Members of the 25th Navajo Nation Council joined families, educators and community leaders on July 31 in celebrating 183 Navajo students who were awarded the Chief Manuelito Scholarship through the Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship and Financial Assistance Program.
Of those 183 students, a total 42 students from San Juan County were recipients of the scholarship.
Council Delegate and Health, Education and Human Services Committee Chair Vince James delivered the invocation, while HEHSC member Council Delegate Andy Nez spoke to students about maintaining their scholarships and remaining committed to their academic goals.
Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley congratulated the recipients and encouraged them to remain grounded in their values, nurture meaningful relationships, and approach their academic and professional journeys with integrity and humility.
“I couldn’t have been a successful leader without my colleagues of the 25th Navajo Nation Council,” Curley said. “Be careful not to burn bridges. Success often comes with partnership and networking.”
Curley said students discovering their true path is part of the educational journey, emphasizing that changing majors should not be viewed as failure, but as an opportunity to align their education with their passions and long term goals.
“We must build a brighter future for the Navajo Nation, and we need your help. We need your ideas and solutions because there are emerging challenges we must address, including artificial intelligence, data sovereignty, water security and climate resiliency,” she said. “We need engineers to help address land issues and advance responsible energy development. You are part of the solution, and we believe in you.”
Arizona Sen. Theresa Hatathlie encouraged students to draw strength from the teachings of their families and elders as they pursue their goals and prepare to serve the Navajo Nation as future leaders.
“When you introduce yourself, it’s an affirmation that gives you strength. When you introduce your clans, your family and where you’re from, you establish relationships,” she said. “You’re not up here by yourself. You’re representing your family.”
Nez reminded students that earning the Chief Manuelito Scholarship is only the beginning of their educational pursuit.
Nez said students should remain proactive by monitoring scholarship requirements, maintaining communication with the Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship and Financial Assistance, and using extracurricular activities to stay disciplined.
“It is your responsibility to reapply every year. Stay in good academic standing. Report any changes to your application. Review your award letter,” he said. “You’re taking control of your future. What is ingrained in you is the ability to speak, to do your best, and to help – and you are all capable of doing that.”
In a statement, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said the scholarships recognize exceptional academic achievement while maintaining a strong connection to the Diné language, culture and values.
“As these scholars begin the next chapter of their educational journeys, they carry with them the responsibility of strengthening both their communities and the Navajo Nation,” Nygren said. “Whether they pursue careers in medicine, education, engineering, business, law, public service or other professions, they represent a generation equipped to create lasting change while honoring the values and traditions that define the Diné people.”