Student Stories

NWIC Student of the Quarter
Frank Burns

Northwest Indian College at Muckleshoot is proud to announce Frank Burns as the student of the quarter. Frank is our current work study student and is a senior in the Tribal Governance and Business Management Program with an anticipated June 2019 graduation. We at NWIC wish to congratulate for all his hard work and success. Frank has been a dedicated at the Muckleshoot Campus of Northwest Indian College for several years and we are very proud of his accomplishments. His dedication, study skills and ability to inspire cooperation amongst his fellow students has made him a leader at this site.

Student of the Quarter
Northwest Indian College Winter 2019

Kearsten McCoy is a passionate student, and has attained perfect attendance whilst attending Northwest Indian College. She works hard with her NWIC studies; her effort is always noticed, and appreciated. Kearsten not only a full time student, but works full time and is a mother. Her children have attended NWIC field trips, and are clearly excited about education, just like their mom! Kearsten is an advocate for herself, as well as other students, and her presence, and participation in the classroom always add to the learning environment. She is a proud member of the Estom Yumeka Maidu Tribe of the Enterprise Rancheria. She is going to continue her education in the field of accounting, and has plans for her academic pursuits to benefit her Tribal community in the Future. Northwest Indian College is proud to nominate Kearsten McCoy as their Student of the Quarter for winter 2019.

Student of the Quarter Fall 2018
GED/HS21+

Clifford Starr has been working on his GED through the AWTP Program. Throughout 2018 Clifford put great effort into his studies and has passed half of the required GED tests. Because of this, his confidence has soared and he is ready to tackle the last two tests needed to earn his GED Credential. We at the Muckleshoot Tribal College thank Clifford for his dedication to the GED Program and wish him success in this and all future endeavors. His educational journey is well on its way. We are very proud of how far Cliff has come and how much his study skills have grown throughout his time with the GED Learning Center Program. We are excited to see him continue to progress and see what the future has in store for Clifford.

Student of the Quarter
ABE/GED Department

GED/HS21+ Learning Center’s “Student of the Quarter Spring 2018” is Keisha Flores. Keisha has been working on her GED on her own, off and on since 2016, and, most recently, with the AWTP Program. In the last six months, Keisha has been putting great effort into her studies and has passed three of the four tests. Because of this, her confidence has soared and she will pass the last of her tests soon to earn her GED Credential. We at the Muckleshoot Tribal College thank Keisha for her dedication to the GED Program and wish her success in this and all future endeavors. Her educational journey is well on its way.

Student of the Quarter Spring 2019
GED/HS21+

Lena Baker joined the HS21+ Program in during the spring. As a mother of five beautiful children, a full time employee of the CCEOP Department, Lena excelled and worked diligently to complete the necessary work assigned to her to make up the credits needed to obtain her high school diploma in less than two months. We are proud of Lena’s hard work and dedication to her studies.  Lena looked awesome in her cap and gown when she walked across the stage at ShoWare Center this past June to receive her diploma. We, at the Muckleshoot Tribal College thank Lena for her hard work and dedication to the HS21+ Program and wish her success in this and all future endeavors.

Student of the Quarter Winter 2019
HS21+

The GED/HS21+ Department have selected James Ross Jr. as our “Student of the Quarter” for winter 2019. James approached us wanting to begin a degree program in IT as he employed with the IT Department of the Muckleshoot Casino. James expressed that he was very close to graduating high school but he was just shy of the credits he needed to earn his high school diploma. James had heard about our HS21+ Program and asked what that entailed. After deciding it was the route he wanted to pursue, he then applied for the program, and began working on the credits he was deficient in and very quickly earned his high school diploma through our partnership with Renton Technical College. James was very diligent and worked closely with us and the RTC Representative to work on and submit the items he needed to complete the program. Upon completion, James then joined the NT PLUS Program here at the Muckleshoot Tribal College and began working toward his AAS – Information Technology Systems Degree. We are so impressed with his spirit and willingness to jump right into a two year Associate’s degree immediately upon earning his high school diploma. The turnaround was so fast in fact; he graduated on a Friday and enrolled in his degree program on Tuesday of the following week. The GED/HS21+ Department and the Muckleshoot Tribal College as a whole is proud to select James Ross Jr. as a “Student of the Quarter” and look forward to seeing him earn his Associate’s degree.

Student of the Quarter Winter 2019
CCEOP

We have Chosen Fabian Mondejar for our student of the Quarter for the College and Career Education Opportunities Program. (CCEOP) Fabian is a senior at the Muckleshoot Tribal School and he will be graduating in June 2019. Fabian has accomplished so much in the last four years. His attendance is great; he always keeps our program informed of his plans and has excellent communication skills. Fabian is really independent, does not need to be told what to do when he arrives at the building. Fabian is self-driven and works hard. Fabian is organized and efficient. Fabian has also utilized his time with our program to complete college applications and has been accepted to Washington State University Fall 2019. Our department is incredibly proud of Fabian and all his accomplishments and achievements. We cannot wait to see what great things Fabian has in store for his future.

Student of the Quarter
M.O.S.T. PROGRAM

The M.O.S.T. Program is proud to announce Leslie Larsen as Student of the Quarter. Since her enrollment into our program she has been a diligent and a hardworking student. Leslie has just completed the Basic Course. She has demonstrated an advanced knowledge of computer literacy in every aspect of the class. In addition to her advanced understanding of the material, Ms. Larsen has been a constant delight to have in the class. Leslie went beyond the scope of the class and personified the image of the ideal student. She also made sure to attend every single class on time and had an outstanding work ethic. We thank her for her commitment to the Muckleshoot Occupational Skills Training Program.

Student of the Quarter Winter 2019
NT PLUS Program

The NT | PLUS program is pleased to announce Eugene “Geno” West IV as the student of the quarter. Geno has been a dedicated student and has attended almost every optional lab day. He has worked hard and when he has struggled he has shown a willingness to work one-on-one with the instructors until he understands. Geno’s dedication has allowed him to help peer instruct other students. He is a great addition to both classes, and we are looking forward to seeing where next quarter takes him.

Student of The Quarter Fall 2018

The Muckleshoot Tribal College is proud to announce Diana Heredia as the “Student of the Quarter” for the GRC-MTC Office Basic Program.

At the Muckleshoot Tribal College we are always seeking to help and provide an environment for our students to grow as individuals, learn new things to add to their skill set, and to actively do their best to be a success. Diana exemplified these qualities through her dedication and effort throughout the quarter as she successfully completed the program.

And with this recognition we like to congratulate and encourage Diana to continue to keep up the great work with her academics and her future endeavors.

Student of the Quarter Winter 2019

Office Basic

The Muckleshoot Tribal College is proud to announce Jennifer Jensen as the “Student of the Quarter” for the GRC-MTC Office Basic Program.

At the Muckleshoot Tribal College we are always seeking to help and provide an environment for our students to grow as individuals, learn new things to add to their skill set, and to actively do their best to be a success. Jennifer exemplified these qualities through her dedication and effort throughout the quarter as she successfully completed the program.

And with this recognition we like to congratulate and encourage Jennifer to continue to keep up the great work with her academics and her future endeavors.

Student of the Quarter Summer 2019

We, the Muckleshoot Tribal College, are proud to present the student of the quarter award to Gracia Morrison.

The Muckleshoot Tribal College strives to instill in its students the qualities of success, dedication, and a willingness to be life-long learners. Gracia Morrison exemplified these qualities best during her time here at the Muckleshoot Tribal College.

Gracia started off nervous and unsure. There were difficult moments she came across with the unique class situation she was put in. However, Gracia overcame all of that with her dedication to coming to class, successfully completing all her assignments, gaining the confidence in herself that she can do anything she sets her mind to, and that this is just one step forward on her journey to be a life-long learner.

We congratulate you, Gracia Morrison, for being a model student so that others may strive to achieve those same qualities that you have.

Student of the Quarter Fall 2018

The Muckleshoot Tribal College is proud to announce Shalaura Jansen as the “Student of the Quarter” for the GRC-MTC Office Intermediate Program.

At the Muckleshoot Tribal College we are always seeking to help and provide an environment for our students to grow as individuals, learn new things to add to their skill set, and to actively do their best to be a success. Shalaura exemplified these qualities through her dedication and effort throughout the quarter as she successfully completed the program.

And with this recognition we like to congratulate and encourage Shalaura to continue to keep up the great work with her academics and her future endeavors.

Student of the Quarter Winter 2019

Office Intermediate

The Muckleshoot Tribal College is proud to announce Carmen White as the “Student of the Quarter” for the GRC-MTC Office Intermediate Program.

At the Muckleshoot Tribal College we are always seeking to help and provide an environment for our students to grow as individuals, learn new things to add to their skill set, and to actively do their best to be a success. Carmen exemplified these qualities through her dedication and effort throughout the quarter as she successfully completed the program.

And with this recognition we like to congratulate and encourage Carmen to continue to keep up the great work with her academics and her future endeavors.

MIT Scholarship Department
Student of the Quarter Spring 2019

My name is Angel Williams (Dunbar) and I am 31 years old. My mother is Michelle Black of Tulalip and my father, the late Donald Black of LaPush. My birth mother is Barbara Ward. My grandmother is Cathy Daniels. I grew up in LaPush by customary guardianship since I was 9-months-old with family outside of Muckleshoot. I live with my fiancé and 10-year-old daughter. My identity is Muckleshoot and extremely grateful for those that ensured my inclusion by enrollment during family hardship.

I graduated from Forks High School in 2006, Peninsula College with an Associate of Arts in 2009, and University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2012. I currently attend University of Washington as a graduate student to receive a Master’s in Social Work.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Muckleshoot tribe and representatives making decisions that significant impact our access to education. I may not live on the reservation but I hope to one day practice and dedicate my life’s work to Muckleshoot. Your support in education among other resources available contributes to breaking cycles of generational trauma and advancing our people.

Student of the Quarter Winter 2019
MIT Scholarship Department

Zachary Valles graduated the Bates Pre-Apprentice Program December 21, 2018 and has continued on into the Iron Workers Apprenticeship in January. He was the first student of the 3 Bates Cohorts to go on to the Apprenticeship Program; He was selected out of 112 recruits and was the 12th person on the rooster that was added. Zach has been a part of the scholarship program going back to 2011 when he first came to the College to obtain his GED. Now he is a certified Iron Worker Apprentice, and the Scholarship Department wants to give a big shout out to Zachary Valles on completion of his apprenticeship.

Student of the Quarter
Muckleshoot Scholarship Department

Queena has excelled herself throughout her educational journey.  Queena is on NWIC Dean’s list for maintaining a 3.5 GPA.  I am proud to recommend Queena to the Quarter of the month Student out of the MIT Scholarship Program.  Queena is a mother of three (3) beautiful children (Derek Daniels 10, Krista Daniels 7, and Mason Daniels 6).  Her campion of a life time, Leo Daniels.  Leo has been her supporter and encouraging partner to her successes in the many journeys to which they have embarked in life.

Dawn Miller is Queena’s mother and an important inspirational person in Queena’s life.  Queena looks up to her mother for Dawn has earned masters from Antioch University and has been a great supporter of Queena’s educational accomplishments.  Queena would like to one day earn her Ph.D.

It has not been easy for Queena to earn the Associates of Arts & Science, with a Direct Transfer Degree.  It took lots of determination, desire, and discipline for Queena to accomplish one of many challenges in life.  I have seen the growth in Queena not just educational but of respectful and caring mother, loving wife, and a strong Muckleshoot Tribal woman.  I can envision Queena one day being head management of a Program within the Muckleshoot Tribal College.

Queena is now one of the over 500 Muckleshoot Tribal Members with a higher education degree and it is all possible to the Muckleshoot Tribal Council!

Student of the Quarter/Semester
The Muckleshoot Scholarship Department

The student of the quarter/semester is Lee Foulkes.  Lee is the son of Teri Starr and Brian Foulkes.   Lee has been attending University of Alaska for the past couple of years obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Biology.  Before deciding what he wanted to study, Lee went to a few of the tribal departments and inquired on what job positions they needed.   He decided on the fisheries department because they were very welcoming and helpful to him.   Fisheries staff told Lee their methods of raising fish and gave a few schools that taught their way.  Lee decided based on the recommendation of the fisheries department to attend University of Alaska.   The classes were not always easy and he struggled a few times throughout his educational pursuits, but he never gave up.   I am happy to say that Lee graduated this semester and is the first Muckleshoot Tribal Member to become a Marine Biologist.