Eve’s Fund awards scholarships to 20 Navajo Prep Students

 

Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives has awarded scholarships to 20 Navajo students attending Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington, New Mexico, for the current academic year. Eight students are first-time recipients, and twelve are continuing scholars. Selected for financial need, academic promise, and leadership, each scholarship covers Navajo Prep’s required school fees, approximately $1,000 per student.

This year’s awards mark a significant milestone: the 20th anniversary of Eve’s Fund and the largest number of scholarships awarded in the program’s history. Since the scholarship program launched in 2011, Eve’s Fund has awarded $152,500 to 93 students, many of whom have received support throughout all four years at Navajo Prep. This year’s expanded cohort was made possible by the generosity of donors, with special recognition of the Andrew Delaney Foundation.

Head of School Shawna Allison Becenti shared, “We are deeply thankful to Eve’s Fund for their ongoing support of Navajo Prep and our students. Now in the 15th year of our partnership, this support reflects a shared commitment to empowering our Indigenous students and removing barriers to opportunity. Eve’s Fund’s generosity strengthens not only individual scholars, but the mission of Navajo Prep—”Yideeską́ą́góó Naat’áanii, Leaders Now and Into the Future.”

Celebrating 20 years of impact

Eve’s Fund was established in memory of Eve Erin Crowell, who passed away in 2005. Her parents, Dr. Robert Crowell and Barbara Crowell Roy, created the scholarship program to honor her legacy and help high-achieving Navajo students—many from rural communities—overcome financial barriers to education.

Barbara Crowell Roy, President of Eve’s Fund, reflected on the milestone, “As we conclude our 20th year, we are proud to award the highest number of scholarships in our history. Thanks to our generous donors, especially the Andrew Delaney Foundation, we are building an endowment to ensure the Eve’s Fund Scholarship for Navajo Prep students continues for generations to come.”

Supporting the Future of Native Leaders

Eve’s Fund remains committed to supporting the success of young people, future leaders of their communities. With financial assistance, approximately 90% of Navajo Prep students graduate, and more than 90% go on to attend a four-year college or serve in the military.

To learn more about the scholarship program or to support future scholars, visit EvesFund.org.

Meet the 2025-2026 Scholars

Together, these 20 students represent determination, resilience, and promise. Each scholar brings a unique story, strong leadership potential, and a commitment to their community. Congratulations to these amazing young students!

Keira Antonio, Senior
Yá’átééh Shí ‘éí Keira Antonio yinishyé. Hello, my name is Keira Antonio. I am the Towering House People and born for the Salt People clan. I come from the small community of Pueblo Pintado, New Mexico, located between Cuba and Crownpoint. I am very proud of myself for coming this far, and so proud of my achievements over the last three years at Navajo Prep. My education will make a positive impact on my community, and I can be an inspiration to younger children and my peers. Thank you so much, Eve’s Fund, for continuing to help me with my educational journey at Navajo Prep.

Dayvonna Chee, Sophomore
In the Navajo culture, we all have four clans that represent ourselves, our family, and our family relations. My four clans are áshįihí (Saltclan), Tó adheedlíínii (The Water Flow Together clan), Hooghan łaní (Many Hogans clan) and Tsé nahabiłnii (Sleep Rock People clan). I’m from Sanostee, New Mexico, where my mom’s side of the family is from. Most of my grandmas live close by, and we’re related to many people in our community. Growing up, I’ve always felt supported and encouraged by my relatives. They taught me the importance of caring for each other and staying connected as a family. Even though they spoke to me in Navajo, I haven’t learned the language yet, but I hope to someday. My most important goal is to use my education to create a better future for myself and to give back to my family and community. I want to show everyone that I picked up good values from my family and that I’m committed to making a positive difference. I’m thankful for Eve’s Fund and the scholarship that helps me attend Navajo Prep. Their support means a lot to me and motivates me to keep working hard in school. I want my success to show how much Eve’s Fund has helped my family and me. Thank you for believing in me and helping me reach my goals.

Kameron Dale, Senior
Greetings, my name is Kameron Dale, and my mother’s clan is “Sleeping Rock People”; my father’s clan is “Black Sheep People”. My maternal grandfather is “Red Running into Water,” and my paternal grandfather is “Meadow People.”  I am from Crownpoint, New Mexico, but I live in Tohatchi, New Mexico. Both communities are very small. I live in a loving, caring community where everyone helps one another. I do wish to continue my academics and take my education to the next level. I plan to major in biology, earn my BA/MD at the University of New Mexico, and pursue a career in nursing. I want to give back to both of my communities, and each has a health facility. I want to become a role model for others, showing that if you keep believing in yourself at a young age and have a passion for caring for others, you can achieve your goal of giving back. I am thankful for the Eve’s Fund Scholarship, which helps me financially, enabling me to attend Navajo Prep, and will help me accomplish my future goals.

Ryan Dona, Sophomore
My name is Ryan Dona. My clans are the Folded Arms People, the Salt People, the Red Water, and Black Mountain Apache clan. I am from Shiprock, New Mexico, and live near a hogback, a long, narrow series of hills. Shiprock is a small town in the Four Corners area. It’s very dry and desolate and filled with drug addiction and other social problems. I plan to continue my education and build a stronger future for myself. I wish to come back to Shiprock and help create a stronger community, so Navajos aren’t stereotyped as abusers and drug users. Addressing these problems will help people obtain better opportunities at school and achieve their goals. I want to thank Eve’s Fund Scholarship because it helps my family out a lot. This was an amazing opportunity to give my family and me some financial relief.

Aiyana Etcitty, Freshman
Hello, my name is Aiyana Etcitty. I am Black Streaked Wood People, born for Edge of Water. My maternal grandfather is Bitter Water, and my paternal grandfather is Red Running into the Water. I am from the small but growing town of Kirtland, New Mexico, home to a primarily Native population. In Navajo, Kirtland is called Daga’łigai, which roughly translates to “white beard.” It was said to be called this because in the late 1800s, the Navajo people recognized the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) who founded Kirtland by their white beards. My community is well known for its sports, especially basketball. Although I do not play basketball, I participated in volleyball and softball. As I continue my education at Navajo Prep, I hope to use every opportunity to grow, not just academically but personally and culturally. I believe my education will help me build a stronger future for myself and enable me to return to help my community through leadership, service, and becoming a role model for younger students. I want to make a positive impact and show that hard work really does pay off. I also want to express my gratitude to Eve’s Fund for providing me with the scholarship. Their support made it possible for me to attend Navajo prep and pursue my goals. Thank you.

Kiara Jim, Junior
Ya’at’eeh, Hello, I’m Kiara Jim.  I am born for Red Running Into Water Clan and born from Bitter Water Clan. My paternal grandfather was Tangle Clan, and my maternal grandfather was Coyote Pass Clan. I am from Shiprock, New Mexico, a small town known for its peculiar rock and its annual parade and fair, where family are close and everywhere you go there is always someone who knows your family or you. How my education will impact my life is being able to get a good, well-paying job so I can help my family financially and pay for my little siblings’ education. My education will help me be a role model for my community by making them proud of what I’ve accomplished and showing the younger generation that if you work hard, you can go far. Thank you, Eve’s Fund, for my scholarship to attend Navajo Prep. I am forever thankful for your help with my education.

Kaleb Jones, Junior
Hello, My name is Kaleb Jones. I am a Junior at Navajo Preparatory School. I want to thank you for choosing and awarding me the Eve’s Fund Scholarship. This is the second time I have received the Eve’s Fund scholarship. My family and I extend our gratitude for awarding me this scholarship for a second time. My clans are the Many Goats clan, and I am born for the Salt-Water Clan. Salt People Clan is my maternal grandfather’s clan, and White Mountain Apache-Start of the Red Streak People is my paternal grandfather’s clan. I was raised in both Arizona and New Mexico. The community I come from has high rates of students who are unable to attend college or seek opportunities beyond the Four Corners region. Obtaining a good education will allow me to break out of that cycle and attend college or seize opportunities that few people enjoy. Thank you to Eve’s Fund again for granting me this scholarship. The positive impact this has is tremendous.

Nevaeh Lewis, Senior
Hello, my name is Nevaeh Lewis, and I am Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House), with my Cheii being Hashtł’ishnii (Mud Clan). I am from Torreon, New Mexico. As the oldest of three siblings, I strive to be a positive role model and show them the opportunities that places like Navajo Prep can offer. I want them to see that with high expectations, discipline, and hard work, anything is possible. I applied for this scholarship because I believe Navajo Prep will strongly support my educational journey and help me grow into someone who can bring positive change to my community. In my hometown, many people do not fully see the importance of education, and good job opportunities are limited. I want to be among the first to change that by setting an example, pursuing higher education, and building a successful career I can use to give back. My goal is to attend college, earn a degree, and return to help my community, especially our elders who often lack resources and support. I believe education is one of the most valuable tools we have. It builds discipline, opens doors, and allows us to reach our goals. Without it, achieving stability in areas such as career, family, and housing becomes much harder. I am grateful to Eve’s Fund for providing this scholarship and giving me the opportunity to study at Navajo Prep. Thank you!

Brooke Martin, Senior
Yá’át’ééh shí éi Brooke Martin yinishyé. Tsi’naajiní nishłį, Ashįįhí báshíchíín, Tódích’íi’nii dashícheii dóó kinyaa’áanii dashináĺi. Hello, my name is Brooke Martin. I am Black Streak Forest People and Born for Salt clan. My paternal grandparent is the Towering House Clan, and my maternal grandparent is the Bitter Water clan. I live in a rural area, Mulholland Well, which is about 15 miles from Crownpoint, New Mexico. My community is very small, and almost everyone knows each other. Knowing my grandparents, when they run into neighbors, eventually, the talk of their grandchildren comes up and how they’re doing at school. I know that when my grandparents get to talking about their grandchildren’s education, they realize how proud they are of us. The importance of higher education has been stressed to each of us in my family. We believe education does matter. With my education from Navajo Preparatory School and college, I want to be a role model my community sees, especially the youth. I want to be an example for my community to show that someone from a small community can succeed at a challenging college high school or college, in or outside the Navajo Nation, and that education will pay off and allow us to return home and help our community. The Eve’s Fund scholarship will benefit my family, myself, and I will be able to give back to my community. As a four-year recipient of the Eve’s Fund scholarship, I wanted to express my gratitude because this scholarship benefits my future in many ways that I can’t express.

Adrianna Martinez-Pablo, Junior
My name is Adrianna Martinez. I am Towering House Clan, and of the Near the Water Clan. My maternal Grandfather is Sleep Rock People Clan, and my paternal grandfather is Mud Clan. I am proud to introduce my clans because they represent where I come from and the culture that continues to shape me. I’m from Albuquerque, a place that has shaped me with its values and encouragement to take chances and grow. Growing up there, I’ve learned the importance of supporting others, staying connected to my roots, and committing myself to reaching my goals. At Navajo Preparatory School, I hope to use my education to create positive change for myself and for my community. I am interested in biochemical engineering, and I want to use this career path to help Native communities through science, research, and health-related innovations. My goal is to one day come back home and apply what I’ve learned to improve health, safety, and opportunities for future generations. I want to thank Eve’s Fund for awarding me this scholarship. Your support truly means a lot to me. It motivates me to stay focused, work hard, and continue moving toward my goals with confidence and purpose.

Madilynn Mora, Senior
My name is Madilynn Mora, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to receive the Eve’s Fund Scholarship.  My maternal clan is the Big Water Clan, and my paternal clan is the Mexican Clan. My maternal grandfather’s clan is the Mexican Clan, and my paternal grandfather’s is the One Who Walks Around Clan. Throughout my high school years, I have worked hard to balance academics, extracurricular involvement, and community service, all while planning for a future where I can make a meaningful impact. As I prepare for graduation, I am excited to pursue a nursing career in radiology, a path inspired by my desire to help others and to represent my community with pride. I have learned the importance of resilience, responsibility, and giving back. These are values I hope to carry with me into college and beyond. Thank you for taking the time to review my application and for supporting students like me. This scholarship means more than financial help; it represents encouragement, opportunity, and the belief that our goals matter.

Collin Naseyowma, Junior 
Ya’at’eeh (Hello), shí éí Collin Kato Naseyowma yinishyé. I am Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House people), Born for the Hashł’ishnii (Mud Clan people), my maternal grandfather is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streaked Wood People), and my paternal grandfather’s clan is Kiis’áanii (Hopi People). I am from Rabbitbrush, New Mexico, located between Fort Defiance, Arizona, and Navajo, New Mexico, along the Route 12 highway. Though not marked on any map, this small community is the place I call home and where I was raised by my mother, Kendida Begay, and her family. I believe my education here at Navajo Preparatory School will help guide me on my educational path with the support of the scholarship awarded by Eve’s Fund. My academic goal is to get into college to study Civil and Mechanical Engineering. In addition, my goal is to grow in my career and one day make a positive impact on my community while staying connected and involved. I am very grateful and honored to have been awarded this scholarship from Eve’s Fund. I wish to express my sincere gratitude for this remarkable opportunity.

Traerell Nez, Sophomore
Hello, my name is Traerell Nez, and I am a student at Navajo Preparatory School. I first want to give my thanks for being a recipient of the Eve Scholarship Fund, and as a second-time recipient. It’s a huge help for my family and me. My clans are Two Waters that Flows Together, and I am born for the Red House clan. My grandfather is the Zuni clan, and I am born for Big Water. As of right now, I reside in Shiprock, New Mexico. It’s a small, local community where everyone knows each other. The community has problems, such as drug use, homelessness, and addiction. I am lucky to have avoided all of it because I have such great parents, whom I am very grateful to have in my life. I hope that with my education at Navajo Prep, I can one day return to my community by doing something helpful, such as funding the construction of a homeless shelter or building another school. It is a dream of mine to become a wildlife photographer, and I hope I can teach kids about photography. I hope I can teach kids to use their creativity in ways that benefit them and their entire family, and I hope I can be an inspiration to people in my family and to other kids in Shiprock. Lastly, I want to say thank you again to the Eve’s Fund for selecting me to be a scholarship recipient, and it truly means a lot.

Nataya Platero, Senior
Yá’át’ééh, Hello, my name is Nataya Platero. My clans are Haltsooí nishłi (the Meadow People). Nihoobáanii bashishchíín (born for Grey Streaks End). Tódích’íi’nii dashinalí (Bitter water). I don’t know my maternal grandfather’s clan at all. I am from Ramah, New Mexico, but reside in the small community of Nageezi, New Mexico. I hope continuing my education will positively impact my life and my community. I want to become a veterinarian because not many people can afford to go to the vet. I see random animals and pets out on the road as well. Seeing this problem in my community, I aim to help people and animals in the future through my education. Education will enable me to expand my knowledge and help me support my community and the surrounding areas in the future. Thank you, Eve’s Fund, for this scholarship, which has allowed me to attend Navajo Prep and helped my family and me pay the student fee without having to worry. It is a big help. Thank you!

Luke Smith, Junior
My name is Luke Smith, I am Mescalero Apache, I am born for Tsinaajini, I am Manygoats clan and Todichinii. I am from Crownpoint, New Mexico, and we are a small community with one store, one gas station, and one community college. I hope my education here at Navajo Prep will impact my life in the future by giving me more knowledge to prepare me to enter the engineering field. This will also make me a more attractive candidate for my colleges of choice. My Navajo Prep education can also help me teach my siblings the basics they need to know about life. My education at Navajo Prep can help prepare me to someday open my own business, giving many people in my community new opportunities. I thank the Eve Fund for selecting me for this scholarship to attend Navajo Prep.

RaeLee Smith, Freshman
Hello, my name is RaeLee Smith. My mother’s clan is the Mescalero Apache, Black Streaked Wood People are my father’s clan, Many Goats People are my maternal grandfather’s clan, and Bitter Water People is my paternal grandfather’s clan. My family and I reside in Standing Rock, New Mexico, but my mother and maternal grandmother come from Chinle, Arizona. With this scholarship, I will be able to get a fine education, which will help me succeed in the future. This scholarship will also be very helpful to my family and enable me to go further in life than I could ever hope for. Thank you again, Eve’s Funds, for allowing me to receive this scholarship and for helping other Navajo Prep students, too.  I am grateful for your faith in me, which I will put to good use.

Isaiah Tabaha, Freshman
Yá’át’ééh, Shí éí Isaiah Tabaha yinishyé. I am Táchii’nii born for the Ma’ii Deeshgiizhinii. My maternal grandfather’s clan is Tótsohnii, and my paternal grandfather’s clan is Tsin Sikaadnii. My mother is originally from Kayenta, Arizona, and my father is from Klagetoh, New Mexico. I am originally from Kayenta, Arizona, but raised in Kirtland, New Mexico. Education has always been an important part of my life.  I have the mindset that having a good education and being in the company of good role models is necessary to determine how you want your future to turn out. I am driven to make a positive impact on my community. With the support I have, not only from my family but also through this scholarship, I hope to continue to excel academically while also lessening the financial burden on my family’s shoulders and growing into someone who can give back to my community. Thank you Eve’s Fund for the opportunity to explore my education and for believing in my future.

Jazlyn Tan, Freshman
Yáʼátʼééh, shí éí Jazlyn Tan yinishyé. My clans are Tódíchʼííʼnii nishłį́  (Bitter Water), Táchiinii báshíshchíín (Red Running Into the Water), Áshįįh dóó dashicheii (Salt People), and Tó Dínéeshzheeʼ dashinálí (Tangle Clan). I am from Farmington, New Mexico, but I mainly grew up in Upper Fruitland. I enjoy making art because it allows me to express my creativity. I am an only child, and I have a dog named Daisy and a cat named Kitty. During my free time, I enjoy visiting my grandma because my cousins live nearby, and we like to play on the Nintendo Switch together, especially Super Mario Brothers. I also enjoy cooking because everyone likes what I make.  Receiving the Eve’s Fund Scholarship reminds me of where I come from and allows me to rise to a higher level of achievement with my education. In the future, I want to become a marine biologist. To do this, I know I need to focus on learning more about ocean ecosystems and marine life. I have been thinking about attending college in New York, and now I feel like my education at Navajo Prep is helping me move closer to that possibility. Thank you to Eve’s Fund and its donors for supporting my education. Receiving this award makes me feel proud and accomplished.

Talon Wilson,
My name is Talon Kyler Wilson. I am 14 years old and a member of the Navajo Prep Class of 2029. I am of the Red Goats clan; I am born for Red Running into the Water clan; my maternal grandfathers are the Sleeping Rock People clan; my paternal grandfathers are the Water Flows Together clan. I was born and raised in Shiprock, New Mexico. The Shiprock community has a rich, personal, and sacred connection to the Navajo teachings, culture, and traditions. The history and culture of my people are celebrated day by day within the vibrant community that is Shiprock. I hope that the education I receive at Navajo Preparatory School will better my life through superior employment opportunities, foundational academic skills, and a deeper understanding of the world. But not only do I hope to better my life with this opportunity, but also my community. Shiprock is not perfect, with a higher-than-average poverty rate, housing shortages, and health issues. My education could be the turning point in my community, bringing salvation and resolving these significant issues. Finally, I would like to thank Eve’s Fund for this extraordinary opportunity. The importance of the younger generation’s education is not just major, but a crucial influence on the future of the world. To contribute by paying off student scholarships is not just helping within the community but ensuring the best future for our generation.

Kokoro Yazzie, Junior
My name is Kokoro Yazzie. I am Bitter Water and born for Water Flows Together. My maternal grandfather is One Who Walks Around and my paternal grandfather is Tangle. I am from Tséłaní-Cottonwood community in the Central Agency of the Navajo Nation, a place committed to improving residents’ quality of life through resource management, education, employment, family support, and self-sufficiency. Although not everyone in the community is involved, some youth actively try to help through our local chapter house. I hope my education at Navajo Prep will significantly impact my life, community, and further education. Growing up, my grandma always had something new for me to learn each time I came to her house. This inspired my love for education at a young age. To my family, education is very valuable. I would hear, “Learn something new,” “Do well in school,” “Get your education; it will help you further down the road,” as I transitioned from elementary to middle, and now to high school. This is why obtaining my education at an International Baccalaureate institution is so important to me. Attending Navajo Prep has allowed me to gain skills and cultural knowledge that I would have not learned at my local high school. I know that my studies at Navajo Prep have prepared me to be a stronger applicant for selective colleges and have reinforced my belief that well-educated individuals are more likely to become community leaders and advocates. I am so grateful to Eve’s fund for supporting Native students’ education and making it possible for us to continue attending Navajo Prep.

Congratulations to these 2025-2026
Eve’s Fund Scholarship Navajo Prep Awardees
Warm thanks to our generous Eve’s Fund donors for your past support of this initiative and bringing hope and opportunities to
these wonderful young people.

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