Sherman Indian High School: A Family Tradition Revisited

Lomatolongva! Hello!

My name is Linda Kewanimptewa, and I am Trevor’s other half. I’ve known Trevor since 2019, and we’ve been married for two years as of September 2022. I am from the Hopi Reservation and graduated from Sherman Indian High School in 2012. During my time at Sherman, I was involved in the National Honor Society, contributed to the Yearbook, and sang with my favorite group, the White Rose Singers.

Recently, Trevor asked me to join him on his journey with DesertDog.Tech, sharing a special section about our adventure back to Sherman Indian High School for Parent-Teacher Conferences. In March 2024, we became guardians of my niece, thrusting us into the whirlwind world of teenage life and parenting. It has been a fast-track learning experience, to say the least!

When I was lucky enough to enroll my niece at my alma mater, the nostalgia and excitement started to build. Finally, the day arrived to return to Sherman for our first conference, and I couldn’t wait to show Trevor where I’d spent a big part of my life. It was surreal to be back, passing through halls where memories lingered and seeing the teachers who once guided me, now helping shape my niece’s journey.

Reflections on Sherman’s Changing Campus

Returning to Sherman, I was struck by how much had changed—and yet, how much had stayed the same. The campus now has new faces among the teaching staff, with some beloved mentors having retired. Sherman is also in line for many necessary upgrades, a series of much-needed renovations for a school that has stood since 1903. There’s something powerful in watching my old school adapt and grow, even as it preserves its spirit.

Returning to Sherman, I was struck by how much had changed—and yet, how much had stayed the same. The campus now has new faces among the teaching staff, with some beloved mentors having retired. Sherman is also in line for many necessary upgrades, a series of much-needed renovations for a school that has stood since 1903. There’s something powerful in watching my old school adapt and grow, even as it preserves its spirit.

Sherman Indian High School, originally called Perris Indian School, was established in 1892 in Perris, California, before moving to Riverside in 1903 and being renamed Sherman Institute. In those early days, Sherman—like many other U.S. government schools—was intended to assimilate Native American students. Richard H. Pratt, founder of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, expressed this harsh goal in 1892:

The schools were designed to strip away Native identities, but today, Sherman has evolved into a place of pride, resilience, and unity for Native students, allowing us to celebrate our diverse tribal heritages.

Cherished Memories and Lasting Lessons

During my time at Sherman, I had the privilege of learning about the cultures of many different tribes, both from classmates and from remarkable teachers like Mr. Hathaway, Lorene Sisquoc, and Josie Montes. I grew a lot through clubs like the White Rose Singers, where we not only sang but shared pieces of our heritage.

Sherman offered me experiences that shaped who I am today, from sweat lodges that provided a space for traditional healing to the arts and crafts center at Clarke Center. These practices provided us a way to connect deeply with our roots while balancing the demands of our education.

Hopes for the Next Generation at Sherman

It’s a privilege to see my niece attending Sherman and experiencing the school as I did. I hope she gains as much from it as I did—lessons that will help her stay grounded in who she is. It brings me joy to imagine Sherman’s next steps, embracing modern updates while retaining its spirit and its role in nurturing Native identity.

Askquali! Thank you!

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