Tseyigai graduates 18 seniors

By Quentin Jodie
For the Independent

TSEYIGAI — The graduating Class of 2007 at Ts Y Gai High School expressed just about every emotion in Saturday afternoon's commencement exercise.

In this out-of-the-way high school on the eastern edge of the Navajo reservation, 18 seniors walked down the decorated aisle that had an overflow of turquoise and black streamers attached with balloons to receive their well-deserved diplomas.

Guest speaker Mark Holyan who earned his jurist doctorate at UNM two weeks ago, commended the community for their initiative to the evolvement of this high school that essentially allowed their children to receive a quality education nearby, instead of someplace far away.

"This is a big deal for you young people graduating here," he said. "You guys are literally making history as the third graduating class and you're the pioneers of this experiment."

"You have to give thanks to a supportive and caring community that gave you this opportunity to develop your potential," he added. "You are the future resources of tomorrow."

Principal Christopher Spade told the graduates to cherish the last three years and reminded them of the choices they make as they search for their identity.

"I've enjoyed working with you in the classroom and my office," he said. "And a few of you, more often, but that's all history."

"We set the foundation for your lives and today you have to make the commitment to not lose sight of your goals," he said. "But remember the choices you make has a consequence good or bad and its your choice to keep yourself in the right path."

Valedictorian Leona Thompson who was awarded the Michael Phillips Memorial Scholarship, addressed her speech in Din and got a rousing applause in the half-filled gymnasium.

In her emotional speech, Thompson thanked her family, friends, teachers and community for their support when she tragically lost her mother a couple of years ago.

"We have to move on," she said with her speech loosely translated in English. "We have to move foward and seek what we want to do in our lives even though we are bound to make some mistakes."

"If we decide to move away from our parents always remember to take care of yourselves and help one another."

Salutatorian Dezmaraye Charley asked her fellow graduates to challenge themselves as they enter their next stage of life.

"The memories we leave her at Ts Y Gai will always be remembered," she said. "As we all leave here with a smile or a tear on our face, I challenge you to to have the courage to redefine success and find out what it means to you."