Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer with Chief Manuelito and Scholarship recipients.
LEUPP, Ariz.-In July, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer joined proud parents, grandparents, and educators at a ceremony to celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of 151 Chief Manuelito Scholarship recipients.
The prestigious Chief Manuelito Scholarship was established in 1980 to provide post-secondary school scholarships to high-achieving Navajo high school graduates. The scholarships are awarded based on ACT/SAT test scores and final high school grade point average.
President Nez encouraged the students to return home to the Nation after earning their degrees to become involved in their local government and to serve their people as elected leaders.
"Our people need leaders. We need to think big-we need leaders in our communities, for our Nation, nationally and internationally," said President Nez. "The key to moving forward is to never give up. Our ancestors never gave up and that's why we are still here today."
Navajo Nation Attorney General Doreen N. McPaul, a former Chief Manuelito Scholarship recipient, served as the keynote speaker and urged the students to keep challenging themselves, to keep learning, and to take advantage of opportunities as they begin their post-secondary education, as well as maintaining respect, integrity, and professionalism as they pursue their education, careers, and personal lives.
President Nez and Vice President Lizer are working to develop legislation that would set aside $50 million to provide more scholarship opportunities for Navajo students. This would represent the largest financial investment in scholarships in the history of the Navajo Nation.
