RAPID CITY, SD – Rapid City Central High School is reporting a surge in college readiness among its Native American students, fueled by a two-year grant from the American Indian College Fund. The initiative, aimed at increasing FAFSA submissions and enrollment, has seen participation more than double in its second year.

According to school data, FAFSA completions rose from 15 in the program’s first year to 31 this year. College commitments also saw a significant jump, with 26 students reporting postsecondary plans compared to roughly a dozen last year.

“We have such great Native American students at Rapid City Central, and I am honored to let everyone know how great they are doing,” said Title VI Graduation Coach Brad Grauberger. He credited the grant with providing the incentives and means to promote higher education within the Rapid City community.

The following students were recognized for their commitments:

Grayson Conroy – BHSU, USD, SDSU, UNC Robert Dukes – SD Mines Grace Silk – WDTC Meleah Saucerman – BHSU, USD, SDSU Pierce Darling – BHSU, SD Mines, SDSU Shayondra Long – UNC, USD, CWU, Morningside Apryle Yellow Rose – GLCC, USD, DWU, UW, UAlbany Nevaeh Witt – BHSU Gabriel Silk – WDTC Abigail Wyatt – SD Mines, USD, UNLV, U of M Onzei Weaver – BHSU, NSU Trajan Weaver – BHSU, NSU Zayden Gering – SD Mines Abbie Jo Conroy – USD Owen Bissonette – STC Landon Marowelli – SDSU, USD, NSU Brayden Jackson – MMU Troy Catches – DWU April Shott – SDSU, MSU Mankato Noah Cuny – USD Maridia Standing High – WDTC Haitia Valandra – OLC Ava Two Bulls – SD Mines Kasidy Janis – BHSU Pasha LaPointe – NDSCS Takota Tillman – U.S. Army Engineer Program

District officials noted that while these figures reflect reported data, additional student achievements continue to be celebrated across Rapid City.