As part of a long-standing tradition, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians is celebrating the academic achievements of its 2025 high school and college graduates by displaying large commemorative banners along Morongo Road, the main throughfare into the Morongo Indian Reservation.
The large banners featuring the names and photos of all 27 Morongo graduates have been installed to honor their hard work, perseverance, and academic success, and the support and encouragement of their families and loved ones.
The display pays tribute to both high school and college graduates, some of whom earned degrees from Stanford University, Harvard Business School, Arizona State University, and the University of Redlands, and stands as a public testament to the Tribe’s deep commitment to education.
“For decades, Morongo has honored our students with banners to show them—and the entire tribal community — how proud we are of their academic excellence, and how much we value education,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “Supporting the academic success of Native youth and adults is a top priority for our Tribe, and we believe in recognizing those who are taking bold steps toward brighter futures for themselves, their families, and our community.”
The students included:
- Joseph Peukert – University of Redlands
- Levi Norte – Stanford University
- Maryann Norte-Camberos – Arizona State University
- Alexandra Wilson – Grand Canyon University
- Jason Carrizosa – Harvard Business School
- Chynnah Flowers – Beaumont High School
- Maryann Hernandez – Vista Murrieta High School
- Rebecca Rice – Banning High School
- Elka Waters-Jay – Banning New Horizons High School
- Miyaxwen Garcia – Classical Conversations Homeschool
- Frank Casian – Xavier College Preparatory High School
- Jesse James Briones Jr. – Adult Education School
- Nephtwis Toro – Cal State San Bernardino
- Angelina Martin – Beaumont High School
- Piper Hogan – Banning New Horizons High School
- Lila Espinoza – Beaumont High School
- Gabriel Raul Esparza – Beaumont High School
- Cheyenne Lyons – Rancho Mirage High School
- Tobias Flores – Evergreen High School
- Nicole Espinoza – Yucaipa High School
- Jeffrey Shenah-Barnett – Beaumont High School
- Mal Mal Miranda – Banning New Horizons High School
- Jisella Martin – Banning High School
- Elijah Marens – Banning New Horizons High School
- Karma Norvell – Beaumont High School
- Monet Flowers – Beaumont High School
- Mikayla Ortega-Rice – Banning New Horizons High School
In addition to the banner tribute, Morongo also offers robust educational support programs, including scholarships, academic enrichment services, and higher education assistance, as well as a tribally-centered curriculum at the accredited Morongo School, the first college preparatory school of its kind on an Indian reservation.
The banners will remain on display throughout the graduation season as a source of pride and inspiration for all who pass through the heart of the Morongo Reservation.