Reported By Norah Stevens With Interview From Advisor Samantha Scanlan
On Friday February 6, 2026, Silver Creek Central Seniors, Skyla Gates, Hailie Rybij, and Amirya Warrior along with the help of Advisors (Amanda Austin, Samantha Scanlan) held a Flag Raising Ceremony. The initiative was students led with guidance from their advisors. “The girls wanted to work on a project that centered on history, culture, remembrance, and above all respect” said Austin at the Flag Raising.
The Ceremony recognized the Haudenosaunee, Seneca Nation and Every Child Matters Flags. The flag raising was held in between the Junior Varsity Girls’ game and Varsity Girls’ game (Silver Creek v Eden). Each Senior leading this initiative had a speaking role as well.
Amirya Warrior was introduced by Amanada Austin first. Warrior spoke on how the trio wanted to do this for the Seal of Civics Readiness Project. Mentioning that in the fall the girls held a school remembrance walk for Every Child Matters Day to educate the community on the topic, bringing insight into what has happened. She said it is important to them to raise these flags so indigenous community members who utilize the school can feel represented.
Skyla Gates then introduced the three flags and a brief history of each flag. Stating it was important to hang the Haudenosaunee Flag as kids attending Silver Creek aren’t just Seneca and should be represented.
Hailie Rybij spoke and recognized the SNI Councilors who have helped with the initiative Todd Gates, Jonathan Williams, & Klint Nephew also acknowledging the help they had given the girls in the fall, Every Child Matters event they hosted. She also gave Thanks to her fellow seniors assisting in this initiative with her, their advisors (Amanda & Samantha) and their teacher, Anne Tahamont (Faculty Advisor) for supporting them and always helping.
Students who are pursuing the Seal of Civics for graduation must receive points from curriculum classes, electives, community service and had to do a student led initiative protect. All must be honored to receive the seal upon graduation. This project entailed the flags being raised in the gym and the students and advisors spoke about the project and what each flag represents to them and the school. Each student provided details of their project and the steps leading up to that day. They acknowledged their roles, the school’s role, the councilor’s roles, advisor roles and thanked everyone who helped them. The flags were donated by Council. Councilors that played a major role in the project were Jonathan Williams, Klint Nephew, and Todd Gates. They were also out of district supporters from the beginning until the end.
[Photo Credit to Ashley D’Amico]
