OBSERVER Staff Report

GOWANDA — Gowanda High School senior Tia Thompson has made a difference in how graduations will look and take place in this district starting this summer.

On Wednesday evening, the Board of Education unanimously approved a proposal that would allow graduates the option to wear traditional Native American attire at commencement beginning this year. The decision came after Thompson’s presentation at an earlier meeting.

Thompson came to the board recently after speaking with Principal Rebekah Moraites about the idea. She explained that she grew up on the Cattaraugus Reservation and attended Gowanda Central School from second through sixth grade before transferring to Lake Shore Central School for grades seven through 10.

“Gowanda is a more reasonable distance from home, and I saw more academic growth upon returning to Gowanda Central School,” Thompson said of her 11th grade year. A four-year varsity lacrosse athlete and two-year nursing student at BOCES LoGuidice Center, Thompson is looking forward to attending college for a career in nursing.

“I speak on behalf of current and future students of Gowanda Central School,” she said.

“My purpose in being here tonight is to receive approval for Native American students to have a choice to wear the traditional attire to graduation.”

With the board’s decision, students will now have that option in June.