'Million-Dollar Class' graduates

By Pamela G. Dempsey
Diné Bureau

THOREAU — The Million-Dollar Class received its diplomas on Friday.

Dean Cunningham, principal of Thoreau High School, said the class of 2005 was the "Million-Dollar Class" as students among the 77 graduates netted a total of $1.8 million in scholarships, not including those from the Navajo Nation.

The four Gates Millennium Scholars Benford Begay, Jeraime Tapaha, Shannon Hunter, and Donovan Pete brought in more than $700,000 in scholarships alone.

Begay will attend Notre Dame University in the fall and classmate Tapaha will be attending Dartmouth College.

Hunter, who has her sights set on J & W University in Rhode Island, said during the presentation of honor graduates, that her grandmother, Dorothy Harry, was the reason why she did her best.

"During the school year, she always told me to take a break because I was always so busy," Hunter said. "Well guess what Grandma, I can't take a break now."

More than 50 of the graduates have plans to enter college or post-secondary school in the fall, several with thousands in scholarships.

Yolanda Francisco and Willie Mariano both were named Daniels Fund Scholar, netting close to $200,000 in scholarships.

Francisco will enter the University of Montana in the fall and Willie will go to New Mexico State University in Las Cruces.

Mavis Price, president of the school board, told the class that their dedication and preparation pushed them through the threshold into the "real world."

"Education is a ladder," Price said. "Take that ladder and bring your people up with you."

The top 10 honor graduates Benford Begay, Jeraime Tapaha, Joshua Adams, Shannon Hunter, Amelia Begaye, Victor Chavez, Britney McWhorter, Willie Mariano, Katie Todachine, and Kevin Talker were all given dictionaries and plaques for their work.

Most dedicated theirs to parents, grandparents or siblings.

Adams, who will attend Brigham Young University, dedicated his award to his father, Kumen Adams.

"I love him and will always appreciate the support he's given me and the groceries he's poured into me." Adams said. "He has always been a good example to me and I hope to live by that example."