By MOLLY LANGHORST, CSC COLLEGE RELATIONS
CHADRON – An eagle feather ceremony in honor of Chadron State College graduating senior Vernon Plenty Bull of Allen, South Dakota, took place in Armstrong Gym April 28.
According to Plenty Bull, eagle feather ceremonies are traditionally hosted by Native American groups to honor individuals for significant accomplishments. Plenty Bull’s ceremony was in honor of his upcoming graduation.
The ceremony was conducted by medicine man Steve Dubray, who is Plenty Bull’s uncle. Other family members also participated by joining in the processional and speaking. His parents, Pete and Mary Plenty Bull, presented him with a star quilt.
During the ceremony, a drum circle performed a song specific to graduation, according to Dubray.
Dubray praised his nephew for putting in early mornings, late nights, and lots of hard work to obtain his degree making him especially deserving of the honor.
Director of Project Strive/TRiO Jen Schaer admires Plenty Bull’s growth and involvement on campus.
“Vernon has come a long way since he started at CSC,” Schaer said. “His passion for learning and growing as a person has led to his success. Vernon has pushed himself and has been a Resident Assistant in Housing, worked security, and has been active in many clubs and Project Strive. He loves to write, and his passion took him to the Story Catcher writing workshop last summer. Writing is a great way for Vernon to express himself and gives him an outlet.”
Schaer believes Plenty Bull deserved the eagle feather.
“A feather-tying ceremony is a wonderful way to celebrate Vernon’s accomplishments and his graduation. He is paving the path for his younger siblings, cousins, and relatives in his family. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Vernon,” Schaer said.