As students and staff gathered in the gymnasium at Joe Foss/Axtell Park on the afternoon of Friday, April 17, conversations of shared memories, personal growth, and challenges overcome filled the space. The celebration marked the school’s 30th anniversary as Joe Foss High School, a date that also coincides with the birthday of its namesake, Joe Foss. The event gave former graduates and alumni an opportunity to return, reflect on what has changed, and reconnect with what has remained the same.
The Vision and Voice art show was on display, telling the stories of students who have overcome significant challenges while working toward their goals. During the program, students also took to the stage to perform original poetry, sharing their experiences directly with the audience. It was fitting that art and poetry played such a central role in the celebration; these creative outlets have long helped students express emotions that can sometimes feel larger than themselves. As alumni entered the space, they were able to connect with current students through their work, even without formal introductions.
Joan Zych, who helps coordinate Vision and Voice, said she feels fortunate to support students in telling their stories through art. “When I get a chance to work with these students one-on-one through art, I feel connected to them, and I want them to know they can do it,” she said. “I feel like I’m part of something larger than myself.”
Mayor Paul TenHaken took some time to speak to the crowd and address the students directly. His message was one of hope and optimism, and he stressed the importance of working hard to achieve your dreams.
Ultimately, 30 years of Joe Foss being in the community means 30 years of stories. Each student who has entered and exited the doors of this school has a story to tell, and these stories weave the fabric of how we view the school as a whole. For three decades, Joe Foss High School has been a place where students come to overcome challenges and grow beyond the circumstances that may have once defined them. As a community, these stories serve as a source of inspiration; when students succeed, the entire community is stronger for it. As Mayor TenHaken shared in his remarks, “This school is a vital part of our city, and I hope that it stays around for at least another 30 years. The love and passion that staff here pour into their students should be an example to everybody in Sioux Falls. We’re better together.”
