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Cumberland County Schools honors Native American graduates at 2025 Feather Ceremony
Summary
Cumberland County Schools and its Office of Indian Education held a feather ceremony recognizing Native American students completing high school; speakers highlighted the program’s role in community and upcoming tribal events and meetings.
Cumberland County Schools’ Office of Indian Education held its 2025 Feather Ceremony to honor Native American students completing high school, with beaded hawk feathers presented as symbols of “strength, wisdom, and courage.”
The ceremony recognized graduates and featured student testimony about the impact of Indian Education programs. Student speaker Caden Dowsie, a junior at Jack Britt High School, said, “Indian education plays a vital role in the lives of Native American students such as myself,” and shared how program activities helped him form lasting friendships.
The feather presentation is intended to mark the milestone of graduation for Native American students. “Tonight, Indian Education will honor graduates with a beaded hawk feather representing the strength, wisdom, and courage it took to meet this milestone,” the program said during opening remarks. Organizers also treated the ceremony “just like a high school graduation ceremony with respect to all students and their families,” and asked attendees to silence phones and hold applause until names were called.
Jody Nance, mistress of ceremonies and a special education teacher at E.E. Smith High School, welcomed attendees and placed the program in personal and professional context. “I am a product of Cumberland County Schools,” Nance said, and she noted that this year marks her 30th year with the district; she said she will retire at the end of the school year. Nance also spoke about family ties to education and community, and introduced dignitaries in attendance, including Cumberland County School Board Chairwoman Deanna Jones and other school and tribal leaders.
Organizers announced local tribal and school events and logistical details for families. The ceremony was streamed on the Cumberland County Schools Facebook page and YouTube channel. The Cumberland County Culture Class’s annual powwow is scheduled for May 3 with grand entry at 12 p.m. at 100 Indian Drive, and the final Indian Education parent meeting for the school year is scheduled for Monday, May 5 at 6 p.m. at the auditorium office at 396 Elementary Drive.
The program moved forward with a presentation of colors by the Grays Creek High School JROTC, a grand entry of the graduates and a performance of the National Anthem by the Grays Creek High School Chorus.
Beyond the recognitions and performances, speakers emphasized community and continuity: student experiences in program gatherings, family support and the district’s role in honoring cultural practices were central themes of the event.
