Sacaton, AZ – September 24, 2025 — The Sacaton Elementary School District #18 proudly hosted the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) Education Standing Committee (ESC) for a special event that highlighted the ongoing partnership and shared commitment to educational excellence.
The day began with a formal ESC meeting on the Sacaton campus, followed by a guided tour and a community lunch. The District extended the formal invitation to the Committee, emphasizing the strength of collaboration between the school and GRIC leadership.
Education Standing Committee Chairman Evans was joined by fellow ESC members Duane Jackson, Donnovan Kyyitan, and Joey Whitman. Also in attendance were Tribal Education Director Sherylin Analla, Assistant Director Lance Reyna, and several council support staff members who all contributed to the successful visit.
A standout element of the day was the student involvement. From warm welcomes by student greeters and chaperones to performances by cheerleaders and classroom showcases, students played an integral role in representing the pride and spirit of the District. The tour featured highlights such as the campus orchard, Turtle Sanctuary, and vibrant music presentations.
The most memorable moment for many was the debut performance of the school song, “School of the Braves,” written and directed by Sacaton’s own music teacher Jordan Santos, and performed by the 4th Grade Class. The powerful and heartfelt rendition left a lasting impression, and the District looks forward to sharing it with the broader community soon.
Committee members offered heartfelt compliments and expressed their appreciation for the dedication and hard work of the Sacaton staff in serving GRIC students.
“We are so thankful for the opportunity to share what we do here at Sacaton Elementary School District with the Education Standing Committee,” said district leadership. “This event truly showcased the strength of our partnership and the bright future we are building together for our students.”