Saanjay Charlo-Smallboy Receives 2024 Indian High School Student of the Year Award

MISSOULA — 

Saanjay Charlo-Smallboywas presentedwith this year’s award for Indian High School Student of the Year at the 39th Annual Montana Indian Education Association’s Conference Awards Banquet in Missoula on April 18. His mother, Loushie Charlo, and grandma, Ruby Vanderburg, accepted the award on his behalf as he was in WashingtonDC.

Charlo-Smallboywas nominatedby Gisele Forest and learned the news in April via email.In the email, itwas statedthat“Your continued dedication, enthusiasm, and tenacity in your academics and community efforts inspire all of us each day.”The MIEA Board Members felt that he demonstrated the organization’s value of promoting Indigenous student success and ensured the long-term vitality of their mission.

He is a senior at Arlee High School who is an active member of the Flathead Youth Council, Future Community Career Leaders of America, Arlee Indigenous Student Association, RISE, and an accomplished artist. His artwork was featured at Indigenous Made Montana Markets andwas usedfor logo designs for organizations, conferences, and events. For two yearsin a row, his logo designs won the RISE Logo contest.

After graduation, he plans to attend Salish Kootenai College to pursue the Intensive Salish Language program. Charlo-Smallboy was inspired to choose the program by his Silé and family.

“Growing up, I learned some of the language, but I would like to learn moreof it, especially for future generations. I know it would make my silé and my ancestors proud,” said Charlo-Smallboy.

Charlo-Smallboy is grateful for all of his family and relatives from all four directions as well as his friends Alonah Warrior, Dayvany Whiteman Runs Him, McKaryss, and McKirah Fisher who motivated him along the way to becoming the amazing person he is today. He credits them all for helping him get to where he isin life. Most of all, he’s grateful to his mother and grandmother for helping him succeed and providing for him.