Tribal member high school graduates share their future plans
Naima Angelita Head
I am Naima Angelita Head, 18 years old and an enrolled Klamath Tribes member. My tribal affiliations are Klamath, Modoc, and Paiute. I just graduated from Chiloquin High School in June 2024. For three to four years, I mainly kept myself busy as a three-sport athlete. I played basketball, volleyball, and softball. I love and enjoy playing basketball the most.
During my senior season, I planned for my next steps after graduation. I am an admitted student at Lane Community College and will start this Fall of 2024. I am interested in the Healthcare field and will work my way up based on my interests.
I have worked as a Summer and College Intern at The Klamath Tribes.
Lila Ruby Barney
Lila Ruby Barney graduated from North Eugene High School in June 2024. She is the daughter of Nicole Barney and Bull Parazoo Sanders, and the late Chase Tague. Her grandparents are Norm and Geneva Barney and Linda Robinson. Lila is a Klamath descendant and a Bishop Paiute Tribal member. After spending the summer with her Pop and Gram, Lila will attend Klamath Community College and plans to pursue a career as a mental health therapist specializing in art therapy.
We are incredibly proud of Lila and her accomplishments. Her dedication, hard work, kind heart, and commitment to her education have been truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing all the great things she will achieve in the future.
Hunter James Parker
Hello! My name is Hunter James Parker. I graduated from Klamath Learning Center – Klamath Falls City Schools – Klamath Falls, OR, on June 8, 2024.
My mother is Jamie L. Parker. My deceased grandparents are James and Dale Barney, and my deceased great-grandparents are Levi and Nora Barney. My aunt Jodie L. Barney. My future plans are to attend Klamath Community College in the upcoming Fall of 2024.
I’m 16 years old, in the 10th Grade. I completed 14 1/2 credits in my Freshman School Year 2022/2023 and 10 credits in my Sophomore School Year 2023/2024. Technically, I finished High School in January 2024. My GPA is 3.205.
This is one of the goals that was requested by my grandfather, James N. Barney, he asked me to do before he passed away to graduate from High School with a Diploma. He will be gone three years this coming up November 2024. Also, I would like to give a shout out to my mom, I would be here today if she didn’t encourage me to go to school and study hard every day. She is my main rock in life! Thanks, Mom!
Triston Leach
Triston Leach, an enrolled Klamath tribal member, graduated from Mazama High School. Throughout all four years of high school, Triston was recognized as a scholar-athlete. He has received a scholarship and will attend Oregon State University in the fall. He wishes to pursue an education in Kinesiology and work with student-athletes.
Triston’s parents, Christy and Billy David, are so proud to have another one of their children join the Beaver Nation!
Malakai Rich
We are delighted to congratulate Malakai Rich, a 2024 graduate of Mazama High School. Malakai, son of JaLisa and the late Nickey Rich Jr., demonstrated exceptional dedication and time management skills throughout his high school career. Notably, he balanced academic responsibilities with part-time retail work, nearing his two-year anniversary, and actively participated in golf and basketball.
Recently, Malakai expanded his professional portfolio by securing a position as a wildland firefighter with The Klamath Tribes. His enthusiasm for staying engaged and driven is truly commendable.
Malakai’s future aspirations include joining the military, pursuing a degree in nursing, and ultimately retiring from the military. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and wish him continued success in achieving his goals. Please join us in congratulating Malakai on his outstanding achievements and future endeavors.
