Wenatchee Valley College and Colville Tribes Honor Tribal HS

NESPELEM, Wash. – The High School 21+ program is a partnership between the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and Wenatchee Valley College, designed to help tribal members complete credits and coursework needed to earn the Washington State High School diploma. 

 On April 19, prior to the WVC/CCT Board of Trustees meeting, students who graduated from the program were recognized by the Tribes and provided a Pendleton towel for their accomplishment presented by Chairman of the Employment and Education committee for the Colville Business Council, Cody Peone. 

 Director of Employment and Education for the Colville Tribes, Tammy James, explained that due to COVID, they were unable to give proper recognition to the graduates and wanted to provide them with a special recognition for their accomplishments. 

 Beginning in 2019, Wenatchee Valley College and CCT have partnered to help tribal members with their educational goals. Since its inception, there have been over 19 students to complete the program. 

 Those in attendance include: Christina Dick, Colleen Manuel, Alexis George, Cassandra Nanamkin, Christine Monaghan and Justin Ankney. Many were unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts. 

 One of the graduates of the High School 21+ program is Colville Tribal member Christina Dick, who completed her GED in 2021. When she received her diploma in the mail, she recalled: “it felt like I was holding my baby.” Through tears, she explained that she had been a cook, janitor and cashier at the local grocery store after dropping out of school. Her diploma has opened many doors for her and currently works at Colville Tribal Credit Corporation. 

 For more information regarding the High School 21+ program, contact Wenatchee Valley College admissions and advisement liaison, Samantha Turner, at (509) 634-2495 or samantha.turner.hed@colvilletribes.com