Joslin James November student Soroptimist

Joslin James, a senior at La Conner High School, is the Soroptimist of La Conner Honored Student of the Month for November. Joslin is the granddaughter of Barb James, a Swinomish Senator, and Bruce James Sr; and the daughter of Sonny and Lana Fornsby James. The Jameses are a Canoe Family at Swinomish. It is not surprising then that Joslin is also very involved in Swinomish culture.

James participates with the Swinomish Canoe Family dancers. The group performs in their regalia at school, pow wows, and Swinomish Days and trains under Aurelia Washington's guidance for the dances and regalia (the clothes people wear for cultural events). When Indigenous Culture Day was celebrated at the school Swinomish kids of all ages, some wearing regalia, participated in the gym.

James's younger brother Chas is also a dancer but is in the Warrior category. Culture night is something that James also participates in. Culture night is for families – young and old. The purpose is to hold on to tradition.

Cheer is a school activity that James enjoys very much and one that she will miss a lot when she goes on to the next part of her life after graduation. She plans to go on to beauty school and specialize in extensions. And she will likely continue to go crabbing with her dad and her uncles – an activity that requires strength and agility along with knowledge of the waters around here and a willingness to bait the traps.

We wish James an eagle sighting every day she is out.

Vintage La Conner will award Joslyn a gift certificate to use at their volunteer run store, the proceeds of which support women and girls in the community, primarily with scholarships but also with special needs as they arise.

We give thanks for our volunteers, our shoppers, and our donors. The only requirement for becoming a member is the willingness to work in some manner.

Source: La Conner Soroptimists