L to R: Osceola Denny, Katharine Drexel Scholarship, Shayla Meyers, Sister Mary Honora Scholarship, Kasen Lester, Sister Katharine Barrett Scholarship Photo courtesy of St. Michael Indian School
Eve’s Fund has sponsored college scholarships for three St. Michael Indian School graduates, awarded at its high school commencement on Saturday, June 1, on its St. Michaels, Arizona campus. Twenty-six young men and women received their diplomas.
A highlight of the ceremony was the traditional awarding of St. Michael tribute scholarships to three graduating seniors. These three annual awards, a testament to the legacy and values of the school’s founders, were made possible through the generous support of Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives.
The St. Michael School community celebrated exceptional contributions and achievements of these three outstanding Navajo students, each uniquely embodying the spirit and values of the school.
Tribute Scholarship Awardees
Osceola Denny was awarded the Saint Katharine Drexel Award, a $1,000 scholarship, for his unwavering commitment to personal dignity and respect for the rights of others. Osceola is a dedicated student and an avid athlete, participating in basketball, soccer, and track. His passion for history will guide him as he embarks on the next chapter of his educational journey at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.
Shayla Meyers received the Sister Mary Honora Award, a $500 scholarship. This scholarship honors students for their deep reverence of the traditions and culture of the Navajo and other peoples within the community. Shayla is a talented softball player who has shown dedication on and off the field. She is driven to impact the healthcare field positively and plans to study radiology technology at Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque.
Kasen Lester was honored with the Sister Katharine Barrett Award, a $500 scholarship, for his remarkable service and loyalty to the school community. Kasen enjoys playing video games and relaxing with family in his leisure time. His strong Catholic faith inspires him, and he is looking forward to participating in a Catholic pilgrimage in Mexico this summer. Kasen will continue his academic pursuits at Coconino Community College in Flagstaff.
Comments from the Principal
St. Michael Principal Velma Begay expressed her pride in the graduates, stating, “I’ve been blessed to see these graduates blossom, and I am excited for the journeys on which they will embark. Our guest speaker, Brooke Morin, described this class as unique and resilient; I agree because these kids had their lives so impacted by Covid. She continued, “We are grateful for the support from all our Cardinal Community members, including Eve’s Fund, whose financial support of these special scholarship awards reflects the strong foundation of values and education these graduates and all our students receive at St. Michael Indian School.”
Commitment from Eve’s Fund
“We join the Saint Michael Indian School community in wishing Osceola, Shayla, and Kasen, and all the 2024 graduates, continued success,” said Barbara Crowell Roy, Eve’s Fund president. She added, “We have sponsored these scholarships in support of promising St. Michael School graduates for the past four years, and we are committed to doing so for many more years to come in our beloved Eve’s memory. We are grateful to our “Friends of Eve’s Fund” for their generous support of this important educational initiative.”
Class of 2024 St. Michael Indian School graduates accompanied by Navajo Nation president, Dr. Buu Nygren. Photo courtesy of St. Michael Indian School
About Saint Michael Indian School
Saint Michael Indian School 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. Ninety-five percent of all students receive full tuition reimbursement. For more information, contact: StMichaelIndianSchool.org.
About Eve’s Fund
Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives is a community-based non-profit 501(c)(3) 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 memorial website. Since then, the organization has developed strong community partnerships and created literacy, injury prevention, and education programs impacting over 66,000 Native children and young adults. For more information, contact: EvesFund.org.
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