SAPULPA, Oklahoma – Sapulpa High School students are set to host their annual social Stomp Dance and community dinner fundraiser on Feb. 25. The event is a collaboration between the Duck Creek Ceremonial Ground and the Sapulpa High School Native American Student Association. All proceeds will benefit the NASA students for an end-of-the-year trip.
Kayla Chupco (Choctaw) is the director of Indian Education for Sapulpa Public Schools and one of the NASA sponsors. She oversees all Native American students, a third of which are Muscogee (Creek), according to Chupco. Regarding authentic Native cultural education, Sapulpa’s students are in good hands.
“The thing that we work on with students generally is mentoring culture and tutoring,” Chupco said. “We work with the students, teachers, and parents to identify kids who need the services.”
Chupco also helps connect students with the services of their respective tribes, including the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
Indian Education at Sapulpa Public goes beyond the classroom and offers extracurriculars.
“At the high school, we have after-school cultural activities,” Chupco said. “This month, we are working on ribbon skirts and vests for students who want to learn.”
Chupco further explained that past activities have included making moccasins, beadwork, and playing stickball.
In addition to her role as director, Chupco also teaches classes. She works closely with the Muscogee Challenge Bowl to make sure education on Muscogee culture and neighboring tribes is factual and correct.
“In my American Indian studies class, I touch on the five civilized tribes,” Chupco said. “I primarily do Muscogee because we’re located in the Muscogee jurisdiction, and so many of our students are Muscogee.”
Although the event is an excellent opportunity to expose students to Muscogee culture up close, it is also an opportunity for fellowship with others. Chupco particularly loves seeing her students’ connections with the larger Muscogee (Creek) community.
“It’s exciting to see the community get together,” Chupco said. “We have several students involved with the ceremonial grounds and their culture.”
While it has yet to be determined where NASA’s end-of-the-year trip will be, it depends on how much money they can fundraise throughout the year. Past trips have involved Frontier City and the First Americans museum.
The fundraiser is set to feature cake raffles, grocery raffles, and concessions. Donations are accepted as well.
The dinner is provided for free on a first-come, first-serve basis. Frybread, corn soup, and beans will be served.
The event welcomes vendors, and the registration fee is $20, along with a donated item. If you want to set up a vendor booth, contact Michelle Benning at (918) 224-9322 to reserve a spot.
The dinner will be held in the Sapulpa High School commons from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The social stomp dance will be held from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the old Sapulpa High School gym, 3 S. Mission St., Sapulpa, OK.
