The 2026 graduation season kicked off last week as the Indian Education program celebrated seniors with a special graduation ceremony complete with culture, family and community. Many students wore traditional regalia to the ceremony. Anthony Bluehorse (Spirit Lake Dakota), a longtime supporter and cultural resource of the TPS Indian Education program, added traditional drumming and song to the event as he's done for the past 14 years.

In the spirit of the Potlatch, each graduate was gifted a hand-painted drum, lovingly created by Parent Advisory Committee elder and resident artist George Zantua (Tsimshian/Haida), along with a medallion with the Indian education logo and a blanket. Students were honored with a blanket by Indian Education Program Director, David Syth (Crow/Blackfeet Nation).

Congratulations to our graduates — you make us proud. This event was put on by the Indian Education Program staff: Director David Syth (Crow/Blackfeet), Indian Education Specialists Robin Brooks, and Liz Leines. The event was made possible with the support of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.

The full collection of photos is available online at https://bit.ly/IndianEd26