In a significant recognition of their leadership potential, Salmon River High School juniors Rarontiiostha Pembleton and Roneratatenion Thompson were inducted into the ninth class of My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Fellows during a ceremony held in Albany, New York, on May 21.

Administered by the New York State Education Department, the MBK Fellows program is designed to empower rising high school seniors, particularly young Indigenous men, by providing authentic leadership experiences and opportunities to develop service projects that positively impact their schools and communities. Fellows gain valuable exposure to leadership opportunities in government, education and business. This year, 122 students from across New York State were selected for the program, making it the largest MBK Fellows class in the initiative’s history. 

New York State’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative includes four Indigenous-serving school districts within its network. Salmon River Central School District is among the districts connected through the MBK Indigenous and Fellows initiatives, alongside Massena Central School District, LaFayette Central School District and Southampton High School. These districts collaborate through mentorship, leadership development, fellowship opportunities and community partnerships designed to support Native American and Indigenous students.

Newly appointed Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Danielle Chapman will oversee grant funding and related programming for the initiative at Salmon River Central School District. The district has participated in MBK-related programming since the first round of funding became available in 2017, focusing on academic intervention, graduation rate improvement and college and career readiness.

During the most recent round of funding, which runs through 2027, Ombudsman Breanne Herne and Student Counseling Program Assistant Nichelle Loran have coordinated and implemented MBK Fellows programming at Salmon River. They will continue supporting Pembleton and Thompson throughout their senior year and completion of the fellowship program alongside their mentors.

To learn more about the My Brother’s Keeper program, visit the New York State Education Department website.