Excellence Beyond the Classroom

Pfc. Martina Hawk, an alumna of St. Joseph's Indian School's graduating class of 2016, was recently awarded the Army Achievement Medal. She attended St. Joseph's for 11 years and was very involved in the St. Joseph's and Chamberlain High School communities.

Martina, currently stationed in Hawaii, received this medal "for exceptionally meritorious achievement while assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 65th Brigade Engineer Battalion During PTA Range Density. Pfc. Hawk's commitment to excellence, dedication to duty and technical expertise made her a valuable asset to the unit and contributor to mission success. Pfc. Hawk's actions reflect credit upon herself, the 'Renegade' Company, The 'Bayonet' Battalion, The 'Warrior' Brigade and the United States Army.

"During PTA Range Density week, Pfc. Hawk qualified on multiple weapons and weapon systems, helping raise the Company's readiness numbers. She qualified Expert on her assigned weapon, M4, as well as Expert in the CROW mounted M240B. Because of her knowledge and consistently setting the example, she was able to teach and coach two other soldiers to qualify on the CROW mounted M240B. Her motivation, willingness to learn and dedication to the team's success bolstered the morale of Soldiers around her."

The Award Certificate also states "Exceptionally Meritorious Achievement while assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 65th Brigade Engineer Battalion, Private First Class Hawk's professionalism, dedication to duty and technical expertise made her a valuable asset to the Unit and contributor to mission success. Her selfless service reflects great credit upon her. The 'Renegade' Company, the 'Bayonet' Battalion, the 'Warrior' Brigade, the 'Tropic Lightning' Division and the United States Army."

Martina is from Lower Brule, South Dakota. We are so very proud of her!

Give to their future

Your support of St. Joseph's Indian School is what makes the success of students like Martina possible. Thank you for believing in the potential of our Lakota boys and girls. To learn how you can give a gift to help St. Joseph's students grow and thrive for years to come, contact Denise Hyland at 1-800-584-9200 or dhyland@stjo.org today.