Projects |
2010 Educational Scholarship
Recipient: Garrett Yazzie
Fundraising Goal: $4,000 by February 22, 2010
From the Navajo foundations of a matriarchial society, the Miss Navajo Council, Inc. (MNCI) has embraced our grandmothers’ teachings of preserving the Navajo language, culture, and traditions and providing support and encouragement for the educational goals of our young people. As part of the educational scholarship program, MNCI funds educational programs for aspiring young Navajos including an annual workshop and a scholarship. This year, MNCI selected Garrett Yazzie to receive the MNCI educational scholarship because of his outstanding academic record, his commitment to family, his pride and preservation of his Navajo language and culture, and his immediate financial need to pay for 2009-10 tuition fees. MNCI also learned that Garrett’s mother, Georgia Yazzie, is having health issues and will be undergoing a major surgery. This has prevented her from working and caused financial hardship in paying for Garrett’s tuition. MNCI is committed to helping Garrett reach his academic goal by providing an educational scholarship.
Garrett Yazzie is a young Navajo man from Pinon, AZ where he was born and raised. Garrett is Ma’iideeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass People - Jemez Clan) born for Táchii’nii (Red-running-into-the-water), his maternal grandfather is Kl’ízílání (Many goats) and his paternal grandfather is Tó’áhaní (Near-the-water). In 2006, Garrett achieved local and national notoriety when he won state, regional, and national science fairs for a solar heater he developed by recycling a radiator from a junk car. His inspiration came from his desire to help his mother who had no electricity and was a single mother. Garrett Yazzie won 1st place at the American Indian Science and Engineering Fair (AISEF). He then went on to win 7th place at the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge! As one of top 40 finalists, Garrett was the only one from Arizona and the only Native American! Fellow Native Americans were very proud when Garrett walked on stage proudly wearing Navajo traditional clothes as he accepted his national award. This is truly a great accomplishment that only a select few can be proud of! Garrett Yazzie is now attending St. Mary’s Preparatory School with the financial support of scholarships, financial aid, and his mother. Garrett will be graduating in May 2010 and plans to go to college and major in mechanical engineering.
Miss Navajo Council Inc. (TID# 20-5324138) is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Privacy Statement: Your personal information is never shared outside MNCI, except with credit card processors or others, all of who are prohibited from disclosing your information as required by law. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MNCI presents "Enduring Qualities of Whiteshell Woman" Workshop
June 20, 2009
Fort Defiance, AZ
"This workshop is designed to teach young Navajo men and women the cultural foundations of the Navajo people and encourage and prepare young Navajo ladies for the Miss Navajo Nation Pageant."
Workshops:
- Butchering 101 by Josephine Tracy, Miss Navajo Nation 1996-97
- Navajo Etiquette by Dinah Wauneka, Office of Miss Navajo Nation
- The Role of Miss Navajo by Yolanda Charley, Miss Navajo Nation 2008-09
- Navajo Language & Writing by Marilyn Help Hood, Miss Navajo nation 1977-78
- Navajo Entertainment by Jannalee Atcitty, Miss Navajo Nation 2004-05
and Radmilla Cody, Miss Navajo Nation 1997-98
Pay online
- Single Registration $25
- Child Registration <13 years old $10
- Parent or Grandparent with Child Registration $40