Sept. 1, 2015, marked a day in history for some community members. Not only did this day mark the first day back to school for Crandon School District, but it also marked the day when a Native American Drum group was asked to participate in the “First Day of School Student Kick-Off” at Crandon High School Gymnasium.
Brooks Boyd, FCP Cultural Edu- cation Advisor, coordinated this event with Crandon School District. He said, “Throughout the years we really haven’t had an opportunity to demon- strate this type of unified cultural dis- play in the schools. Nothing to this extent anyway. It was especially great to see everyone in the bleachers standing up out of respect for our boys as we sang for the opening. In return our boys stood up out of respect to honor their opening protocol also. I thought this was a great display of respect along with a great message for the young leaders in those bleachers. I was happy to be a part of this.”
Students from kindergarten – 12th grade packed the gymnasium to kick off the school year with a bang! The bleachers were jam-packed, and the drum group Fire Nation Singers was in center of the gym floor singing their hearts out. After each song the drum played, all the students and staff applauded the singers. It was great to see both culture and community come together as one.
The event then went onto the Star Spangled Banner with two choir students singing, one being FCP tribal member Anike Sulaimon, now a senior at Crandon High School. The events to follow were great fun for both faculty and students.
The teachers performed a special dance for all students present. There was also special recognition of students including those who had perfect attendance in 2015, those involved in sports, along with National Honor Society members, Drama Club participants, and so on.
There was even a special presentation from the new District Administrator Doug Kryder. He summed things up pretty simply and straightforward, “I am here for you as you help me learn Crandon.” Kryder is looking forward to getting to know this community in the coming year and years to come.
To sum up this event, the word “remarkable” comes to mind. To see two cultures combined as one for the sake of celebrating the first day of school for Crandon students is something everyone within the community should be proud of. It was a great event with many smiles and laugher from all. PTT wishes good luck to all the students this year!
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