{"id":27564,"date":"2024-05-19T04:00:42","date_gmt":"2024-05-19T10:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/they-will-see-navajo-prep-graduates-celebrate-with-culture-community\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T00:05:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T06:05:00","slug":"they-will-see-navajo-prep-graduates-celebrate-with-culture-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/they-will-see-navajo-prep-graduates-celebrate-with-culture-community\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018They will see Navajo Prep\u2019: Graduates celebrate with culture, community"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Navajo
Navajo Prep juniors Ms. Hozh\u00f3 Naasha Hailey Thomas and Atsa hastin Anthony Cruz lead the graduates onto the football field during the processional part of the commencement exercises on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Curtis Ray Benally\/Special to the Tri-City Record)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n

Supporters from around the Four Corners joined together at the Navajo Preparatory High School football field to celebrate graduates on Saturday.<\/p>\n

It was a showcase of institution recognition and cultural appreciation as graduates walked onto the field with the school Navajo basket and the planting stick, following staff members.<\/p>\n

Graduates made their way to the field, displaying their individuality, including traditional dress and placing quotations on their caps.<\/p>\n

During her address, first lady of the Navajo Nation, Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren, started by thanking Navajo Prep for allowing students to express themselves.<\/p>\n

This year marked another increase in the graduating class, with 64 seniors being certified to walk, Head of School Shawna Becenti told the Tri-City Record<\/em>.<\/em><\/p>\n

School data show most students come from the northern and eastern agencies of the Navajo Nation, Becenti said.<\/p>\n

Beginning the ceremony, Landon Succo greeted guests and sang the national anthem in Navajo. Marcus Nahala, student body president, read a land acknowledgment statement that mentioned ancestral Din\u00e9 lands.<\/p>\n

\"Navajo
Navajo Nation First Lady Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren addresses the Navajo Preparatory School's Class of 2024, staff, faculty, guests, family and spectators during the commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Eagles Stadium. (Curtis Ray Benally\/Special to the Tri-City Record)<\/span>cca<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Navajo
Navajo Prep's Jude Thomas makes his valedictorian address to his classmates, guests, and spectators during the commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Eagles Stadium. (Curtis Ray Benally\/Special to the Tri-City Record)<\/span>cca<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Navajo
Navajo Prep's Cayele Wilson co-salutatorian gives her remarks to her classmates, guests, and spectators during the commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Eagles Stadium. (Curtis Ray Benally\/Special to the Tri-City Record)<\/span>cca<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Navajo
Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya addresses the Navajo Preparatory School's Class of 2024, staff, faculty, guests, family and spectators during the commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Eagles Stadium. (Curtis Ray Benally\/Special to the Tri-City Record)<\/span>cca<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Navajo
Navajo Prep's Aniya Johnson is named and recognized as the Fighting Eagles Female Athlete of the Year at the commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Eagles Stadium. (Curtis Ray Benally\/Special to the Tri-City Record)<\/span>cca<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Navajo
Navajo Prep graduate Natalie Cly takes a selfie with classmates Hayley Yazzie and KayDence Low Dog before the start of the commencement exercises on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in the Eagles Nest. (Curtis Ray Benally\/Special to the Tri-City Record)<\/span>cca<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Navajo
Navajo Prep graduates (left to right) Shandiin Bowman, Naomi Silago, Nalanaya Austin, Starlit Begay, Maureen Ford and Julia Begay make a video for TikTok before the start of the commencement exercises on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in the Eagles Nest. (Curtis Ray Benally\/Special to the Tri-City Record)<\/span>cca<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

Keith Neil, associate head of school and operations, took time to address the guests, including Navajo Nation officials, school administrators, tribal leaders and people who have served or are serving in the armed forces.<\/p>\n

Speaker Starlit Begay, senior class president, encouraged her fellow graduates on their next endeavors.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs we prepare to embark on diverse paths, let us carry lessons learned in within these walls,\u201d she said. \u201cSome include resilience, compassion, courage and being able to write a 20-page essay in two nights.\u201d<\/p>\n

Following Begay, Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya expressed her expectations for the graduates.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever it is that you are going to do,\u201d she said, \u201cdo your very best at it every single day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Montoya reminded the graduates to be kind to those around them but most important, to take care of themselves.<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember that when you walk into this world, it\u2019s not just you \u2026 this world is looking at,\u201d she said, \u201cThey are looking at your grandparents, your parents \u2013 they are looking at Navajo Prep.\u201d<\/p>\n

Montoya is the first Navajo woman<\/a> to be elected into the vice president office. She said she wants to see these graduates also to achieve the designation as \u201cthe first.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to see the first in all of you,\u201d Montoya said.<\/p>\n

Speaker Jude Thomas, valedictorian, used his time to thank those who helped him get to graduation day, and he challenged his classmates to seize every opportunity while continuing to be who they are.<\/p>\n

In speaking with the Tri-City Record<\/em>, Thomas said it was not until Wednesday night, the week before, that he learned of the academic designation.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just took the time to reflect on it. It was always something I wanted to do,\u201d he said. \u201cI had to take that some time to process that I actually achieved this milestone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thomas wrote his speech while on his way to Santa Fe with his family. He said it was that time that he cherishes because of the laughter and conversations he had with them.<\/p>\n

Writing the speech, Thomas wanted to have that balance between thanking individuals and relating to his classmates.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the end of the day, being the valedictorian takes everybody \u2013 the staff, my friends, the students \u2013 everybody\u2019s helped lift me to get to this point,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Thomas attended Navajo Prep as a day student and thanked Cheryl Wolfe, English teacher, for being an unofficial therapist for himself and his classmates.<\/p>\n

Jeffrey Tome, admissions coordinator, was a faculty member Thomas wanted to thank for his efforts to bring staff and students together.<\/p>\n

As a graduate and looking back at the school, Thomas said he saw many communities at the school.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnderneath all of these little subgroups there\u2019s just this one giant community where it\u2019s just all people just trying to be the best version of themselves,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

This year, two salutatorians took the stage, Cayele Wilson and Jordyn Begay, to thank individuals and reflect on the memories.<\/p>\n

Guest speaker Andy Nez, delegate of the Navajo Nation Council, expressed his gratitude for allowing him to be in the presence of NP graduates.<\/p>\n

Nez highlighted the accomplishments made by the graduates, including a student who put together a cookbook for her senior project for those who live in a dormitory away from family.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs you go on to your own personal and education endeavors,\u201d he said, \u201cthere were many prayers and offerings to welcome you into our world \u2013 so wherever you go always remember that you matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before graduates received their diplomas, some were honored by administrators for their work and identities.<\/p>\n

The Jicarilla Apache tribe honored the three students who were graduating. Sixteen students were recognized for their work to be a candidate of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.<\/p>\n

Two students were honored for their athletic endeavors and 10 seniors received scholarships from the school.<\/p>\n

During the presentation of diplomas, students were also identified by their clan, hometown and their college of choice. Some towns were near, such as Kirtland and Shiprock, while others were in Arizona, such as Kaibito and Many Farms.<\/p>\n

Colleges also were near and far. Some will attend San Juan College, and others will go out of state, to University of Portland in Oregon and Emory University in Atlanta.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve all selected some very prestigious colleges and are also taking advantage of our local schools here that we need to be proud of,\u201d Becenti said.<\/p>\n

Becenti said what makes the Class of 2024 unique is the diverse student body of scholars and leaders.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel like this class have really found their voice, they showcase their desire to be champions, literally,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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