TED Graduation Banquet honors 2023 Graduates

July 7, 2023

Velia Moncada 

Gila River Indian News

There was joy that filled the air at the Tribal Education Department’s (TED) graduate recognition banquet held on Friday, June 23.  The banquet fell into the evening, where 85 students RSVP’d with two guests.  At the same time, tribal leadership and Community council members attended the event as well, resulting in the attendance of 300 individuals commemorating the graduates.  TED student advisors hosted the graduate banquet to honor the class of 2023 students and recognize their academic accomplishments at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass with a dinner service held in the Komatake Ballroom.

Tribal Education Department Director Issac Salcido greeted the banquet guests, congratulated students on their accomplishments, and finally introduced graduates.  Cultural and Language Program Manager Anthony Gray and Cultural Specialist Antonio Davis sang O’otham songs as each graduate entered the room during the introduction.  Then Arizona State University 2023 graduate Kristen Dosela provided a blessing for everyone.

Following the opening came congratulating and encouraging remarks from Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis and Lt. Gov. Monica Antone.  Both shared their admiration towards the TED employees, paving the way for the graduating students to thrive in their academic futures while admiring the graduates for their efforts in their journey to academic success. 

Graduates from the class of 2023, Samuel Dillon of Betty Fairfax High School and Yvette Carpio of Arizona State University spoke to the graduating class and their families at the recognition banquet.  They highlighted the numerous challenges and triumphs they faced throughout their educational journeys. 

Amongst the banquet activities, a raffle occurred throughout the night where students would receive home appliances as prizes.  These prizes ranged from microwaves to keurigs, egg cookers, and a plasma TV. 

Lance Reyna, K-12 Education Manager at TED, and Jennifer Hinton, Adult Education Manager at TED, gave students their certificate of recognition in the late evening, recognizing students for their studious work and academic achievement.  

Closing remarks were then presented by the Chairman of the Education Standing Committee, District 1 Councilman Arzie Hogg, concluding the night for students and their well-deserved achievement.