At Mansfeld Middle School, the Tribal Images Youth Council came together for a special cultural project rooted in love, identity, and tradition. With 15 youth members participating, the council hand-crafted leis in the sacred colors of the Medicine Wheel — black, white, yellow, and red — to honor Native graduating seniors during the Native American Student Recognition ceremony.
These handmade leis were more than just decorative gifts — they were symbols of spiritual connection, cultural pride, and a collective celebration of the graduates’ journey. Each color of the Medicine Wheel represents not only the four directions but also the balance of mind, body, spirit, and emotion. In gifting these leis, the youth council acknowledged the graduates’ growth and accomplishments while grounding them in the teachings of their ancestors.
The ceremony, which celebrated the academic milestones of Native students across the district, became even more meaningful with the addition of these culturally significant leis. Youth council members personally presented them to the seniors, offering words of encouragement, pride, and solidarity. It was a powerful moment of youth-to-youth support, guided by traditional values and the spirit of giving.
By choosing to create and offer these leis, the Tribal Images Youth Council demonstrated their deep commitment to spiritual wellness — recognizing that success is not only measured by academic achievements but also by how well one stays rooted in culture, community, and spirit.
This event was a beautiful reminder that Native youth are not only honoring their ancestors but also lifting one another up as leaders of the future. Through acts of kindness and tradition, the Tribal Images Youth Council continues to create meaningful change and strengthen their community from within.