Faith in God, the ability to persevere, and the closeness of family is what NCAE member Krystal Stewart says makes her most proud of her American Indian heritage. “My ancestors and forefathers prayed and worked hard for me to be where I am today. It’s important to hang on to these family bonds and moral values.”
A secondary math and science coach for Person County Schools, Krystal is an active member of the Sappony Tribe, one of eight native to North Carolina. Being an American Indian, she added, “means being part of a people who are among the bravest and strongest people there are. We are a people who have proven to be able to adapt during challenging times while still holding on to our identity.” Within her community she serves on various Tribal Council committees and is the current Title VI Indian Education Coordinator for Person County Schools.
In addition to celebrating American Education Week and Thanksgiving, November is also the month we celebrate American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage by honoring the contributions of these remarkable Americans who deeply enrich the quality and character of our nation.
Krystal said the preservation of her heritage is important to the fabric of America and the unique culture and history of each tribe continually needs to be shared. Within her own family are relatives who served, and continue to serve, as heroes to her and those in the community. “When my Gaga (father’s mother) was in high school, she attended High Plains Indian School which ended at 10th grade. She, nor her parents, were willing to settle for her not getting a diploma so she moved from Person County to Sampson County to attend East Carolina Indian School. There she completed grades 11 and 12 in one year and graduated first in her class!
“My Aunt Dorothy, a retired Person County educator who taught for 35 years, was a proud member of NCAE and served as a building rep each year she taught. She also served as president and treasurer of the Person County Association of Educators. She is the tribal chairperson for the Sappony Tribe, former Title VI Indian Education Coordinator for Person County Schools, and serves on the NC Commission of Indian Affairs. She sacrifices her time and freely shares her knowledge to ensure American Indians in the state are heard and represented.”
These two influential family members also helped instill in Krystal the importance of education, along with her tribal community. Now in her 15th year as a public school educator, she said she learned the value of education at a very early age.
“My Daddy always told me people can take a lot from you but they can never take away your education. I received a high-quality education in Person County and became a teacher to give back to the community that poured so much into me.”
Krystal is proud of the K-12 education she received, which set the foundation for her to attend Appalachian State University and earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Now she is helping to propel the next generation to greatness.
“When former students reach back out to me once they have left middle school and tell me how appreciative they are for not just the math I taught them and the life lessons they learned, but how I pushed them to be their very best, this is my greatest accomplishment as an educator. I know I am making a difference and it’s why I continue to do this job.”
