District dedicates Blackbear Bosin Academy

The Wichita Public Schools officially dedicated Blackbear Bosin Academy during a special ceremony on Dec. 14.  The Board of Education voted to rename Alcott Academy to Blackbear Bosin Academy in June. The name was chosen to honor the local Native American artist whose sculpture, “Keeper of the Plains” stands at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers and is a symbol of the city.

“It is an honor to have this school named after one of Wichita’s finest community members,” said principal Toby Martin.

“It is wonderful that Wichita still honors my father and the work he has done,” said Blackbear Bosin’s son, Niles, during the ceremony.  Bosin told the students about the importance of getting an education, and telling them, “Success is not just what you accomplish; success is how you live life and how you feel about yourself.”

Before the dedication, a “cedaring” took place outside the school. This is a traditional Native American ceremony which cleanses and blesses the building. Cy Ahtone, who performed the ceremony, explained the significance of the ceremony to guests and talked about the good wishes that would be brought upon the school.

As part of the dedication, Native American drummers and dancers performed. Student Marina Witt read an essay she had written about the life and legacy of Blackbear Bosin. Sarah Skelton and Shirley Jefferson, Board of Education members, and Truman Ware and Susan Seal, both friends of Bosin, spoke to guests as part of the dedication. Superintendent Winston Brooks, Niles Bosin, Martin and Witt unveiled the portrait of Blackbear Bosin that will hang in the school.

In April, the Board approved a plan to move the Alcott Academy program to the vacant Price Elementary site, located at 6123 E. 11th St. Alcott Academy didn't receive any upgrades with the bond issue and the facility didn't meet the needs of students and staff. Price-Harris Communications Magnet moved into the Harris campus as a result of the school's bond issue project, leaving the Price site vacant. With Alcott moving to the Price site, a committee was formed to consider a new name for the school. Board of Education President Sarah Skelton headed the committee and said the decision to name the school after Bosin was unanimous.

Photo captions: Native American dancers perform during the dedication ceremony of Blackbear Bosin Academy.
Clockwise top left, Superintendent Winston Brooks, principal Toby Martin, Niles Bosin and student Marina Witt unveil the portrait of Blackbear Bosin that will hang in the school that bears his name. Photos by Susan Arensman