TC honor society inducts 15 new members
By Anne Griffis
Special to the Times
TUBA CITY, May 10, 2012
(Special to the Times - Ann Griffis)
TOP: New members of the Tuba City High honor society include, left to right, Patricia Malazarte, Idrian Mollaneda, Generic Pesodas and Rizalito Aquipo Jr.
SECOND FROM TOP: At the National Honor Society induction ceremony are, left to right, Generic Pesodas, Rebeka Peshlakai, Melanie Nez, Alexander Nez, Idrian Mollaneda, Patricia Malazarte and Brianna Loughran.
BOTTOM: At Tuba City High's honor society induction ceremony are, left to right, Isaac Manrique, Patricia Malazarte, Brianna Loughran, Wesley Loughran, Tyler Johnson, Allen Joe, Pearl Gore, Micah Bahe and Rizalito Aquipo Jr.
F ifteen students were inducted into the Tuba City High School chapter of the National Honor Society during a ceremony and potluck held at the Warrior Pavilion on May 4.
Students were selected for membership by their teachers based on the criteria of leadership, service, character and scholarship as measured by a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher.
Keynote speaker Carol Holgate, a doctor of veterinary medicine, who graduated from Tuba City High in 1988, said, "I was born and raised here. My story is like yours. Use the gifts you have been given to get where you want to go.
"My biggest challenge in college was to get to classes," said Holgate, who earned her undergraduate degree from Northern Arizona University.
She advised students never to give in to pressure, self-doubt, or laziness.
After NAU, Holgate entered the school of veterinary medicine at Colorado State University in Denver. She didn't see any Navajos in her new surroundings and felt so homesick she wanted to quit the program the first week.
"There are men hanging out Basha's. I thought if I could take some of those guys to Colorado, it would make me feel more at home," joked Holgate.
Following Holgate's speech, four current members of the honor society spoke on leadership, character, service, and scholarship, each lighting a candle to symbolize the four qualities.
Emerald Byakeddy, a junior, defined leadership as doing something that requires initiative with the hope that others will follow.
Isabella Robbins, a junior, said that character is knowing what is right and what is wrong, and doing what is right. It is standing up for what is right.
On the quality of service, Matthew Wheeler, a senior, noted that honor society members are required to fulfill 20 hours of community service each semester.
Wheeler said that students benefit from the experience by becoming acquainted with the community and by having experiences and memories to look back on years later. He offered his time and talents to the Boys and Girls Club, where he enjoyed "the weird, crazy things kids do."
Ryan Moran, a junior, congratulated inductees on working hard to earn good grades, adding that scholarship is more than straight A's, it's wanting to learn, loving to learn.
"Scholarship will take you places in life," said Moran.
He quoted Nelson Mandela: "A good head and a good heart are always a strong combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special."
The new honor society members are Rizalto Aquipo Jr. (junior), Micah Bahe (sophomore), Pearl Gore (sophomore), Allen Joe (sophomore), Tyler Johnson (sophomore), Brianna Loughran (sophomore), Wesley Loughran (sophomore), Patricia Malazarte (sophomore), Isaac Manrique (sophomore), Idrian Mollaneda (sophomore), Alexander Nez (sophomore), Melanie Nez (sophomore), Rebeka Peshlakai (sophomore), Generie Pesodas (junior), and Gary Tewangoitewa (junior).
Angeleeta Greyeyes, president of the honor society, led the inductees in a pledge to uphold the high purpose of the honor society, be true to its principles, be loyal to the school, and maintain high standards of leadership, character, service, and scholarship.
Honor society sponsors Karin Jones and Phil Giorsetti, from the English department, recognized graduating honor society members.
The following reports were submitted by graduating seniors.
Kaitlyn Benally is Red Running into the Water, born for Tobacco People. Her parents are Jones and Marceda Benally.
She aspires to a career in the medical field, and hopes to earn a doctorate degree. Her inspiration is her family. She will be attending Northern Arizona University.
She has received the Arizona regents scholarship and has qualified for the Chief Manuelito Scholarship.
Angeleeta Greyeyes is Tangle Clan, born for Bitter Water Clan. Her parents are Anjanette Yazzie and Dickie Greyeyes.
She plans to attend Northern Arizona University and graduate with a degree in nursing. A long-term ambition is to become a pediatrician.
Angeleeta is thankful for her mother, who is always there to support her in achieving her dreams.
Kami Shalane Jones is Salt Clan, born for Mexican People Clan. Her parents are Leberta Henderson and Ty Jones.
Her goal is to train and help animals on the Navajo Nation. Her sources of inspiration are her horses and a goat who are always happy to see her even after she has stepped away for five minutes.
She quotes George Eliot: "Animals are such an agreeable friend. They ask no question, they pass no criticism."
Katherin King is Navajo and Apache. Her parents are William and Doris King.
She plans to attend Coconino Community College to study nursing. She is a member of the U.S. Achievement Academy.
Jamie Roe's ancestry includes Irish, Scottish, German, Cherokee, and Blackfoot Sioux. Her parents are James and Sandra Roe.
She will be playing basketball on a full-ride scholarship at Central Arizona College and plans to study pre-pharmacy.
Jamie's inspiration is her grandmother who, despite difficulties in her life, is still going strong.
Garrison Walters is Tangled Water Clan, born for the Road Gap clan. His parents are Gary Walters and Louise Stile.
He will be attending Northern Arizona University and plans to become a mechanical engineer.
Matthew Wheeler is Kiyaa'aanii bilagaana, Ta' neez' aanii bilagaana. His parents are Marie and John Wheeler.
Matthew has won the Gates Millennium Scholarship, and will attend Dartmouth College. He plans to earn an engineering degree.
Hilynn Wilson is Mexican People, born for Bitter Water Clan. Her parents are Lillie and Wilson O. Wilson Sr.
Her goals are to attend either Gateway or Coconino Community College to pursue an associates degree in nursing.
Dugan Leo Begay, who is in the top 10 of the class of 2012, was unable to attend the ceremony because he was recovering from surgery. His aunt, who asked for everyone's prayers, accepted an award on his behalf.
Each student was given a yellow rose to present to parents. The ceremony concluded with the cutting of a cake decorated in blue and white with the honor society logo.