Community celebrates new school year
Submitted Photo Jesse White, right, a former North Dakota Mr. Basketball award winner, and Alejandro Rama, a player for the Roar, North Dakota's only professional basketball team, were presented satin quilts at the Back to School Bash held in White Shield Wednesday, Aug. 14. Both were guest speakers at the event. Photo by Karen LoneFight.
Submitted Photo Fred Fox, East Segment representative to the MHA Nation Tribal Business Council, opens the Back to School Bash in White Shield Wednesday, Aug. 12, with a message to attendees about maintaining a nonbullying environment and to enjoy the school year. Photo by Karen LoneFight.
Submitted Photo Children enjoyed the bounce houses at the Back to School Bash held in White Shield Wednesday, Aug. 14. Photo by Karen LoneFight.
Submitted Photo Jesse White, right, a former North Dakota Mr. Basketball award winner, and Alejandro Rama, a player for the Roar, North Dakota's only professional basketball team, were presented satin quilts at the Back to School Bash held in White Shield Wednesday, Aug. 14. Both were guest speakers at the event. Photo by Karen LoneFight.
Submitted Photo Fred Fox, East Segment representative to the MHA Nation Tribal Business Council, opens the Back to School Bash in White Shield Wednesday, Aug. 12, with a message to attendees about maintaining a nonbullying environment and to enjoy the school year. Photo by Karen LoneFight.
Submitted Photo Children enjoyed the bounce houses at the Back to School Bash held in White Shield Wednesday, Aug. 14. Photo by Karen LoneFight.
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WHITE SHIELD -- White Shield School kicked off the 2026-27 school year Wednesday, Aug. 12, with a Back to School Bash featuring activities, free haircuts, bounce houses, water slides, athletic events and a meal catered by Famous Dave's.
Fred Fox, East Segment representative to the MHA Nation Tribal Business Council who has sponsored the event in past years, spoke to attendees about the importance of maintaining a nonbullying environment and encouraged students to enjoy the upcoming year.
Superintendent Wanda Belgarde announced that White Shield School achieved a 100% graduation rate, ranking it among the top 10 schools in Native American graduation rates nationwide.
According to the Bureau of Indian Education, White Shield was one of eight BIE-funded schools across the country to achieve a 100% graduation rate in 2025, alongside Kickapoo Nation School, Navajo Preparatory School, Shiprock Northwest High School, Pyramid Lake High School, Rock Point Community School, St. Stephens Indian School and To'hajiilee Day School. In total, 21 BIE-funded schools recorded graduation rates of 90% or higher that year.
Guest speakers at the event included Jesse White, a former North Dakota Mr. Basketball award winner, and Alejandro Rama, a player for the professional basketball team, the Roar. Sponsored by 4 Bears Casino & Lodge, the Roar completed its inaugural season last year and is the only professional basketball team in North Dakota.