PAGE, Ariz. – A few hundred supporters lined the streets of Page and filled Page High School auditorium to celebrate their local state champion athletes in cross country, basketball, and track, and to witness the collegiate signings of 4 Diné athletes today.
Page High School Athletics invited Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren to the celebration to honor 2024 Girls 3A State Champions, 2023-2024 Division III Boys Cross Country Champions, Page Middle School NAIC Champions, girls and boys track and field, and various athletes.
In a vintage car, President Nygren was joined by 25th Navajo Nation Council Delegate Helena Nez-Begay, and walking beside was 2023-2024 Miss Western Navajo Acacia Williams, waving and greeting the crowd.
“These young Navajo players put their all into competition,” said President Nygren. “You can feel their determination and commitment to the sport and the challenge of self.”
Four Diné athletes held their collegiate signing ceremony, adding to the celebration. Students that signed were Sofia Cambridge, who signed to Pima Community College for basketball, Jade Reid, who signed with Fort Lewis College track and field, Alyssa Harris, who signed with Husson University for basketball, and Kaydence Tsinijinie signed with Ottawa University for volleyball.
President Nygren cheered on each athlete’s accomplishments as each athlete had not only been a champion in their sport but paved a path in their educational careers as well.
“Each of these young ladies has other young ladies looking up to them,” said President Nygren. “Not just in their sport, but in their educational journey. They’re showing the younger generation that you can attend college and be the best in the sport. It amazes me that our Diné is breaking the mold and raising the bar, and to be a part of their celebration is just an experience in itself.
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