Sequoia High School reports state championships, construction progress and new programs

Superintendent Terry Eustace told the Tribal Council that Sequoia High School finished fall sports season with notable successes, is advancing several construction projects, and is expanding student programs.

"Our boys cross country team, 3A state champions as of Saturday," Eustace said, noting the program's long record of success and that only one senior was graduating this year. He also recounted extracurricular successes in band, speech and debate, and said the softball team made state but lost in a seventh-inning decision.

Eustace described construction and renovation work on campus: a dorm remodel is nearing move-in pending approval from the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) to demolish an older dorm; foundation and plumbing work for a new academic building is underway; work is also taking place on the performing arts center (PAC). Eustace said a recent BIE-funded roof project on the academic building was completed.

The school is planning a virtual-reality science and math professional development session on Nov. 11 that will let students perform lab activities using VR headsets. Eustace also said the new FFA program has 18 students, received a Native American Agriculture Fund grant, and will partner with the Cherokee Nation Department of Natural Resources to give students hands-on cattle-handling experience with about 25 head drawn from the Cherokee Nation herd.

Council members and the chair offered condolences on the sudden passing of longtime Sequoia faculty member Alvina Nez Thompson; councilors noted her impact on students and families.

No formal council action was taken on the school report; the superintendent's presentation was informational.