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2026 Native Graduation Celebration

2026 Native Graduation Celebration

On May 28, Federal Way Public Schools proudly hosted our annual Native Graduation Celebration at Illahee Middle School, honoring 37 incredible Native scholars. With roughly 170 community members in attendance, this heartfelt event celebrated academic milestones while uplifting Native identity, culture, and community.

🍽️ The evening began with a delicious meal, with venison meatballs, parsley buttered potatoes, corn bread, green salad, cake, and lemonade, all beautifully prepared for families by Federal Way High School’s culinary arts students.

🎓 Students transitioning to middle and high school received meaningful handmade gifts, including beaded paddle necklaces and medicine bags—symbolizing growth, identity, and community. We were so proud to honor:

  • 17 rising 5th graders

  • 8 rising 8th graders

  • 12 graduating 12th graders

Graduating seniors were wrapped in support and honored with FWPS Native graduation stoles, blankets, and smudge kits.

💬 In a powerful new tradition this year, our seniors took the floor to recognize a special teacher or staff member who made an impact on their journey, sharing heartfelt speeches of gratitude and connection. Families also continued the deeply personal tradition of sharing their own reflections and pride for their 12th-grade graduates.

The celebration closed with a powerful Native honor song recognizing students and their continued journey.

Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer, district leaders, families, and community members joined together to celebrate these remarkable students. Thank you to the FWPS Native Education Program and all who helped make this evening a beautiful expression of culture, pride, and achievement.

Congratulations to our graduates and rising students!

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A smiling girl in denim overalls holds a certificate of achievement in front of a black curtain adorned with gold and white balloons.
A young boy in a t-shirt and baseball cap stands in front of a black curtain with a projector screen to his right.
A young boy in a baseball cap stands under a balloon arch with gold stars, in front of a dark curtain and a projection screen.
A young boy stands proudly holding a certificate in front of a balloon arch, with a projection screen visible in the background.
A young boy in a green patterned shirt stands with his hands in his pockets in front of a dark curtain, with balloons and streamers visible to the left.
A young boy stands in front of a black curtain, framed by a balloon arch adorned with gold stars.
A young person stands holding a certificate in front of a balloon arch and a projection screen.
A young woman in a light blue dress stands under a balloon arch with gold stars, while a screen displaying %22BRIGHT%22 is visible in the background.
A young girl in a black shirt and jeans holds up an 8th-grade certificate of achievement in front of a black curtain adorned with balloons and streamers.
A woman stands in front of a black curtain, holding a small bowl, framed by a balloon arch of red, white, black, and gold balloons.
A woman in a red dress stands next to a young woman wearing a graduation sash and a patterned blanket, with balloons and streamers in the background.
A young boy in a green shirt and shorts stands proudly holding a certificate in front of a black curtain, framed by a balloon arch.
A family of four poses for a photo in front of a balloon arch and a stage with a projection screen.
In the foreground, a person with a large afro is being adorned with a sash by two individuals, while a table laden with colorful textiles sits nearby, and in the background, a wall displays posters and a digital clock.
Three individuals stand on a stage with a black curtain backdrop, adorned with balloons and streamers, as two of them receive awards.
A group of Native American scholars, adorned with sashes and standing under a balloon arch, are celebrated on stage at Catur High School, with a projection screen behind them displaying their names and tribal affiliations.
A woman and four young people stand on a stage adorned with balloons, with one of the young people speaking into a microphone.
Two women stand on a stage draped in colorful blankets, speaking into a microphone, with balloons and a wooden wall in the background.
Two women stand in front of a black curtain adorned with balloons, with one woman wearing a colorful blanket.
A young woman in a graduation gown and sash stands in front of a black curtain adorned with balloons and streamers.
A group of students and adults stand on a stage decorated with balloons, while a banner congratulating the Class of 2026 Native American Scholars is displayed in the foreground.
Two women stand on a stage with a balloon arch behind them, one holding a microphone and wearing a graduation stole, while the other looks on.
In the foreground, a young boy in a green shirt shakes hands with a woman draped in a colorful blanket, while in the background, balloons and framed pictures adorn the wall.
A young boy in a green shirt and baseball cap shakes hands with a group of smiling women in the foreground, while a blurred background shows more people and decorations.
Five young people stand under a balloon arch with gold stars, while a screen displaying %22MEREDITH HILL ELEMENTARY%22 is visible in the background.
Five women pose for a photo in the foreground, with a celebratory backdrop of balloons and a banner in the background.