Promise Neighborhoods Program Welcomes New Staff

Hi, my name is Heather Ochoa. I reside in L'Anse with my fiance and our children. I have 12 plus years of experience working with children 0-5 years old and three year's experience running a childcare center I graduated from KBOCC in December 2016 with my associate's in early childhood and in December 2022 with my associate's in business. I've recently been hired as the Promise Neighborhoods Pre-K Specialist. I will be going into different centers in Baraga County to teach children the skills they need to know to succeed in kindergarten

I look forward to working with the families and the community and getting to know your children to help them be successful.

Shelifoe Represents KBIC at U.P. All-Star Football Game

In a display of talent and determination, Javon Shelifoe, a proud member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, showcased his skills during the 2023 U P All-Star Football Game held on Saturday, June 25th. The event, which brought together standout high school football players from across Michigan's Upper Peninsula, proved to be a platform for Shelifoe to make a lasting impression.

The U P All-Star Football Game, an annual tradition celebrating the region's top football talent, took place at the Superior Dome in Marquette, with fans eagerly anticipating the exciting matchups between the best players in the area. Among the participants, Javon Shelifoe, a student-athlete from Baraga High School and a L'Anse Hornet Football team member, stood out for his exceptional skills and representation of the KBIC community. Javon started as right guard for the black team.

When asked about his experience, Shelifoe said, "I was very honored to play in the all-star game. Not many people get that experience."

Dasan Hawkshield Smith Accepts D1 Football Offer

On June 25, 2023, KBIC member Dasan Hawkshield Smith accepted a scholarship offer to play Division 1 football for Central Michigan.

During the month of June, Dasan spent time traveling and attending football camps in Iowa and Michigan, as well as being invited to travel to various schools in Lower Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio to meet with coaches, players, and school officials about playing football for them.

Dasan was offered a Division 1 - full ride scholarship from schools in all three states He was even offered a Grand Valley State University, Division 2 scholarship The impact of making a decision that will ultimately set the path for Dasan for the next five years was an excellent experience for him.

After a couple of weeks of consideration, plus all the time and effort traveling, Dasan decided to commit to Central Signing an official scholarship will be set for a later date However, Dasan and the school have made it public, they offered him a full ride, and he was happy to accept it.

From his mother, Angela Abbott, "Dasan, we are so incredibly proud of all your hard work and determination! D1, full scholarship Excited to say you will be part of the Chippewa Family next year. Fire up Chips!"

Dasan was extremely grateful for all the opportunities offered, meeting with the coaches and players. Dasan will begin his senior year of high school this fall, continuing to play football for the Marquette Redmen

From your dad, Paul Smith, "No words can fully express how proud I am of you. You set your goals for yourself to be very high and targeted; then you focus on achieving them. You go above and beyond the norm every time you set your mind to something. You put your heart and soul into staying true to your core values while representing more than just yourself For that, I am your biggest fan Fire up Chips!"