Local Fund Awards Scholarships to Navajo Prep Students, Boosts Equity

On December 19, 2025, the Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives announced scholarships for 20 students attending Navajo Preparatory High School for the 2025 to 2026 academic year. Eight students received the awards for the first time and 12 were continuing recipients, with each scholarship covering required school fees of about one thousand dollars per student.

Scholarship selection considered financial need, academic potential and leadership skills. Applicants submitted a short essay on either what they want to do with their education or how a good education will help them achieve their goals. The awards support seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen drawn from communities across San Juan County and neighboring areas, including students from Pueblo Pintado, Tohatchi, Torreon, Mulholland Well, Round Rock Arizona, Nageezi, Shiprock, Upper Fruitland, Albuquerque, Rabbitbrush, Crownpoint, Central Agency Arizona, Sanostee, Kirtland, Standing Rock and Farmington.

Recipients for 2025 to 2026 include seniors Keira Antonio, Kameron Dale, Nevaeh Lewis, Brooke Martin, Madilynn Mora and Nataya Platero. Juniors named include Kiara Jim, Kaleb Jones, Adrianna Martinez-Pablo, Collin Naseyowma, Luke Smith and Kokoro Yazzie. Sophomore recipients include Dayvonna Chee, Ryan Dona and Traerell Nez. Freshmen include Aiyana Etcitty, RaeLee Smith, Isaiah Tabaha, Jazlyn Tan and Talon Wilson.

Eve's Fund was created in memory of Eve Erin Crowell and has supported Navajo Prep students since 2011. Since that year the fund has awarded one hundred fifty two thousand five hundred dollars to 93 students, with most recipients receiving support throughout their four years at Navajo Preparatory High School. School leaders, including Head of School Shawna Allison Becenti, praised the partnership and noted donor efforts to build an endowment that would sustain the scholarship program.

Beyond immediate financial relief, the scholarships carry public health implications. Educational attainment is closely tied to long term health outcomes, economic stability and access to health services. By reducing barriers to secondary education, the awards can help lower stress for families, improve opportunities for higher education and employment, and strengthen community resilience in a region that faces persistent disparities. As donors pursue an endowment to make the program permanent, county leaders and community partners face a timely opportunity to invest in education as a health equity strategy that benefits students and the broader San Juan County community.