Provided by Seneca Nation Archives/Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center, Allegany Territory
1931, June 25 – The closing program for the school year at the Thomas Indian School was held on this date in the evening at 7:45pm. The graduating students were: Grant Abrams (Seneca, Cattaraugus), Clarence Blueye (Seneca, Tonawanda), Grace Crowe (Seneca, Allegany), Arthur George (Seneca, Tonawanda), Lavina Greene (Seneca, Cattaraugus), Evelyn Hill (Onondaga), Vernon Jack (Tuscarora), Dorothy Lazore (St. Regis), Lillian Laye (Munsee, Cattaraugus), Hazel Pierce (Seneca, Cattaraugus), Glennie Redeye (Seneca, Cattaraugus), Dinah Seneca (Seneca, Cattaraugus), Foster Sundown (Seneca, Tonawanda), Edward Wade (Abenaki, Allegany), Raymond Waterman (Onondaga, Cattaraugus). Their class motto was “Rowing, Not Drifting” and the class colors were purple and gold. Raymond Waterman gave the valedictory address.
1948, June 11 – According to an article appearing in the Salamanca Republican-Press: “13 to Graduate From Reservation Eighth Grade. A class of thirteen will be graduated from the elementary schools on the Allegany Indian reservation, Principal Stanley W. Johnson announced today.”
The graduates will received diplomas during the commencement program to be held in the Red House church on Wednesday, June 23, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The presentation will be by Principal Johnson.
The graduates are: Lillian John, Olive Jacobs, Warren Jimerson, Gordon Pierce, Amelia Ray, Earl Redeye, Milburn Watt, Valjean Bowen, Wilbur Black, Fred Gendrue, Harry Gendrue, Alan Harris, and Harry Jacobs.
Ronald P. Daly, associate supervisor of Indian education for the state education department of Albany, will be the commencement speaker, Principal Johnson announced.
‘Looking Forward’ is the motto of the graduating class. Its colors are [not readable]. The white rose is the class flower.
The commencement program, in charge of Mrs. Mabel Frank, head teacher at Red House, was announced as follows: Invocation, William Bomberry. Welcome, Valjean Bowen. Song, “Now is the Hour,” girl graduates. “A Model Class,” Earl Redeye. Song, Beulah Wendell. Address, Ronald P. Daly. Song, “Farewell,” graduates. Presentation of diplomas, Principal Stanley W. Johnson. Closing song. Benediction, Harold Hall.
1973, June 6 – Lacrosse News reported in the Si Wong Geh included: “Last weekend June 2nd and 3rd. The NEWTOWN GOLDEN EAGLES traveled to St. Regis and to Syracuse. Saturday night Newtown was defeated by St. Regis by a score of 10-19. High scores for Newtown were Lavern Stevens and Steve White with 2 goals each. Casey White, Sonny Fisher, Junior Young, Jay Bray, Phil Jones, and Jim Jones, all with one goal each.
Sunday night they went to play against the Syracuse Warriors. At the end of a close and exciting game, Newtown was defeated, SYRACUSE 18 – NEWTOWN 15. High scorer for Newtown was Lavern Stevens with 4 goals – Jim Jones, Jay Bray, Junior Young, and Rodney Coulon had 2 goals each. Casey White, Norman Jimerson, Phil Jones, all with 1 goal each.
