Aronhiaies Herne

Aronhiaies, 17, is from Akwesasne, Ontario. His name means “he who strikes the sky with lights” in Mohawk.

He recently graduated from Salmon River Central School, and plans to attend Canton College in New York this fall for an Engineering General Motor’s internship. He has received scholarships and awards for his academic achievements, including the Presidential Freedom Scholarship.

Aronhiaies volunteers at the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club culture night, where he shares the teachings of his Mohawk language, songs, and dances to club members. He is also a traditional singer with the Young Men’s Singing Society.