CELEBRATING EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT

July 30, 2026

Graduates' celebration for academic year 2025-2026

By Vivian LaMoore, InaajImowin Editor

In Chief Executive Virgil Wind's remarks at the Graduate Celebration for the academic year 2025-2026 on July 10, 2026, he opened his message telling the graduates that learning is a lifelong journey and that knowledge is meant to be shared.

The Mille Lacs Band Higher Education Unit honored graduates who achieved more than 130 educational milestones during the 2025-2026 academic year, including 105 GEDs or high school diplomas, 19 college degrees-four of them master's degrees-and six professional certifications.

The ceremony also celebrated bachelor's degree incentive recipient Daphne Shabaiash, the first employee to earn the $10,000 incentive for completing a bachelor's degree in Ojibwe Language while employed by the Band.

"Remember that your success strengthens us all," Wind said.

District | Representative Carolyn Beaulieu reflected on her own educational journey, which began after serving in the U.S. Army. While working full time for the Mille Lacs Band and raising a family, she earned her associate degree, followed by a bachelor's degree and eventually a master's degree in Tribal Administration and Governance.

Beaulieu acknowledged that earning those degrees did not happen overnight. Balancing work, family, and school was challenging, but she said each step brought her closer to building a better future for herself, her family, and her community.

"Education is something no one can ever take from you," Beaulieu said. "You are never too old to start anything."

Michele Berger, Mille Lacs Band Scholarship Counselor, acknowledged the many individuals and groups who helped make the event a success, including Executive Staff, Commissioner of Education Raina Killspotted, the Mille Lacs Band Higher Education staff, Colleen Lueck, and District I Representative Carolyn Beaulieu. Appreciation was also extended to Auntie and Uncle's Snack Shack (Tyler and JoJo Buck) for the meal, the Frybread Band for entertainment, the Mille Lacs Band Veterans for presenting the colors, Byron Ninham (Niigaanigwaneb) for offering remarks, and the Little Otter Singers, led by Les Gah-bow, for bringing in the drum and providing champion songs.

To see more photos of the event and the Frybread Band, visit Inaajimowin.com/galleries.