FARMINGTON, N.M. — On April 18, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren joined Navajo Preparatory School for its inaugural gala, an evening dedicated to celebrating students, community, and the bright futures ahead for Diné youth.
The event brought together supporters, alumni, educators, and community leaders in a powerful show of unity and investment in education.
Organized in just 60 days, the gala raised an impressive $45,900 from 22 sponsors and featured a silent auction with $25,000 worth of items—demonstrating strong community commitment to student success.
The evening was in support of scholarship opportunities that directly support Navajo Prep students. These include the Board of Trustees Scholarships such as the Academic Excellence Scholarship awarded to the valedictorian, the William Tso Memorial Scholarship for the salutatorian, the Ernesteen Bates Memorial Scholarship, and additional Academic Merit Scholarships.
Student fee scholarships also play a vital role in supporting residential life, academic programming, athletics, and student activities. Programs like the Nááts’iilid and Eve’s Fund scholarships further assist students as they transition to college.
“This evening shows what’s possible when our communities come together for our youth,” said President Nygren. “Every scholarship represents support and the belief in the potential of our Diné students.”
Later, the evening also featured remarks from alumna Kellianne Staggers `18 and Watson Whitford `23, who shared how their experience at Navajo Prep shaped their path grounded in culture and community.
Through the generosity of donors and supporters, Navajo Prep’s scholarship programs continue to open doors for students, ensuring access to high-quality education.
Navajo Prep continues to demonstrate outstanding outcomes. Serving 314 students in grades 9–12, with 62 percent participating in the residential program, the school has maintained a 94 percent graduation rate since 2020. Notably, 100 percent of the Class of 2025 has been accepted into a four-year college or university.
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