Ashlan Carlow-Blount’s high school journey at Maȟpíya Lúta has been defined by excellence, determination, leadership, and a deep commitment to her community and culture. Valedictorian of the Class of 2026, Ashlan leaves behind a remarkable legacy as both a scholar and one of the most accomplished student-athletes in school history.
Throughout her years at Maȟpíya Lúta, Ashlan distinguished herself academically, earning the highest academic honor in her graduating class. This fall, she will attend the University of South Dakota on a full-ride scholarship, where she plans to study Environmental Science. Her success reflects years of discipline, sacrifice, and commitment to excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
Ashlan’s achievements were not limited to academics and athletics. She was also one of just eight students in her graduating class to earn the South Dakota Bilingual Seal, recognizing her dedication to Lakota language learning and biliteracy. During her Valedictorian remarks at graduation, Ashlan spoke about the profound impact language revitalization has had on her life.
“In these last few years, learning our language has truly changed my life and helped shape who I am becoming,” Ashlan shared. “I really want to encourage everyone to try to be more involved in the language…it is so rewarding.”
Her words reflected the importance of language not only as an academic pursuit, but as a connection to identity, culture, community, and future generations.
Athletically, Ashlan’s impact on Maȟpíya Lúta programs has been extraordinary. While many know her for shining on the basketball court, she truly embodied the definition of an all-around athlete. In addition to basketball, Ashlan competed in cross country, track and field, volleyball, and cheerleading, consistently representing Maȟpíya Lúta with pride and determination across every season.
As a leader for the Tȟabškátapi girls basketball team, she helped guide the program through one of the most successful stretches in school history, including multiple undefeated regular seasons, six consecutive state tournament appearances, two State A Runner-Up finishes, and five consecutive championships at the Lakota Nation Invitational. Along the way, Ashlan earned multiple All-Tournament Team recognitions at the South Dakota State A Basketball Championships and multiple MVP honors at LNI, cementing her place among the standout athletes of her era.
But Ashlan’s athletic story extends far beyond basketball.
As a freshman, Ashlan made school history by winning the South Dakota State Championship in the 300-meter hurdles, capturing the title by just .20 seconds and becoming the first hurdler in school history to win a state championship. What made the accomplishment even more remarkable was the path it took to get there. At the time, Maȟpíya Lúta did not have a hurdles coach or the proper training equipment, so Ashlan committed herself to regular 100-mile drives to Rapid City for specialized training. Her willingness to put in the extra work — often beyond what others would expect of a freshman athlete — became an early sign of the determination and grit that would define her high school career.
Beyond athletics, Ashlan was deeply involved in student leadership and school life. She participated in Student Council throughout high school and, as a senior, easily secured the role of Student Council President — a reflection of the trust and respect she earned from her classmates and teachers alike.
One Maȟpíya Lúta teacher described Ashlan as “one of the most grounded and level-headed students” they had worked with, adding that she was often one of the first — and loudest — students cheering on her classmates and teammates. That ability to celebrate others while quietly leading by example became one of Ashlan’s defining qualities.
Her accomplishments, however, tell only part of the story. Ashlan earned the respect of teammates, coaches, teachers, and younger students through the way she carried herself — with humility, focus, kindness, and care for those around her. She represented the kind of leader who leads both through words and actions, consistently setting a standard for others to follow.
Among her many honors, Ashlan was also recognized with the prestigious “Spirit of Su” award, which celebrates leadership, sportsmanship, and positive character on and off the court. Named in memory of SuAnne Big Crow, the award carries deep meaning across Lakota communities and honors student-athletes who embody compassion, strength, and integrity.
As Ashlan graduates, she leaves behind more than banners, medals, records, and awards. She leaves behind an example — one built on hard work, perseverance, cultural pride, and a commitment to representing her family, school, and community in a good way. Her journey from Maȟpíya Lúta to the University of South Dakota is only the beginning, and there is no doubt her community will continue cheering her on in the years ahead.