2010 Senior Recognition Banquet
Tribal councilmen, governing board members, community leaders, families and friends converged on the Snow College Richfield Campus on Monday, May 24th to honor the Richfield Residential Hall Class of 2010. Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal, traditional entertainment and inspiring messages from Tribal leaders and students alike.
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!
