Zuni High School celebrates
N.M.Governor offers motivation and advice

The graduating class of 2006 listens as New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson delivers the commencement address Friday evening at Zuni High School in Zuni, NM. Richardson chose to attend the graduation after recieving a personal invitation from one of the students at the school. [Photo by Jeff Jones/Independent]

By Natasha Kaye Johnson
Diné Bureau

"We were born with a path set before us...we have come a long way from the start. We have overcome the minor obstacle of life. We cannot determine where our paths will lead us, but we can be certain that with the light and guidance of others our paths will lead us to many wonders, and the knowledge we have gained and the understanding of how we have grown our future paths we will be able to pave."

— Daniel Kallestewa, 2006 ZHS graduating class

ZUNI — Family, friends, and school staff filled the Zuni High School gym yesterday night to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2006 graduating class.

Eighty-two seniors sat surrounded by decoration colors in the class colors of black and silver as community leaders, teachers, and peers shared words of wisdom and encouragement. Following the presentation of colors and the national anthem, Jerrold Lahaleon, Jr. began the commencement with the invocation, and senior Joni Ghachu, class secretary, introduced the guests in attendance.

Among the guests was Governor Bill Richardson, who offered words of motivation and advice.

"Learning is a lifelong ," said Richardson. "Remember that your educational experience doesn't end today."

Richardson urged students to explore the world around them, grow, and always strive to learn something new. He also emphasized culture and traditions as integral parts of the students lives, and how they will someday contribute something be able to make a positive impact within the community.

"I'm asking that you give something back to Zuni, to your high school," he said. Among the many things said, Richardson talked of education and its importance to not only the community, but the country.

"It's the ticket (education)," said Richardson. "Not just for your career, but for your country."

Students were also enlightened with words of support by fellow classmates. Darral Shack, salutatorian, talked about the mistakes, trials, and tribulations that each graduate may have faced, and will face about, but of how they have shaped the people they are today.

"We now face the obstacle of taking what we learned and doing something with it," said Shack. Shack reinforced the thought of how life is 10 percent of what happens to a person, and 90 percent is how the person reacts to what happened to them.

Jennifer Quam then read a poem written in honor of the parents and guardians of the graduates. The poem talked about the support parents gave throughout their years, down to the times when they did the little things that mattered like cooking breakfast, and how they will remember those things and continue to appreciate them.

The tribute to the parents was then followed by the playing of the song "Hero" by Mariah Carey, where many students greeted their parents in the stands and gave them hugs and roses.

Arlen Quetawki, Governor for Pueblo of Zuni, was also present as a guest speaker and addressed the crowded gym in both the English and Zuni language. Along with words of congratulations and recognition of parents, Quetawki talked about the importance of education among the Zuni people.

He encouraged students to pursue an education at a Master's level or higher, so that they may return to Zuni and work as teachers and superintendents. He said that when the time comes where the Zuni people are in these positions, that is when they will be truly sovereign.

"That's when you can be sovereign," said Quetawki. "We need to get to that point. I believe that you have the capability to get us to that point."

Joe Westmoreland, Principal, then introduced Larrietta Delena, valedictorian, who reminded the class to remember who they are and carry it with pride. She also talked about meaning of happiness and self-awareness.

"Happiness does not come from what you have, but who you are," she said.

The most exciting part, which was expressed by cheer from the students, came when an announcement was made that they would finally be receiving their diploma. As students walked across the stage, families gathered round to take pictures and give hugs. Following closing remarks and a benediction, "Dreams" by Van Halen played as students celebrated with their family and classmates.