LaRenzo Fisher. Photo from Facebook
First Northern Cheyenne president at Hardin High School
By Clara Caufield
Native Sun News Correspondent BUSBY, Mont. –– LaRenzo Fisher is a Northern Cheyenne who next year will begin leading Crow and non-Indian students. Next fall, as a senior at Hardin High School, LaRenzo Fisher, (Flys Around) will assume his new position as President of the Hardin High School Student Council/body, elected by hundreds of his fellow students, winning by a comfortable margin of 30 votes. “I’m just starting my political career,” the young Cheyenne said. “Maybe one day I will become the tribal president to help bring about positive change for the Northern Cheyenne people.” While this is an exceptional accomplishment for any young person, it is a historic milestone because LaRenzo is one of only five Northern Cheyenne students at Hardin High which has a 1,600 hundred student population of predominantly Crow Indians and non-Indians. “My advisor, Mr. Evans told me I made history,” LaRenzo smiled. “I am the first Cheyenne to be elected by Crow and non-Indian students at Hardin High.” “I am not part of any clique. I just try to talk to everyone in a good way and encourage them,” said Fisher. “Everyone has the right to be heard, and if they need help, I try to do that.” LaRenzo has attended Hardin Public Schools, about a hundred mile daily commute from the Northern Cheyenne Reservation since the fifth grade because his family decided that would provide the best academic opportunity for their beloved son and grandson. LaRenzo has been raised by his single mother, Haroldine Fisher in the home of his grandparents Estelle (Russell) and Ben Armentrout, a Choctaw tribal member. The family follows strong tradition of being drug and alcohol free. “I like protein drinks and Gatorade,” Larenzo revealed. “I have never tasted alcohol or used tobacco products and I never will.” In order to attend Hardin schools, LaRenzo follows an exacting daily routine, rising at 6:30 a.m., catching the bus at 7:00 a.m., arriving at school by 8:20 a.m., completing a full day of classes (normally eight per semester), staying after school for sports and other academic activities before returning back to Busby by 7:00 p.m. each evening. “I’m usually tired by the end of the day because I have so many things to do and my advisers are always asking me to do additional things," LaRenzo said. "When I get home, there is homework and then I work out.” He is an accomplished academic, now in Advanced Placement classes for college preparation, English and history classes a priority. “I am improving on reading, writing and public speaking,” Larenzo noted. Though, at 17, he has finished all credit requirements to graduate, LaRenzo decided to stay with his class to graduate in 2016. “I hope I can inspire them to get involved in school activities,” he summarized. LaRenzo is what you would call a “well-rounded” student participating in wrestling as a middleweight (195 pounds); football and track. During the summer, he works out, lifting weights and running several miles each day. During the outdoor photo session for this story, he noticed some other young Cheyenne runners in the distance. “I’m glad to see that,” he smiled. The optimistic young Cheyenne is also a new business person who created Roan Bear Landscaping, offering lawn maintenance and general cleaning services. During the next year he will also provide many hours of community service to elders in his the Busby area, in part to earn another leadership award. “In order to have my business, I have to make sure that my own home looks good,” he said pointing out the neatly manicured lawn and orderly state of his family residence in Busby, surrounded by many others in need of cleanup. Larenzo noted that a couple of other similar small businesses, run by other young Cheyenne entrepreneurs have since sprung up. “I’m very happy to see that,” he said. “The more the better—I would like to see our all Cheyenne people working and prospering.” Over the past two years, LaRenzo has represented Hardin Schools in many different forums across the country. Earlier this year, he participated in the Close Up Program traveling to Washington, DC to meet with Congressional leaders, such as Senator Tester, who has been supportive. “There, I was so impressed to see people with a purpose,” he remarked. “That is what we need on the Reservation. Right now there does not seem to be a lot of purpose among our people. I would like to change that.” He also participates in the Gear-Up Program, promoting college; the Business Professionals of America which trains young people in skills related to business including running meetings in a professional style which LaRenzo thinks is very necessary for tribal leadership. The LEAD conference held in New Mexico earlier this year was also inspirational for this young Northern Cheyenne. As one of a thousand students from across the nation and one of few Native Americans at that event, he learned more about public speaking and leadership. He has quite a collection of t-shirts from the other conferences and events that he has attended, too numerous to mention, but suffice it to say that he has learned from each event, fully determined to share his knowledge with other young people. “We, the young people can offer ideas about a better future for our Tribe” he summarized. “That is what I hope to accomplish.” On June 6, LaRenzo turned 18– a significant milestone. Then, he will change his legal last name to Roan Bear, the original name of his ancestors and receive his adult Cheyenne name, Howling Coyote, given by his grandmother Estelle. “During that ceremony, we will once again encourage him to be humble,” said Haroldine. “Maybe you can vote for me after I finish college, get some experience in the non-Indian world and then run for Tribal President,” he said with a smile. (Clara Caufield can be reached at acheyennevoice@gmail.com) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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