Holbrook Indian School

Last Ride

Thanks to the vision of a faithful employee and his wife, the Equestrian Facilitated Learning program has helped Holbrook Indian School (HIS) students heal since its start in 2010. The rehabilitative program has blessed so many Native American students over the past decade. Program founder Fred Bruce is retiring when this school semester closes, so this will be his last year leading the horse program. Fred was initially called to HIS to teach industrial arts. However, his passion and background with horses over the years would prove to be an additional asset in launching a program that would become a pillar of Holbrook Indian School’s mission to Native American youth. With experience in auto mechanics and welding, Fred accepted the position of industrial arts teacher at HIS. With his wife Pam, Fred prepared to move to Arizona to accept his new role, but he had ideas about doing even more. “I told them that if I came, I would be interested in starting a horsemanship program,” he said. Soon after his arrival at HIS, Fred’s proposal to the school board was approved. The rest is history. The next few years would involve building this program from the ground up, including finding all the necessary funding. Thankfully, wherever there is a noble vision to do God’s work, He supplies the need through the agent of His people. The church that Fred had attended in Chatsworth, Georgia, came to HIS on a mission trip

and helped to build stalls and get things rolling. They also raised some money at their Vacation Bible School and provided materials. Fred was able to utilize the industrial Fred leads HIS students on one last ride during the Pony Express Parade in Holbrook, Ariz. arts program to supplement the building of the horse program. “We came, he read at a first-grade level, but he really liked had our construction class for industrial arts that year, the vocational classes. He took them all four of his years and in that class the students helped build the horse here. Now he does maintenance for a long-term care arena,” he said. “The welding class built the metal facility in Flagstaff.” gates for the arena, and they also made the top doors Besides teaching auto mechanics, woodworking, for the horse stalls.” welding, construction, horsemanship, and maintaining

Pam Bruce’s the school’s vehicles, Fred also took time on weekends role at HIS was just to give students rides in the arena or off campus. Pam as instrumental. continued to volunteer at the school after retirement. As the art teacher, The legacy of Fred and Pam will last beyond their time she helped at HIS. They will be missed by the students and staff. students master ____________________ the indigenous art By Chevon Petgrave of pottery design beginning in 2012 until her retirement Holbrook Indian School is grateful to have found another in 2014. For HIS alum Jerena Hunter, art played a dedicated individual to fill Fred's role in the industrial big part in her personal growth at HIS. She started arts program. As of this writing, HIS is still seeking attending when there were no visual or graphic arts someone to continue helping students heal through the classes. It was during Jerena’s time there that Pam initiated the visual arts classes. “We didn't have a lot of art supplies,” Pam said. horsemanship program. If you or someone you know are mission-minded and would like to serve Native American children, please see or share our jobs page at HolbrookIndianSchool.org/jobs. “There were no art supplies other than pottery available to the students.” When Jerena came to register for classes the following year, she noticed a new drawing Holbrook Indian School (HIS) is a first- through twelfthclass and art supplies. It was a turning point for her. grade boarding academy operated by the Pacific Union “Jerena likes to draw,” Pam said. “It helps her express Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. HIS also and process her feelings by doing art.” manages a first- through eighth-grade day school on the As teachers at Holbrook Indian School, Fred and Pam Navajo reservation in Chinle, Arizona. Eighty-seven percent have seen firsthand the challenges that many of our of funding comes from individuals who have a desire to students carry with them. They have also seen many support Native American ministries and Christian education. students grow through the horsemanship, Your generosity makes a difference in the lives of our industrial arts, and fine arts programs during their time at HIS. When asked if students, their families, and the communities they serve. Thank you for your support. there were any students that stood out to him as showing noted growth and DEVELOPMENT progress, Fred said that several came DEPARTMENT to mind. P.O. Box 910 • Holbrook, Arizona 86025-0910 “To mention one for (928) 524-6845 (Ext. 109) • Development@hissda.org industrial arts,” Fred said, HolbrookIndianSchool.org “when Troy Dale first