Letters | Attaching value to productivity

Attaching value to productivity

Editor,
We are the parents of LT and Mercedes Tsinijinnie of Ganado, Arizona. We would like to share our children’s accomplishments of completing a whole year of perfect attendance with Ganado Unified School District. This year our son, LT, will be graduating and completing with 13 years of perfect attendance. Our daughter, Mercedes, will be completing this year with 8 years of perfect attendance from 7th grade. Overall, we have five children and all together, we have completed 60 years of perfect attendance. Our three older sons have also completed their education with 13 years each.

There is not a lot of recognition for our Navajo children, so we are reaching out to you to show you that our children have goals that they have met, and they have been using it in the real world. Today, our 3 older boys are doing great with their careers and attendance has never been an issue to them, as they have moved up in their career ladders. Lincoln, our oldest, who just recently passed away, graduated from Chinle High School and at a young age of 33 had his own licensed business, “Lincoln Heating and Cooling” here on the Navajo Reservations and the state of Arizona. Levi, 2nd oldest, graduated from Ganado High School is the only Navajo who is a manager to Home Depot in Flagstaff, AZ. Logan, 3rd oldest, graduated from Holbrook High School is in the Army as a helicopter mechanic at Fort Lewis, Washington. LT, 4th oldest, is graduating from Ganado High School in May 2024 is a leader to his Native Club and has brought many awards and recognition to the school. Mercedes, youngest daughter, is promoting from 7th grade from Ganado Middle School who is a runner in cross-country and track/field.

LT and Mercedes have met Ganado Unified School District’s high expectations for our children’s learning. We know that we also have many hopes and dreams for our children’s success in school and beyond. To make sure those hopes and dreams are realized, we have made a commitment of making sure our children attended school every day for all 13 years, kindergarten to 12th grade.

The evidence is clear: children with good attendance are more likely to be successful in school. High attendance rates are linked to high student achievement. This is true for every grade – elementary, middle, and high school students.

Thank you for supporting our children’s school success and well-being, as well as our district. We will be looking forward for your recognition or our children. Call us if you have any questions.

Joyce and Earl Tsinijinnie
Ganado, Ariz.

Upcoming activities at Museum of Northern Arizona

Editor,
Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy a vibrant array of activities we have lined up over the coming weeks. I’ll share some highlights.

International Museum Day is May 18 and we’re offering free admission all day long. It’s an ideal chance to enjoy the museum exhibits and some special events alongside your friends and family – absolutely free of charge.

Get ready for the unveiling of a captivating new exhibit, The Grand Canyon Dragon Map. I had the opportunity to see this extraordinary geology map during a rafting trip on the Colorado River in 2022. It immediately drew me in with its intricate details, colors, and design. This exhibit delves into the creation of the map in the 1970s, its applications today, and the stunning geology it depicts. Whether you’re a geology buff, an admirer of the Grand Canyon, or someone who appreciates exquisite maps, this exhibit promises to be an engaging experience.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Heritage Festival June 22-23. A highlight of our cultural calendar, the two-day festival features an extensive Indigenous art market showcasing artists from the Colorado Plateau, colorful music and dance performances, enriching workshops, and insightful cultural talks. Stay tuned to our social media channels for more details.

We’re excited to offer these experiences as a way to connect more deeply with the art, culture, and science of the Colorado Plateau. Whether you’re revisiting or discovering the museum for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you.

Mary Kershaw, executive director and CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona
Flagstaff

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