This morning on May 24, I had the privilege to not only speak but to hear wise words from faculty and students of Whitehorse High School as well as a comedic role model, Pax Harvey.
As the 34 students sat before me eagerly waiting to turn their tassels, it was obvious this class didn’t think of their celebration as an end to a chapter, rather as a beginning.
Surrounded by a deep sea of love from parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and family, these students were raised for this day. Kim Schaeffer, principal of WHS, said the class of 2025 was the kindest and most caring class this year.
Not only were they the kindest, they had the most early graduates in their class.
Their grit and determination to make it to this day is what their families taught them, what their school life taught them and what they will continue to carry with them as they start this next chapter.
Each day is a gift to each of us and these students took that to heart even on the days that were tough. It was a privilege to have these sentiments echoed by Mr. Harvey because just like the rest of us who have become role models, we know life is a never ending obstacle course we continue to explore but we also know one day these students will be in our shoes.
“Like Dr. Buu Nygren said, the world is not gonna get easier,” said Harvey. “Education will take you around the world, I want you to explore. Did you know you can leave Montezuma? Yes you can pass Ute Mountain, you can pass Shiprock, you can go further than that—because one day one of you will be sitting right there (pointing to my seat).”
Congratulations to the Raiders class of 2025!
Ahé’héé
-Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren
