Saint Francis Indian School Warriors Lead at the 2025 Lakota Nation Invitational

Written by Camila, 11th Grade

Rapid City, South Dakota - The Lakota Nation Invitational (LNI) is a major annual event held in Rapid City, South Dakota, that brings together schools from across the region to celebrate Native American talent, culture, and achievement. The Invitational offers a wide variety of competitions, including athletics such as basketball and wrestling, general sports, and Esports. Students also showcase their creativity in the visual arts, including mixed media, acrylic painting, and pastel, presented through the LNI Art Show.

Academic challenges are a key part of LNI, with competitions such as business plan contests, knowledge bowls, and other academic events that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. Moreover, the Invitational also emphasizes language and cultural expression, featuring the Lakota Language Bowl, oral interpretation, storytelling, and poetry recitation. Students engage in performance and cultural contests, including hand games and both oral and written presentations, celebrating and preserving Indigenous traditions.

Founded to honor and strengthen Lakota identity, LNI began as a basketball tournament and has grown into a respected event that combines culture, language, academics, and athletics. It nurtures leadership, pride, and resilience in Native youth while keeping Indigenous traditions alive for future generations.

At the 2025 Lakota Nation Invitational, Saint Francis Indian School had an outstanding year. The students, proudly known as the Warriors, excelled across a wide range of areas, from visual arts and business competitions to language, esports, and performance, demonstrating the school’s commitment to developing the whole student. Throughout the weeklong event, the Warriors represented SFIS with discipline, humility, and confidence. Many earned top placements, while others ventured into LNI competitions for the first time, broadening the school’s presence and influence within the Invitational.

In the art show, Jordan won 1st place in Mixed Media Art, while Azaleah and Hannah each earned 3rd place in Acrylic Painting and Pastel Art, respectively. Saint Francis Indian School was honored as the overall 2025 Art Champion, presenting 398 original artworks created by middle school, high school, and GATE students. Dedicated coaches guided these accomplishments: Benjie Panlican, with his amazing pottery entries, a high school art teacher; GATE teachers Renante Salimbao, Mechelle Rodriguez, and Christopher Balintec; and Dr. Chereyna R. Guantia, middle school assistant principal. Their collaborative mentorship ensured students worked diligently and completed their projects on time, led by GATE Director Dr. Heidi Tahir, who also trained and coached students, and teacher Lynette White Hat for beaded jewelry through the Creative Minds After-School Program. These awards highlight the strength of the SFIS visual arts program and showcase how it nurtures students’ creativity, technical skills, and their ability to express cultural identity through art.

SFIS students achieved outstanding results in the 17th Annual LNI Business Plan Competition. Leah won the freshman level, Tamaske won the junior level, and Ashlen won the senior level. The Lady Warriors worked hard over the past few months to complete all components of their business plans, including an executive summary, a slide deck, and a trifold display. Each winner received a jacket and a laptop computer, and Ashlen is also eligible for a $1,000 scholarship when she attends college. These achievements were guided by CTE Business/Careers teacher Daniel Soesbe.

In the Knowledge Bowl, SFIS students performed exceptionally well in geometry, demonstrating strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Tokahe was recognized as the LNI Knowledge Bowl Individual Category Champion for geometry, a remarkable achievement for the school. In the Lakota Language Bowl, students showcased their dedication to preserving and celebrating their language and culture. The awarding ceremony was made even more special with the presence of Superintendent Dani Walking Eagle, who honored the students’ accomplishments and inspired them to continue their pursuit of knowledge.

For the first time, SFIS participated in the Lakota Nation Invitational Oral Interpretation, Storytelling, and Poetry Recitation Competition. The students demonstrated exceptional talent and determination. Roger won the oral interpretation title and will advance to the All-State Oral Interpretation and Debate Crossover Finals in Aberdeen, South Dakota, in March 2026, under the guidance of coach Mary Carmel Temporal. Other participants included Roland in poetry reading, coached by Jomar Acosta, and Brayden in storytelling, coached by Marissa Del Rosario. With their grit and dedication, the students proudly earned recognition in this inaugural participation, highlighting SFIS’s commitment to cultural expression, storytelling, and public speaking skills.

SFIS also demonstrated outstanding performance in Esports and athletics. The Rocket League Esports Team went undefeated, claiming the LNI 2025 championship by dominating the winners' bracket and facing the top teams from each school. The team members, Waylon, Maleke, and LaShaud, were coached by Genesis Barbon and Dan Soesbe, whose guidance helped the players showcase teamwork, strategy, and skill. Additionally, SFIS athletic teams earned second place overall in general sports competitions, further highlighting the Warriors’ dedication, competitive spirit, and excellence in both traditional sports and Esports.

Saint Francis Indian School earned second place in the team awards, guided by the leadership and mentorship of Alvin Esteron, Instructional Service Director. His coaching and support played a vital role in preparing the students, helping them to develop their skills, work collaboratively, and perform at a high level. This achievement reflects the school’s dedication to fostering excellence, teamwork, and perseverance in all areas of student engagement.

The Baby Warriors made an impressive debut, taking third place in the Lakȟótiyapi Yuónayaŋ Owáyawa (Lakota Language Bowl). Competing for the first time, these young students demonstrated enthusiasm, dedication, and a commitment to learning and preserving the Lakota language. Their success was guided by Unci, whose mentorship helped them prepare and perform confidently. This achievement reflects the school’s focus on cultural education and language preservation, and the entire SFIS community is extremely proud of their accomplishment.

“I want to congratulate all of the student-athletes who participated and placed at this year’s LNI event,” said Superintendent Dani Walking Eagle. “We look forward to this prestigious event every year as it is an honor not only to participate but also to win. To be an LNI champion is what everyone strives for. This event goes way beyond basketball, although winning the basketball tournament is monumental. We also hold all events in high esteem. As LNI continues to grow, SFIS will continue to encourage students to engage fully, develop leadership skills, and celebrate Indigenous traditions, building a bright future grounded in excellence, cultural pride, and lifelong learning.”

Overall, the accomplishments of Saint Francis Indian School at LNI 2025 reflect the school’s strong commitment to nurturing student growth across multiple areas, including art, academics, language, esports, athletics, and performance. SFIS students represented their school with pride, confidence, and determination, successfully participating in new competitions for the first time.