Prior Lake, Minnesota - Out of a concern for area youth, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, a federally recognized Indian tribe located in Prior Lake, Minnesota, has donated a total of more than $10,100 to 18 high schools to fund alcohol and chemical-free graduation events. Each year the SMSC supports these parties at the request of event organizers.

This year the SMSC helped sponsor senior class parties for high schools in the local area including Prior Lake, Shakopee, Burnsville, Apple Valley Senior High, Chaska, Delano, Eagan, Eastview (Apple Valley), Farmington, Jordan, Kennedy (Bloomington), New Prague, Richfield, Rosemount, and the School of Environmental Studies (Apple Valley). Belle Plaine High School received a donation for their prom.

The SMSC also helped sponsor graduation and prom activities at the Marty Indian School and at the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte Schools High School, both of which are in South Dakota. In addition, the SMSC helped sponsor the 22st annual American Indian College Graduation Celebration that honors American Indians in the Twin Cities who are graduating from college with a donation of $1,500.

SMSC Chairman Stanley Crooks said, "There is nothing more important to the SMSC than the health and well-being of the nation's youth. We are very thankful for the opportunity to support area youth in celebrating an important milestone in their lives."

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