EDUCATION

Leaders, students and alumni celebrate 30 years of Navajo Preparatory School

Noel Lyn Smith
nsmith@daily-times.com
Navajo Preparatory School students Anthony Cruz, left, and Devin Lansing sing a social dance song in the Navajo language at the school's 30th anniversary on May 12 in Farmington.
Navajo Preparatory School students Anthony Cruz, left, and Devin Lansing sing a social dance song in the Navajo language at the school's 30th anniversary on May 12 in Farmington.
Noel Lyn Smith/The Daily Times
Navajo Preparatory School student Watson Whitford serves as master of ceremonies during the event to mark the school's 30th anniversary on May 12 in Farmington.
Navajo Preparatory School student Watson Whitford serves as master of ceremonies during the event to mark the school's 30th anniversary on May 12 in Farmington.
Noel Lyn Smith/The Daily Times
At left, Shawna Becenti, the head of school at Navajo Preparatory School, presents a 30th anniversary commemorative blanket to April Hale, former board of trustees member and daughter of former tribal President Albert Hale, on May 12 in Farmington.
At left, Shawna Becenti, the head of school at Navajo Preparatory School, presents a 30th anniversary commemorative blanket to April Hale, former board of trustees member and daughter of former tribal President Albert Hale, on May 12 in Farmington.
Noel Lyn Smith/The Daily Times
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez visits with students at Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington on May 12 during the event to celebrate the school's 30th anniversary.
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez visits with students at Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington on May 12 during the event to celebrate the school's 30th anniversary.
Noel Lyn Smith/The Daily Times
A replica of Navajo Preparatory School's hogan sits after its removal from the top of the cake to celebrate 30 years of the school on May 12 in Farmington.
A replica of Navajo Preparatory School's hogan sits after its removal from the top of the cake to celebrate 30 years of the school on May 12 in Farmington.
Noel Lyn Smith/The Daily Times
Betty Ojaye, former head of school, talks about the history of Navajo Preparatory School at the celebration for the school's 30th anniversary on May 12 in Farmington.
Betty Ojaye, former head of school, talks about the history of Navajo Preparatory School at the celebration for the school's 30th anniversary on May 12 in Farmington.
Noel Lyn Smith/The Daily Times
The Warrior Club at Navajo Preparatory School sing a social dance song in the Navajo language on May 12 at the school's 30th anniversary event in Farmington.
The Warrior Club at Navajo Preparatory School sing a social dance song in the Navajo language on May 12 at the school's 30th anniversary event in Farmington.
Noel Lyn Smith/The Daily Times
Shawna Becenti, the head of school at Navajo Preparatory School, welcomes audience members to the event to celebrate the school's 30th anniversary on May 12 in Farmington.
Shawna Becenti, the head of school at Navajo Preparatory School, welcomes audience members to the event to celebrate the school's 30th anniversary on May 12 in Farmington.
Noel Lyn Smith/The Daily Times
Daniel E. Tso, George Arthur and Edison Wauneka, left to right, helped establish and develop Navajo Preparatory School throughout its 30 years. They were among the school's founders honored on May 12 in Farmington.
Daniel E. Tso, George Arthur and Edison Wauneka, left to right, helped establish and develop Navajo Preparatory School throughout its 30 years. They were among the school's founders honored on May 12 in Farmington.
Noel Lyn Smith/The Daily Times
Navajo Preparatory School alumna Kansas K. Begaye sings at the school's 30th anniversary event on May 12 in Farmington.
Navajo Preparatory School alumna Kansas K. Begaye sings at the school's 30th anniversary event on May 12 in Farmington.
Noel Lyn Smith/The Daily Times
Former Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel Branch speaks at the 30th anniversary event for Navajo Preparatory School on May 12 in Farmington.
Former Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel Branch speaks at the 30th anniversary event for Navajo Preparatory School on May 12 in Farmington.
Noel Lyn Smith/The Daily Times
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, left, was presented with a blanket and a certificate to mark the 30th anniversary of Navajo Preparatory School. The items were presented on May 12 by Shawna Becenti, the head of school, center, and Sherrick Roanhorse, board of trustees member.
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, left, was presented with a blanket and a certificate to mark the 30th anniversary of Navajo Preparatory School. The items were presented on May 12 by Shawna Becenti, the head of school, center, and Sherrick Roanhorse, board of trustees member.
Noel Lyn Smith/The Daily Times
Jared Brown sings an honor song during the event on May 12 to mark the 30th anniversary of Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington.
Jared Brown sings an honor song during the event on May 12 to mark the 30th anniversary of Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington.
Noel Lyn Smith/The Daily Times
Delegate Daniel E. Tso, center, sponsored the tribal council bill in 1991 to form the charter to establish Navajo Preparatory School and to appoint a task force to acquire the site in Farmington. He stands for an honor song during the school's 30th anniversary on May 12.
Delegate Daniel E. Tso, center, sponsored the tribal council bill in 1991 to form the charter to establish Navajo Preparatory School and to appoint a task force to acquire the site in Farmington. He stands for an honor song during the school's 30th anniversary on May 12.
Noel Lyn Smith/The Daily Times