"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Billy Mills to Speak to Sequoyah Students

Billy Mills, an Olympic gold medal winner, knows how to set goals and never take “no” for an answer. Mills will share his inspirational story with Sequoyah Schools’ students on April 23rd in The Place Where They Play.

“We are honored that he will be on our campus,” said Gina Stanley, Sequoyah Schools’ superintendent. “He’s a very busy person and I’m glad that he has made adjustments in his schedule to speak with our kids.”

Mills was orphaned by the age of 12 and obtained his education in boarding schools. After college, he joined the Marines and made the Olympic team where he competed in two events, winning the gold medal in the 10,000 meter run in the 1964 Olympics. Mills now travels the world, working as a motivational speaker and best-selling author. Mills and Nicholas Sparks co-wrote the book Wokini: A Lakota Journey to Happiness and Understanding. Now in its eighth printing, the book uses traditional Indian legends to teach life lessons about gaining happiness.

“I think he has a lot to offer our students,” Stanley said. “I can’t wait to listen to him.”

Mills will speak to the student body on April 23 at 10 a.m. The public is also welcome to attend. After his speech, he will be treated to a luncheon with Sequoyah Schools’ student council members and school administration. For more information about Mills, call (916) 965-9317 or email millsgold@aol.com.

Sequoyah Schools, a boarding school for Native American students, originated in 1871 as an orphan asylum to care for children who were orphaned by the Civil War. Now known as Sequoyah Schools, it is named for Sequoyah, the scholar who developed the Cherokee syllabary. The school is regionally and state accredited for grades 7-12 and has become the school of choice for more than 400 Native American students every year. Sequoyah Schools is located five miles southwest of Tahlequah, Oklahoma. For more information call 918-453-5400 or visit the Sequoyah Schools’ web site.