lossiah, Dylan Hayes of Big Y is the son of Tracy Fitzmaurice and Bo Lossiah. Dylan was the Varsity Soccer Captain and Captain during his sophomore year for the track team. Dylan was a member of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, a member of Student Council, and a New Century Scholar. He received the HERD Guild Art Scholarship, All Conference and All Region in Soccer and was nominated for the Asheville City Times All Western in soccer. He also received a Tribal Council Merit Award. Dylan likes to do community service and is interested in art, writing, and cooking. He has been accepted to and will attend the Lloyd International Honors College at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro. He plans to major in History and minor in pre-law and eventually attend law school. His future plan is to return to the reservation and teach.
Marr, James Allen is the son of Christina Smith of Whittier. James was on the football and track teams for Smoky Mountain. He likes to listen to music and play sports. He received a Tribal Council Merit Award. James plans to attend Southwestern Community College but is undecided about a major.
Mathis, Tristan Taylor of Wolfetown is the son of Michelle Mathis and Donovan Crowe. He played football and basketball for Smoky Mountain and was also on the track team. Tristan also participated in the NAYO and Indigenous basketball teams. He likes to play various sports and likes to hang out with his friends. Tristan received a Tribal Council Merit Award. He has been accepted to and plans to attend East Tennessee State University and major in Criminal Justice.
Parker, Roxanne Klari of Wolfetown is the daughter of Pam Blankenship and Ben Parker. She is also the granddaughter of Bob and Laura Blankenship and the late Claude and Jean Parker. Roxanne played soccer for Smoky Mountain and received a Tribal Council Merit Award. She plans to attend Southwestern Community College to become a surveyor. She would also like to give special thanks to her parents for all their support!
Powell, Samantha Lynn of Wolfetown is the daughter of Jacqueline Powell and Ronson Rickman. Samantha likes to attend the Youth Center, play community basketball and softball, volunteer, listen to music, facebook her friends and spend time with her family and friends. She plans to attend Southwestern Community College and then transfer to a four-year university to major in Archeology.
Walkingstick, Lakisha Nicole of Sylva and Big Cove is the daughter of Andrea Walkingstick and William “Tosh” Davis III. Lakisha received a Tribal Council Merit Award and achieved the Serve Safe Certification. She enjoys hanging with her friends, listening to music and going to the park. Lakisha plans to attend Southwestern Community College for her CNA license.
Wolfe, Dustin Thunder of Birdtown is the son of Angela Wolfe and Jimmy Wilson. Dustin played Smoky Mountain football. He is a recipient of the National Native American Art Award and attended an art workshop sponsored by the HERD Museum at the University of Arizona in Phoenix. He also placed first and had two third place awards at the Native American Conference held in Charlotte earlier this year. Dustin also received the Silver Key Award through the Asheville Museum. Dustin received the Tribal Council Best All-Around Merit Award and the Principal Chief’s Award. Dustin plans to attend Southwestern Community College then transfer to Western Carolina and major in Criminal Justice. He aspires one day to become an SBI agent.
Wolfe, Jaidan Tylyn-Renaye of Wolfetown is the daughter of Christina Panther and Johan Wolfe. Jaidan was a member of Talent Search and received a Tribal Council Merit Award. She likes to hang out with her friends and listen to music. Jaidan plans to attend Southwestern Community College for a degree in Graphic Design.
– Smoky Mountain High School
