And here it is, our final weeks of school. Graduation is a time for celebration, filled with achievement, smiles and new pathways. But have you considered what is hidden behind every diploma? Stories. Stories that most never see. For many students, especially those living in rural or Indigenous communities, own scars symbolizing that graduation is not simply about passing classes, but about overcoming obstacles, ones that could’ve easily pushed them off course.

Between balancing classes, family, and job responsibilities, it’s not common for us to see the scenes behind each student’s growth. Some work to support their families, some care for family members, and others struggle with home instability or transportation barriers. There are students carrying trauma and grief, with the silent pressure of success looming over them. They have to work on surviving, all the while planning an escape for their future.

For Native students in particular, graduation can become a symbol of perseverance not only for the student but for generations, generations that have endured the abuse of boarding schools, inequality, and decades of disadvantage. We are celebrating kids who were brought up in communities affected by poverty, underfunded education, addiction, historical trauma, and limited access to educational opportunities. Those in the dormitory experience adjusting to dorm life and school responsibility while balancing homesickness. This is a victory not just for the student, but for Native American people as a whole.

Don’t only celebrate yourselves, celebrate each other this time around. Celebrate your support team: teachers, counselors, coaches, dorm staff, parents, grandparents, and friends. When it comes to reaching graduation, everyone has a role to play in helping them get there. A conversation, a sit-down at lunch, a tutoring session, or a reminder that success is within reach can make a lasting impact.

Is graduation just the end of high school? No, it is proof of endurance. Strength and struggle shape our identity in ways we may not know yet, but that will come handy in the future. It reflects the sacrifices, setbacks, and determination students carried with them over the four-year period it takes to make a difference in their school environment. Every graduate has faced challenges and triumphs that others may never know about, yet they cross the stage anyway.

As graduation season approaches, remember that a diploma is more than a paper. It is more than academics. It is a testament to survival, growth, and hope for a better future. Congratulations to the Class of 2026.