ALBUQUERQUE – New Mexico Gas Company today awarded scholarships to 20 Native American students, helping each of them pursue educational and personal success.
The scholarships, awarded since 2011, are available to students in traditional bachelor’s and graduate degree programs as well as those enrolled in trade school certifications and community college programs. The $3,000 scholarships provide flexibility because they can be used to pay any education related expenses.
“We’re proud to support Native American students who are striving to make a difference in their communities,” said NMGC President Ryan Shell. “Our company has awarded more than a half million dollars in scholarships since the program started and we’re gratified to see the success program participants have achieved.”
To be eligible, a student must be a New Mexico resident and an enrolled member of a New Mexico tribe, pueblo or nation. This includes students who recently completed high school or earned a GED and are seeking further education, as well as those currently enrolled in a college, university, trade school or technical training.
This year’s recipients include students from Acoma Pueblo, Isleta Pueblo, Laguna Pueblo, Nambe Pueblo, San Felipe Pueblo, Santa Clara Pueblo, Santo Domingo Pueblo, the Mescalero Apache tribe and the Navajo Nation. They are enrolled at 10 universities, two colleges, two community colleges and a welding school.
The guest speaker at Saturday’s recognition banquet is Josh Lucio, a member of Zuni Pueblo and a former scholarship recipient who used his award to support his studies for an MBA at the University of New Mexico. Lucio now works as a financial planner.
The 2024 recipients, with hometown, tribal affiliation, school and field of study:
•Albuquerque, Navajo Nation, attending Central New Mexico Community College to study computer information systems.
• Maria Begay, Tijeras, Navajo Nation, attending Arizona State for architectural studies
• Nevaughn Begay, Shiprock, Navajo Nation, attending University of Arizona to study biology.
• Hunter Garcia, Albuquerque, San Felipe Pueblo, attending Southwestern College to study physical performance and sports studies.
• Kiefer Garcia, Santo Domingo Pueblo, attending New Mexico State to study biology.
• Edson Gray, Farmington, Navajo Nation, attending San Juan College to study psychology.
• Gabriella Jojola, Albuquerque, Isleta Pueblo, attending New Mexico State to study nursing.
• Norlyn Lowden, Acoma Pueblo, attending University of New Mexico to study nursing
• Audrina Modugno, Alamogordo, Mescalero Apache, attending New Mexico State for a graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling.
• Kamerin Morgan, Thoreau, Navajo Nation, attending Tulsa welding school.
• Helena Naranjo, Espanola, Santa Clara Pueblo, attending Colorado State University for a doctorate in veterinary medicine.
• Brooke Nez, Pinehill, Navajo Nation, attending Carthage College to study nursing.
• Aaron Pino, El Paso, Acoma Pueblo, attending Indiana Institute of Technology to earn a Master of Science in cybersecurity.
• Whitney Platero, Bloomfield, Navajo Nation, attending San Juan College to earn a premortuary science certificate.
• Sarah Scott, Farmington, Navajo Nation, attending San Juan College to study human services.
• Ariel Shirley, Gallup, Navajo Nation, attending Dartmouth College for a graduate degree in public health.
• Hayle Trujillo, Santa Fe, Nambe Pueblo, attending University of Arizona to study microbiology.
• Rekisha Yazzie, Kirtland, Navajo Nation, attending University of Arizona for a graduate degree in human services.
• Taylor Yazzie, Kirtland, Laguna Pueblo, attending New Mexico Tech for a graduate degree in hydrology.