SAULT STE. MARIE — The Lake Superior State University Native American Center and the Outstanding Native American Graduating Student Award Committee would like to recognize and applaud award nominees for their accomplishments and their contributions to the communities on and off campus.
George Tessier
Newberry native George Tessier, majoring in Political Science (Public Administration Track), volunteered a great deal of his time with the Bawating Anishnabek Tribal Youth Council as an advisor.
Tessier wishes to thank his high school teacher, Jeff Puckett, for helping to shape his outlook and motivate him to pursue a college education. His future goals are to attend the Bay Mills Community College Language Immersion program to earn a certificate in Anishnabemowin and to pursue a master's degree in Public Administration from Northern Michigan University.
Tessier's words of wisdom for students: “Take every opportunity you can to learn; specifically to learn more about yourself, your identity, and what your purpose is. College is a time to take advantage of many opportunities, but remember that advantages are taken, not handed out.”
Jennifer Lehto
Jennifer Lehto's major is Psychology, with a minor in Counseling.The Newberry native is a founding member of the Psi Chi National Honor Society. She has been involved with the LSSU Psychology Club and the LSSU Native American Student Organization. Lehto sings national anthem for the LSSU Laker hockey games, and will sing the national anthem for the LSSU graduation ceremony this year. In addition, Jennifer's volunteer activities include the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Adopt-A-Highway, and the Special Olympics.
Lehto is graduating with honors (Magna Cum Laude). She expressed her gratitude to her family for their support during her education at LSSU. Her future goals include working for the Sault Tribe ACFS for at least one year and then attend graduate school to earn her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.
Lehto's words of wisdom for students: “The most important thing is time management. Use your time wisely.”
Gail Crazythunder
Gail Crazythunder's major is a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies, with minors in Political Science and Sociology. She also obtained two Associate degrees in Social Science and General Studies from BMCC. Crazythunder is now enrolled in the Masters of Public Administration at Northern Michigan University.
Crazythunder wishes to express her thanks to Deb LeBlanc and the entire communities of Sault Ste. Marie and Newberry. She recently visited Washington, D.C. to fulfill a scholarship awarded for equal opportunity in education from Michigan MEAOPP. Her future goal is to become a public servant of the community.
Crazythunder's words of wisdom for students: “Don't pigeonhole yourself and ask questions until you are satisfied with the answer.”
Penny Carlson
Penny Carlson's major is in Business Administration. Carlson obtained her degree while working full-time as a tutor, wife and mother, in addition to one or two part-time jobs during her college career. Carlson has spent many hours organizing volunteers to assist students with math and reading in addition to going the extra mile herself to help others learn. She is employed as a full-time teller at North Country Bank and Trust in Manistique. Her interests lie in helping people build better futures. Carlson would like to express her gratitude to her daughter Marietta, for her nomination. Marietta said that her mother is persistent and she has followed her dreams. In addition, Marietta would like to recognize her mother for being a good role model for women. Carlson has future plans to become a loan officer.
Carlson's words of wisdom to students: “To those who are seeking their path of knowledge is sometimes the best thing to do is trust your instincts, follow your dreams, believe in yourself, and your goals. For you are truly the only person who knows what you are capable of. If we all do this, we can make this world a better place for the following generations one small step at a time. The last piece of advice I would give the upcoming graduates is to thank God for all of the tiny blessings we are blessed with every day because these make the path worth taking. After all, sometimes it is the little things in life, like a kind word, that make the difference in peoples' lives and give them the courage to continue against all odds.”
