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SAULT STE. MARIE - Lake Superior State University's Native American Center recognized the newest LSSU graduates at a feast held on Wednesday, April 19.
"Each year we celebrate our graduates with a feast, music and good company," said Native American Center and Campus Diversity Director Stephanie Sabatine.
Highlighting the afternoon was the presentation of the Outstanding Native American Student Award.
Three nominees were in the running for the honor, which is based on character, involvement on and off campus, grade point average, and factors they have had to overcome during their academic career. The selection committee was comprised of representatives from Bay Mills Indian Community, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Batchewana First Nation, LSSU alumni and students from the Native American Student Organization.
Presenting the award was Anglea Ellis, the 2005 winner.
"I am happy to give this to the next person," said Ellis. "It's a pretty good honor."
Ellis acknowledged the tough decision the selection committee had to make, adding that all of the students nominated were worthy of the honor.
Receiving the 2006 award was Megan Smith, a human services major.
Smith was shocked to be selected.
"I had heard from some friends that I had been nominated, but I didn't expect this," she said.
Smith is a member of Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and also works for the tribe dealing with issues facing families and children at Anishnabek Community and Family Services. She has been employed by the tribe for eight years and plans to continue her work there as well as further her education.
"I am just waiting on a letter of recommendation for the master in social work program at Grand Valley State," said Smith. "I hope to continue my work in whatever capacity."
Smith said she hasn't been able to be around the NAC much this semester because of her hectic schedule, trying to balance her studies with raising a family and working full-time. But she said she wishes to remain involved with the NASO in the future.
"The Native American Center is a wonderful place," she said. "I believe the fellowship that the students receive here is just as important as the services itself."
Smith graduated cum laude (with honors) from LSSU on April 29.
The remaining two nominees, Joe Lucier and Adolphus Trudeau, were also honored with certificates for their accomplishments.
