As the Shawnee Wolves football team took on Bethany, Shawnee Public Schools proudly celebrated Native heritage, culture, and student achievement during its annual Jim Thorpe Night at Jim Thorpe Stadium, honoring the legacy of one of Oklahoma’s most celebrated athletes and the strong Native community represented throughout the district.
Hosted in partnership with the SPS Indian Education Department, the evening brought together students, families, tribal leaders, and community members to celebrate Jim Thorpe’s lasting impact and the rich Native heritage of the Shawnee community. More than 30% of Shawnee Public Schools students identify as Native American, representing more than 40 tribal nations.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of winners of the Jim Thorpe Legacy Art Contest. Students from across the district created artwork inspired by Jim Thorpe, his accomplishments, and his legacy, with tribal leaders joining the student artists on the field to celebrate their accomplishments.
This year’s art contest winners included Shawnee Early Childhood Center kindergarten student Leia Kelsay; Horace Mann Elementary students Blayke Hampton, a second grader, and Lorelei Russ, a fifth grader; Jefferson Elementary students Catalia Sloat-Castro, a second grader, and Charlyne Jones, a third grader; Sequoyah Elementary students Raycee Lunsford, a second grader, and Elliana Tackett, a third grader; Will Rogers Elementary students Mayzie Rigney, a second grader, and Lily Young, a third grader; Shawnee Middle School seventh grader Nathalie Vazquez; Shawnee High School junior Seneca Cintron; and Jim Thorpe Academy junior Kaden Johnson.
Shawnee Public Schools was honored to welcome tribal leaders from several of its community partners for the celebration, including Sac and Fox Nation Principal Chief Audrey Rose Lee; Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma Secretary Misty McGirt and Treasurer Joseph Blanchard; Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma Councilmember Jake Meshquekennock and Vice-Chairman Ryland Serrato; Citizen Potawatomi Nation Chairman Rocky Barrett; and former Citizen Potawatomi Nation Vice-Chairman Linda Capps.
“Jim Thorpe Night is a special opportunity for our students to see their culture, heritage, and accomplishments celebrated together,” said Graham Primeaux, Indian Education Coordinator. “We are grateful for the tribal leaders and partners who continue to invest in our students and help us honor the legacy of Jim Thorpe. This celebration is about recognizing where our students come from, who they are, and the many ways they are making their mark.”
Students were also recognized for demonstrating excellence beyond the classroom. Eight Sequoyah Elementary students: Ventrell Brown, Aubrey Merritt, Isabella Prewitt, Britton Saltus, Epril Mendoza, Journee Crowley, Mia Conley, and Kason Drummond, were honored for maintaining straight-A grades, demonstrating leadership among their peers, and maintaining excellent attendance. Their recognition highlighted that student success extends beyond academic achievement and is also reflected in leadership, commitment, character, and showing up for their school and community.
The evening also featured a performance by the Pride of the Pack Marching Band, which performed its competition show, “Glitch.” The performance added to an evening filled with Shawnee pride, Native heritage, and celebration.
Jim Thorpe Night continues to be a meaningful annual tradition at Shawnee Public Schools, creating an opportunity for the district and community to come together to honor Native culture, celebrate student accomplishments, and recognize the enduring legacy of Jim Thorpe.