🌿 Honoring Tradition and New Beginnings: FWPS Native Graduation Celebration 🌟

Last night, Federal Way Public Schools proudly hosted our annual Native Graduation Celebration at Olympic View K-8, honoring 18 incredible students from 5th, 8th, and 12th grades. This heartfelt event celebrated academic milestones while uplifting Native identity, culture, and community. 

🍽️ The evening began with a delicious Indigenous meal prepared by Federal Way High School’s culinary arts students, featuring fry bread, ground venison, beans, and corn. 

🎓 Students transitioning to middle and high school received meaningful handmade gifts including, beaded necklaces, and rawhide rattles—symbolizing growth, identity, and community. 

Graduating seniors were honored with FWPS Native graduation stoles, blankets and smudge kits. Four seniors who demonstrated outstanding participation and leadership in the Native American Youth Leadership Academy (NAYLA) were specially recognized with 8th Gen blankets gifted from the Seattle Indian Health Board. 

💬 Families shared heartfelt reflections about their graduates, making the night deeply personal and memorable. The celebration closed with a powerful traditional drumming song to honor students and their continued journey. 

Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer, district leaders, families, and community members joined together to celebrate these remarkable students. Thank you to the FWPS Native Education Program and all who helped make this evening a beautiful expression of culture, pride, and achievement. 

Congratulations to our graduates and rising students!