Bellaire Public Schools

During his junior year of high school, Dakotah served as a Rotary Exchange Student in Argentina. According to Dakotah, the experience helped to broaden his horizons and build self-confidence and independence. “When you first arrive, you have no one but yourself to depend on; no family, no friends. It’s lonely until you figure out how to communicate.” Although his year abroad was one of the best times in his life, he is happy to be back with his friends and family in Bellaire.

Currently, Dakotah is spending most of his time on the basketball court. He has helped lead the varsity basketball team to a 10-1 record. After the basketball season ends, Dakotah will run track. In the summer months, he works at the Torch Lake Yacht Club.

Academically Dakotah’s performance is exemplar. He currently has a 3.7 grade point average. Upon returning from Argentina, he was inducted into the National Honor Society. He plans to attend NMC in the fall, and transfer to Grand Valley State University to pursue a career in education.

Dakotah’s many accomplishments are incredible, but the most amazing feat of all is that Dakotah remains steadfast in his values and beliefs. He is modest, humble, gracious, and most of all fun loving. At 6’7” people cannot help but make comments about his height, which at times Dakotah finds tiring. However, all kidding aside, Dakotah is definitely looked up to by his peers and the staff at Bellaire High School. Congratulations Dakotah! You are very deserving of this honor.