April 18, 2012 –
MAYETTA: Student Recognition Night was held last night at Prairie Peoples Park where Anita Evans, a long-time advisor of the Title VII program and high school teacher at Royal Valley High School, was honored for her achievements. Evans plans to retire at the end of the school year after 17 years of teaching at Royal Valley and 27 years overall.
Evans has been highly influential in Native American education. In 2002 she was named the National Indian Teacher of the Year from the National Indian Education Association and Native American Educator of the Year by the Kansas Association for Native American Education in 1997. She was also a primary sponsor of the championship Royal Valley Native American Singers & Dancers, along with Connie Peters, and she founded RVSD’s women’s softball twelve years ago. She is a tribal member and has also been involved in the PBPN educational summer youth programs and at the Boys & Girls Club.
A potluck dinner kicked off the evening that was followed by a special exhibition by the Royal Valley Native American Singers & Dancers. Next, Evans was recognized with a special award given by administrative leaders and teachers from Royal Valley who were also on hand to wish her well. Following that, members from the Boys & Girls Club staff gave a Pendleton blanket and other gifts to Evans and then a special retirement honor song was held in her honor. Little Soldier Singers provided the drum for the evening.
The evening concluded with student, parent, and other special recognitions for individuals that are involved in Title VII-USD #337, Johnson O’Malley (JOM) program and the Boys & Girls Club.
Anita Evans
Evans, far left, with administrators and teachers from the Royal Valley School District.
Parents, teachers, and family members at the potluck.
Royal Valley Singers and Dancers performed a special exhibition.
A couple of young drummers with the Little Soldier Singers.
Seniors made posters like the one above. Tyler Bell is a tribal member and is graduating from Royal Valley High School this spring.
Marie Wahquahboshkuk (PBPN) also made a poster and will graduate from Royal Valley as a senior.
Nathan Hale (red shirt) is the director of the Boys & Girls Club.
Leading an honor song for Evans (in blanket) are members of her family.