RRH Board Vice-President counsels students on principles of success

RRH Governing Board Vice President, Bill Cly, of Kayenta addressed the students first. Mr. Cly shared several stories of his time as a student at Richfield Residential Hall, and based many of his comments on a story titled, “Navajo Giant Killers.” This true story outlines the challenges and successes of several Navajo boys who attended Richfield Residential Hall in the 1960’s. This exceptional group of young men (including current board members Mr. Cly and Mr. Tsosie) participated in a highly successful basketball team. Mr. Cly shared how the lessons he learned in the dormitory and as a part of this basketball team helped to shape him into the successful individual that he is today. He reminded the students that they must choose to succeed and work hard to fulfill that choice each day. He reminded the students that, “nothing worthwhile comes without effort.”

RRH Board Secretary, Denis Tsosie, encourages students to make a committment.

Richfield Residential Hall Alumni and Governing Board Secretary, Denis Tsosie, advised students to make a commitment to finish what they started. He congratulated students on making the decision to attend RRH and he encouraged them to see it through to the end. As a former student of RRH, Mr. Tsosie said that he knew there would be days that students would feel homesick and would want to return home. He added that the decision to finish what he started at RRH had a big hand in making him the successful man that he is today. He cautioned students against developing a pattern of “quitting, ” and encouraged them to get involved and do what they can to make this place better. He encouraged students to get involved in student government, athletics and to believe in themselves.

RRH Board Member, Nora Tallman, reminds students that, "we are all related."

After introducing herself in Navajo, Ms. Tallman reminded the students and staff that, “as Navajo’s, we are all related.” She reminded the students that RRH is an elite school that is recognized as one of the best opportunities available to Native American high school students. Ms. Tallman went on to remind students that, “to succeed, you have to be strong.” She encouraged the students to enroll in the Navajo Language and Navajo Government classes that are taught on our campus and to “learn your language and be proud of who you are.” Ms. Tallman closed her remarks by telling the students to, “be determined, work hard, and never settle for less than your best.”

RRH Board President, Stanley Yazzie, reminds students that they are "something special."

“Why am I here?” asked RRH Governing Board President, Stanley Yazzie in his opening comments to the students of RRH. He went on to explain that he, the other board members, the administration and the staff of RRH are all here for one reason: to help each student to be their best. He also reminded the students that all of these people are here because they care for the students…they want the students to succeed. Mr. Yazzie acknowledged that being away from home can be a challenge, and that the students should take pride in the fact that they are doing something challenging to improve themselves. He told the students that their perseverance in this unique opportunity  would be rewarded with a huge headstart over their peers who attend school elsewhere. Mr. Yazzie reminded each student that they were chose to be here and encouraged them to be proud of who they are. Mr. Yazzie concluded his remarks with the powerful statement, “Believe in yourself…you are something special.”

September 2010

August 2010

Several students are already in the area and participating in school athletics. Jerethan Tsinniginnie will play in the Richfield Wildcats first football game tonight while Rochelle Curtis and Danielle Kay will cheer at the South Sevier Rams first football game which will also take place tonight.  Great job, kids! We are proud of you!

June 2010

Mr. Workman welcomed guests to the event and thanked everyone for taking the time to honor these young people in this way. He concluded his brief remarks by encouraging the students to view this evening as the beginning of an exciting journey as opposed to the end of school. He reminded the students that they are capable of anything they can dream if they are willing to work hard for it.

Utah Army National Guard Private First Class, Trevor Benally (RRH Class of 2009) and Private First Class Joe Eckersly conducted a flag ceremony that was followed by RRH Senior, Serena Lane, leading the Pledge of Allegiance in Navajo.  RRH Student Body President Lecallin Cly then opened the meeting with a prayer and each senior introduced themselves in Navajo prior to sitting with their families. Senior class sponsor, Jason Taylor, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

Shawn Todacheenie performed an awesome Grass Dance. Other performances during the evening included a Basket Dance and Ribbon Dance by the Senior Girls and an Apache Crown Dance by the Senior Boys. They all did an outstanding job, and everyone enjoyed them immensely.

RRH Governing Board President, Stanley Yazzie, gave some wise counsel to the students prior to introducing the keynote speaker: Mr. Lemual Adson, Arizona Navajo North Education Line Officer.  Mr. Adson provided many words of wisdom to the graduates; including, “be a good friend,” “work hard,” and “believe in yourself.” Following his speech, Taniele Yazzie and Branden Sanderson presented Mr. Adson with a beautiful bolo tie that was handmade by our own Mr. Adison (aka, Cheii).

Valedictorian and Salutatorian Serena Lane and Althea John provided a heartfelt expression of appreciation to the parents, family members and staff of RRH for providing them so many opportunities to learn and grow. Althea John and Riva Chief prepared a fun slide show for everyone’s enjoyment while dinner was served. Graduates were honored with gifts and awards from both Richfield Residential Hall and the Sevier School District Title VII program (thanks Sophie).

Navajo Nation Tribal Council Members Andy Ayze, Raymond Maxx, Bobby Robbins, Willie Tracy Jr., and Elmer Milford were kind enough to make the trip all the way to Richfield to honor our graduating seniors. As members of the Education Committee of the Navajo Nation Council, they each provided some inspiring counsel not only to the graduates, but to all in attendance. We would like to thank all who have done so much to provide these opportunities and to support these great young people in their quest to be their best in all things.

Special thanks to San Rafael Works Cowboy Catering for making such an excellent meal and for being so flexible with our time schedule!