St. Michael Indian School graduates from left to right, Paige Nez,
Gerald Meyers Jr., and Journey Burnside
During Saint Michael Indian School’s 75th high school commencement on May 31,three graduating seniors were awarded scholarships sponsored by Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives. Twenty-four young men and women received their diplomas.
The ceremony featured speeches from Salutatorian Journey Burnside and Co-Valedictorians Kayah Robertson and Joy Vale. Each reflected on their SMIS journey and shared words of gratitude, faith, and hope for the future. Mary Ann Moya, Class of 1970, returned to campus as the commencement speaker, bridging generations of “Cardinal Pride.” Her message resonated with the graduates and guests alike.
Highlight of the ceremony
A highlight of the ceremony was the awarding of tribute scholarships to graduating seniors. These three annual awards, a testament to the legacy and values of the school’s founders, are made possible through the generous support of Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives. The exceptional contributions and achievements of these three outstanding Navajo students, each uniquely embodying the spirit and values of the school, were celebrated.
Jerald Meyers, Jr. received the Saint Katharine Drexel Award ($1,000) for leadership and commitment to the dignity and rights of others. Jerald will attend Northern Arizona University to study health and human services. He served as Vice President of the Student Council and participated in multiple athletic programs.
Paige Nez received the Sister Mary Honora Award ($500) for honoring Navajo culture and contributing creatively to school life. She will attend the University of Arizona. Paige brought leadership, inspiration and school spirit to the campus through her cheerleading and Student Council involvement.
Journey Burnside was awarded the Sister Katharine Barrett Award ($500) for outstanding service and school spirit. She plans to pursue Sociology and pre-law at Fort Lewis College. Journey plans to become a family law attorney serving the Navajo Nation. She was celebrated for her dynamic involvement in student government, athletics, fine arts, and community leadership.
Eve’s Fund President, Barbara Crowell Roy presents scholarship funding to Velma Begay, Principal of St. Michael Indian School. Photo courtesy of St Michael Indian School
At a recent campus visit, where she met with students and presented the funding to Principal Velma Begay, Barbara Crowell Roy, president of Eve’s Fund said: “We are honored to support these remarkable graduates. These scholarships for graduating seniors, recognize students who embody the values of character, culture, and community. We are committed to providing this support for many more years to come, in memory of our beloved daughter, Eve Erin Crowell.”
St Michael Indian School Class of 2025 Photo courtesy of St Michael Indian School
About St 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. The school 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
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. Since then, the organization has developed strong community partnerships and created literacy, injury prevention, and education programs impacting over 69,000 Native children and young adults. Learn more at: EvesFund.org.
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