Eve’s Fund Scholarship 2019-2020 recipients from left to right, Top Row: Isaac Yazzie, Lance Gilbert Morris, Joshua Begay. Bottom Row: Isaiah Morris, Kenny Sloan, Uriel Benally, Kalani Williams, Natalyn Yazzie, Keona Hosteen, Alana Smith, Sky Harper, Jaden Shirley. (Not shown: Kimberlynnibah Yazzie). Photo courtesy of Navajo Prep.
Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives has awarded $12,000 in scholarships to 13 students attending Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington, New Mexico, through the end of the current academic year. Ten of the students are receiving the scholarship for the first time and three students are continuing from previous years.
Thirteen Exceptional Navajo Prep Students
The awardees are: Sophomore Joshua Begay (White Rock, NM), Freshman Uriel Benally (Upper Fruitland, NM), Senior Keona Hosteen (Standing Rock, NM), Senior Sky Harper (Indian Wells, AZ), Junior Isaiah Morris (Window Rock, AZ), Senior Lance Gilbert Morris (Sheepsprings, NM), Junior Jaden Shirley (Sanostee, NM), Junior Kenny Sloan (Tonalea, AZ), Sophomore Alana Smith (Farmington, NM), Sophomore Kalani Williams (Shiprock, NM), Junior
Isaac Yazzie (Farmington, NM), Sophomore Kimberlynnibah Yazzie (Standing Rock, NM) and Freshman Natalyn Yazzie (Fort Defiance, AZ).
The individual biographies of each student can be found here.
These students were selected based on demonstrated financial need, scholastic potential, and leadership skills. Each recipient’s award covers the school’s required student fees. Since the scholarship program was established in 2011, and thanks to the generosity of its donors, Eve’s Fund has awarded $60,500 to 44 Navajo Prep students, some of whom received the scholarship in each of their four years at the school.
Shawna Becenti, Navajo Preparatory School’s Head of School, commented on the awards: “We are thrilled for the continued support of Eve’s Fund at Navajo Preparatory School. The Eve’s Fund scholarships will benefit thirteen exceptional Navajo Prep students and we are confident that these scholars will continue to take advantage of the opportunities that Navajo Prep provides and become change-makers in their communities.” Becenti added, “The ongoing support of Eve’s Fund has allowed our students to thrive. Ahéhee’ Eve’s Fund for believing in our students and providing support as they strive to graduate from Navajo Prep and pursue higher education.”
History of Eve’s Fund Scholarship
The founders of Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives, Robert Crowell and Barbara Crowell Roy, established the scholarship program in 2011 to honor the memory of their daughter Eve Erin Crowell, and to address the significant educational needs of high school students on the Navajo Nation. Native American youth are the least likely of any demographic group to graduate from high school. Among those who graduate, few go on directly to four-year colleges and among those who do reach college, only a small minority manage to graduate in four years. With support from Eve’s Fund, Navajo Prep helps students beat the odds and prepares them for success in college.
Eve Erin Crowell’s Legacy
February 24, 2020 marks the fifteen anniversary of the passing of Eve Erin Crowell and the tenth anniversary of the scholarship program established in her memory. Marking this anniversary, Eve’s Fund president, Barbara Crowell Roy, shared: “We remember Eve’s passion for education and her desire to lead through service to others. The talented students of Navajo Prep, with their motto of ‘Yideeską́ą́góó Naat’áanii” – Leaders Now and Into the Future,’ are truly living out Eve’s legacy and we wish them much continued success.”
For more information about the Eve’s Fund Scholarship Program at Navajo Prep, visit the schools website at: https://navajoprep.com/admission/scholarships/
About Eve’s Fund
Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that promotes hope and wellness for Native American youth. Robert M. Crowell, MD and Barbara Crowell Roy founded Eve’s Fund in 2005 in memory of their daughter, Eve Erin Crowell. Since that time, the organization has developed strong community partnerships and created literacy, injury prevention and education programs impacting almost 60,000 Native children and young adults. For more information, go to https://www.evecrowellsfund.org.
About Navajo Preparatory School
Founded in 1991 and located in Farmington, New Mexico, Navajo Preparatory School is the only Navajo-sanctioned, college-preparatory high school for Native Americans. The school recruits some of the best and brightest students of the Navajo Nation and provides them a rigorous academic program based on a strong foundation of Navajo Philosophy, supported by a residential environment that enhances individuality and independence.
The International Baccalaureate Programme is an integral part of Navajo Preparatory School. The purpose of the program is to provide to students with an academically challenging high school education, which meets worldwide standards and criteria and is sanctioned by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).
Armed with this impressive, balanced education, students graduate with the skills to succeed in college and an understanding of the world around them. Many will become leaders of their people and role models for future generations.
For more information about the Navajo Preparatory School, visit the school’s website: https://navajoprep.com/
