Shawnee Public Schools proudly celebrated Native heritage and traditions at its annual Jim Thorpe Night, held at Jim Thorpe Stadium, home of the Shawnee Wolves. The evening honored the legacy of Jim Thorpe, a world-class athlete, Olympic gold medalist, and Oklahoma legend, while recognizing the deep cultural connections within the Shawnee community.
With more than 30% of Shawnee Public Schools students identifying as Native American, representing over 40 tribal nations, the event, hosted in partnership with the SPS Indian Education Department, showcased the district’s commitment to honoring Native culture and contributions.
This year’s celebration featured the Jim Thorpe Legacy Art Contest, where students across all grade levels created artwork inspired by Thorpe’s life and accomplishments. During the event, tribal partners joined the student winners on the 50-yard line for recognition, celebrating their creativity.
“As a district, we are honored to celebrate the rich Native heritage that unites schools and community,” said Amanda Johnson, Shawnee Public Schools Director of Communications. “Jim Thorpe Night unites our students, families, community, and tribal partners in celebration of the culture and resilience that make Shawnee such a special place.”
Representatives from several tribal nations joined in the celebration, including Misty McGirt, Tribal Secretary of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe; Sena Yessith, Chief of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma; Abraham Lincoln, Councilperson of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma; and Justin Neely and April Sitton from the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Representing the Sac & Fox Nation were Miss Sac & Fox, Alivia Grass, and Little Miss Sac & Fox, Jessamae Grass. The Sac & Fox Nation also generously sponsored the honorary Jim Thorpe jerseys worn by the Shawnee Wolves football team in recognition of Thorpe’s lasting legacy.
Students from across the district were recognized for their artwork in the Jim Thorpe Legacy Art Contest. In the lower elementary divisions, winners included Amari Gibson of Shawnee Early Childhood Center, representing the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma; June Schatz of Horace Mann Elementary; Amara-Nichelle Johnson of Jefferson Elementary, representing the Citizen Potawatomi Nation; Zadie Thompson of Sequoyah Elementary, representing the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma; and Maggie Duarte of Will Rogers Elementary, representing the Choctaw Nation.
In the upper elementary division, winners were Gianna Willis of Horace Mann Elementary, representing the Choctaw Nation; Aurora Cullum of Jefferson Elementary, representing the Cherokee Nation; Gabriel Moreno of Sequoyah Elementary, representing the Pawnee Nation; and Malachi Pocowatchit of Will Rogers Elementary, representing the Comanche Nation. Middle school and high school winners included Ni’i’-Bryan Thompson of Shawnee Middle School, representing the Navajo Nation; Nina Thorpe of Shawnee High School, representing the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma; Kaden Johnson of Jim Thorpe Academy, representing the Sac & Fox Nation; and December Nanaeto of Jim Thorpe Academy, representing the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma.
At halftime, the Wolf Spirit Dancers, led in song by Graham Primeaux, Indian Education Coordinator for Shawnee Public Schools, performed a traditional Native song. The Indian Education Department also hosted an Indian taco fundraiser to support student programs and activities throughout the year.
“Jim Thorpe Night gives our students a powerful opportunity to celebrate who they are and where they come from,” said Graham Primeaux. “It’s an evening that connects our students to the legacy of one of Oklahoma’s greatest athletes and reminds us all of the strength and beauty of Native culture.”
Adding to the evening’s excitement, students from Jefferson Elementary were invited to Run with the Wolves, leading the football team onto the field before kickoff. Between quarters, six Jefferson students were recognized for their outstanding character: Chaz Shotlow, Baylor Sacks, Charlyne Jones, Teigin Pennock, Ambriela Hinkle, and Aurora Cullum. Each student was celebrated for demonstrating integrity, confidence, and academic excellence throughout the school year.
The evening also featured performances by Cheer, Pom, and the Pride of the Pack Marching Band, performing their competition show “Medusa.” The evening concluded with an exciting 34-27 victory for the Shawnee Wolves over Booker T. Washington, wrapping up a night filled with culture and Shawnee pride under the lights at Jim Thorpe Stadium.