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Lakeville South senior honored at 7th annual South of the River Powwow

May 9, 2024

2024 South of the River Powwow graduating seniors (LSHS student Dawson Sheets, back row 4th from L)

Indigenous students from Lakeville Area Schools joined students and families from neighboring school districts for the 7th annual South of the River (SOTR) Powwow on Saturday, May 4 at Burnsville High School. The SOTR Powwow celebrates Indigenous students’ achievements in the Twin Cities metro area and is open to all community members. Students, families and friends celebrated their culture with food, songs and dance. 

Class of 2024 Lakeville South High School Indigenous graduate Dawson Sheets (pictured in the back row, 4th from the left), along with other graduates from the surrounding area, attended the event as an honored guest, being presented with a stole to wear for his high school commencement.

Jerry Dearly, Dakota Elder, offered a traditional prayer and smudging to honor this year’s graduating seniors’ accomplishments. All powwow attendees had the opportunity to shake hands and offer congratulations to the graduates as an honor song was performed by a drum group.