NEWCOMB, N.M. – A wave of excitement filled the auditorium as Newcomb Middle School celebrated its annual 8th-grade “Moving Up” ceremony to promote the Class of 2024.
The promotion ceremony was a testament to grit and community spirit. It featured enthusiastic speeches and a vibrant “Under the Sea” theme.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren told the 74 8th-grade graduates how he overcame adversity when he was their age.
“You are more than capable of overcoming these barriers,” he told them. “Biláahgo bíínshghah,” he had them all repeat. “I am more than capable.”
Assistant Principal Eric Chandler praised the students for their tenacious drive through unprecedented times.
“This class is the victim of Covid,” he said. “They had to overcome a lot. They persevered through that and succeeded,” he said.
Their journey went from remote learning challenges to academic success, he said.
Amelia Joe-Chandler, a sponsor of the promotion and a Social Emotional Learning teacher at Newcomb Middle School spoke of the student’s behavioral, relationship and leadership growth. Amelia’s SEL program focuses on enhancing nine character traits. They are empathy, respect, responsibility, courage, perseverance, integrity, kindness, teamwork and self-direction.
Parents played a crucial role in the promotion. They began to raise money last August and reached their goal by December. The students, who voted on every aspect of the event, chose the theme “Under the Sea,” complete with sea creatures, fish, seashells and blue balloons.
The promotion’s keynote speech was given by President Nygren because of Aaliyah Yazzie’s unyielding letter-writing campaign.
Principal Ethel Manuelito said Aaliyah started writing letters to request the President come to speak because it was the class’s wish that he be the only outside speaker to address them.
A seashell filled with letters of appreciation was presented to President Nygren.
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