Ganado’s Haven named cross-country All-American

Posted by Oree Foster | Jan 28, 2016 | Track & Field |

FORT DEFIANCE

Navajo Times | File photo
Ganado senior Daangoiina Haven (right) was one of 23 high school student-athletes named to the Dairy Council of America Arizona All-American team in an awards banquet in Queen Creek, Ariz., on Jan. 23. The award is based on both academic and athletic merits.

Ganado’s Daangoiina Haven’s success in cross-country, high grade point average, and service to the community has earned the Lady Hornet senior Dairy Council of Arizona All-American honors.

Haven was one of 23 high school student-athletes, including four girls’ cross-country runners, receiving an All-American plaque at a banquet at American Leadership Academy in Queen Creek, Ariz., last Saturday.

Tot Workman, organizer and chairperson, said the program has been honoring Arizona’s top student-athletes for 29 years.

“This is a great program,” said Workman, a former athletic director at Ganado and Chinle. “This a true All-American program. It is always great to honor student-athletes from the Navajo Nation. They meet the program’s criteria.”

Workman said the criteria includes outstanding performance in their respective sport, high grade point average, providing service to the community and active in other sports, National Honor Society and active in student government.

“The high school student-athletes we honor have become successful in life,” Workman said. “The student-athletes have become productive citizens.”

Haven said receiving the honor is great.

“I will cherish the honor,” Haven said. “I will remember this day. I worked hard throughout my four years in high school on my grades. I studied hard. In cross-country and track, I practiced long hours. I provided community service. I thank everyone who helped me achieve the All-American honor. Without them, I couldn’t have achieved the All-American honor.”