Summer is winding down, and many of us have been asking the same question, “What is everyone doing this summer?” We would love to hear about what you have been doing this summer. Did you go on vacation somewhere fun? Did you chill at home? What did you do? E-mail Mr. Workman with the info and a picture or two and he will post it on the website. Here are a few to start:

Althea John, our future pulitzer prize winning journalist, is working for the Navajo Times this summer! She has had several pictures published in the Navajo Times since she started there last month. Here is your mission: go on a treasure hunt through this week’s Navajo Times and see if you can find pictures that she has taken. Althea will hold a brief autograph session at RRH on Monday, August 17th. Just kidding! Great job, Althea!

While Althea was out working hard photographing events for the Navajo Times, she came across a few of our students running in the Narbona Pass Classic 10k. This difficult race winds through the gorgeous scenery of the Chuska Mountains. RHS Class of 2009 graduate Alton Chee placed 26th overall with an impressive time of 46:39. Latrisha Blackstar (Class of 2010) took first in her age division (female 14-19) and 70th overall with a time of 52:32! I guess the altitude really doesn’t matter to some people! Congratulations Alton and Latrisha, we are all proud of you!

Alton plans on continuing his running and education at Dine College in the fall, while Latrisha has her eye set on another State Championship with Richfield High School next year.

Sooooo……. what did you do this summer?

On Thursday, May 28th, the Richfield Residential Hall Class of 2009 was favored with a night of food, friends, fun, and inspiration. It has been a long – standing tradition to honor Richfield Residential Hall graduating seniors and their families with a special Senior Recognition Banquet. This year was exceptional. With a large graduating class, we packed a room at Snow College Richfield for an outstanding meal and program.

Students were privileged to hear an inspirational message from Mr. Kevin Skenandore, Director of the Bureau of Indian Education (and former Director of Richfield Residential Hall). Mr. Skenandore encouraged students to believe in themselves and follow their dreams, and reminded them that this is just the beginning of the journey, and not the end. He also thanked families, RRH staff, and community members for their support of the students of RRH.

RRH Governing Board Members, Denis Tsosie and Bill Cly (both graduates of the RRH program), also shared inspirational messages with students and families. Also in attendance at this wonderful event were all members of the Sevier School District Board of Education, key administrators from Sevier School District, Richfield High School, South Sevier High School, and prominent citizens and supporters from the community. We appreciate all who attended and supported our awesome seniors throughout their educational journey.

We were honored to have our flag ceremony conducted by SSG Glenn Begay (Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran and RRH Alumni) and PFC Trevor Benally (Class of 2009). Senior, Ferallynn Begay sang the National Anthem in Navajo, and Senior, Brittney Jim, said the Pledge of Allegiance in Navajo and then led the group in English. Freshman, Reetika Henry and her little sister, Gabriella did a Shawl Dance, and 2006 Graduate, Michael King played his flute for entertainment, while the guests ate an amazing meal catered by San Rafael Works Dutch Oven Catering.

Special thanks to Mr. Denis Tsosie for attending both graduations to confer hard earned diplomas on each of our graduates. Congratulations, Seniors, and best of luck as you embark on the Journey of Life. May you always Walk in Beauty!