April 9, 2025
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Kaydence Yazzie from Kirtland High and Isaac Merritt from Shiprock High were among the student recipients honored at the Navajo Nation 2025 Seal of Bilingual Proficiency Award Ceremony on April 04, 2025, at the Twin Arrows Casino Resort in Flagstaff, Arizona. The ceremony recognized students proficient in the Navajo language.
The agenda for the event included a welcome address by Acting Superintendent of Schools Claudia Edgewater-Russell, who expressed her honor to see the younger generation in traditional attire and listening to the Navajo language. She noted that today was "your day as seniors" of the "Class of 2025.”
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren was in attendance to give a motivational speech to our seal recipients. President Nygren’s statement shared, “I congratulate all our students and commend the many young speakers who command our [Diné] language.” Officials representing the Central Consolidated School District were Board President Suzette J. Haskie-Oberly, Bilingual Education Coordinator Dr. Berlinda Begay and Shiprock High School Principal Staci Gallaher.
Nathan Brady from Shiprock High School served as the Master of Ceremony and offered motivational words, emphasizing the importance of listening. Brady tells his students that when they leave his classroom in May, they should continue to become fluent speakers. He emphasizes that while they will understand and comprehend some Navajo, true fluency begins at home, where they need to hear and speak the language day and night. He personally acknowledged Isaac, indicating a connection by stating, "I knew Isaac would pick it up because I held him accountable every day.”
Ms. Edgewater-Russell shared personal experiences of learning the Navajo language from her grandparents, who only knew the English word "salt.” She emphasized the sacred and special nature of the Navajo language and its contributions to the United States. Addressing the graduating seniors, she urged them to "always remember who you are and where you come from" and highlighted that being bilingual signifies a "higher level of intellectual ability".
Keynote speaker Navajo Nation Council Delegate Dr. Andy Nez encouraged the students and stressed the importance of their language skills in various sectors. He mentioned that requests for Navajo speakers have come from the Department of Health and the police department. Dr. Nez highlighted the resilience of the Navajo language despite historical challenges and encouraged students to "be proud and not shy to speak it". He also offered support to the students in their future endeavors.
Following the speeches, there were student recipient introductions scheduled. Later in the program, the Presentation of Awards was conducted by Acting Superintendent Claudia Edgewater and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Shayla Yellowhair.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks by Senior Education Specialist Verna Thomas. The event aimed to affirm the significance of language preservation and celebrate the achievements of the Navajo Nation's bilingual youth like Kaydence Yazzie and Isaac Merritt. The presence of these students indicates their proficiency in both Navajo and English, a skill recognized as valuable and essential for the future of the Navajo Nation. At the end of the ceremony, students were notified that they would be receiving tablets in recognition of their dedication to learning the Navajo language.