From L to R: Madison Begay, Sister Katharine Barrett Scholarship Awardee; Cecil Begay, Sister Mary Honora Awardee; Lauralyn Nez, Saint Katharine Drexel Awardee. Photo courtesy of St. Michael Indian School
For the third consecutive year, Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives has sponsored scholarships for three St. Michael Indian School graduating seniors. The students were honored during the school’s 73rd commencement on June 3, held on the school’s campus in St. Michael, Arizona, with Navajo Nation president Dr. Buu Nygren in attendance.
The scholarship awardees
The graduation coincided with the school’s 120th-anniversary celebration, a testament to its enduring commitment to education since its establishment in 1902 by Saint Katharine Drexel. The annual Legacy Awards, which include a college scholarship, funded by Eve’s Fund, were given to graduating seniors Lauralyn Nez, Cecil Begay, and Madison Begay.
Lauralyn Nez received the Saint Katharine Drexel Award, a $1,000 scholarship given to a student who embodies personal dignity and respect for others. Lauralyn plans to pursue pre-medicine studies at Fort Lewis College (Durango, CO) with a potential minor in business accounting.
Cecil Begay received the Sister Mary Honora Award, which includes a $500 scholarship and honors a student for their reverence for the traditions and culture of the Navajo and other peoples within the school community. Cecil plans to attend the University of New Mexico in Gallup to pursue general studies.
Madison Begay received the Sister Katharine Barrett Award, a $500 scholarship recognizing a student’s service and loyalty to the school community. Madison will be a pre-med student at the University of Arizona and aspires to become a gynecologist.
Leadership Speaks
St. Michael Indian School principal, Tazbah Yazzie, accepting check for annual legacy scholarships from Barbara Crowell Roy, Eve’s Fund president in 2022.
St. Michael Principal, Tazbah Yazzie commented, “It’s my great privilege to know each of our graduates and celebrate their academic and personal achievements. We are grateful for the support from individual, corporate, and foundation contributors who partner with us for educational initiatives. We congratulate all the graduates throughout the Navajo Nation; our prayers and blessings go with you in the years ahead.”
President Dr. Buu Nygren addressed the graduates and urged them to continue their pursuit of knowledge and never to stop learning. He spoke about the importance of curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in today’s rapidly changing world, encouraging students to embrace new ideas and perspectives. He encouraged them to never give up on their dreams, no matter how difficult the road may seem. Furthermore, he told them it was okay to fail and to make mistakes, as these were opportunities to learn and grow. Dr. Nygren also advised the graduates to be kind to others and to always treat people with respect and dignity. He reminded them they were all part of a community and responsible for making the world a better place.
“We join the Saint Michael Indian School community and President Nygren in wishing Cecil, Lauralyn, and Madison, and all the 2023 graduates, continued success,” said Barbara Crowell Roy, Eve’s Fund president. She added, “This is the third year we have sponsored these scholarships in support of promising St. Michael School graduates, and we look forward to doing so for many more years to come, in our beloved Eve’s memory. We are extremely grateful to our “Friends of Eve’s Fund” for their generous support of this important educational initiative.”
St. Michael Indian School Class of 2023, accompanied by Dr. Buu Nygren at commencement on June 3, 2023. Photo courtesy of Navajo Nation Office of President and Vice President
About St. Michael Indian School
Saint Michael Indian School (SMIS) was founded in 1902 by Saint Katharine Drexel, foundress of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, to serve Native American communities. Today, SMIS continues its mission to provide students with a quality education rooted in Catholic values, is sensitive to Native heritage, teaches leadership skills, and enables students to contribute to a culturally diverse world. For more information, contact: StMichaelIndianSchool.org.
About Eve’s Fund
Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives is a Navajo Nation based 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes hope and wellness for Native American youth. The late Robert M. Crowell, MD, and Barbara Crowell Roy founded Eve’s Fund in 2005 in memory of their daughter, Eve Erin Crowell. Since then, the organization has developed strong community partnerships and created literacy, injury prevention, and education programs impacting over 62,000 Native children and young adults. For more information, contact: EvesFund.org
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