As graduation approaches, Flandreau Public Schools hosted its annual senior recognition ceremony this past week, bringing together the whole school to inspire younger students and show them what’s possible.
“To give them a vision…a dream, show them the possibility of graduating themselves,” said Senior Advisor Melissa Opsahl.
“We try to have a diverse group of speakers… and we had four students this year .. some are in sports, one is Hispanic, Diamond (Roy) who is Native, Abe (Streitz) who… who is just in everything. We try to get a variety of kids to talk about their experiences in education.”
Roy, who never imagined speaking in front of the whole school, shared her personal journey of overcoming loss and struggles.

“I grew up quiet, not because I had nothing to say, but because I was still learning how to carry the weight of my experiences,” she said. Her speech reflected her resilience, supported by her Native culture and community.
“Today, I stand here as a Native American student who knows loss, who has faced struggles with mental health, and who has learned that healing takes time. I’m not here to be the loudest. I’m here to remind anyone who’s ever felt invisible that you are seen, and that your voice matters.”
At the end of a heartfelt and insightful message, she added, “To anyone who feels like the quiet one, the different one, the one carrying too much — you belong here. And your future is bright.”
Roy plans to study microbiology at the University of South Dakota.
Streitz, known for his involvement in numerous school activities, encouraged younger students to get active and join in.
“If they all go and join school activities, that would be mission complete,” he said. Abe is headed to South Dakota State University to pursue a degree in pharmacy.
It was an emotional ceremony, countless students said, and it wasn’t something that they expected.
Each of the speakers added that they feel they are leaving Flandreau Public Schools with confidence and a sense of accomplishment, ready to take on the next chapter.