We are proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of our students who participated in the 15th Annual FMS Diné Spelling Bee last night at Piedra Vista’s Turano-Chrisman Performing Arts Theater. Their dedication to learning and preserving the Diné language was truly inspiring!
Among the 90 students who qualified for the competition, 25 spellers represented Apache Elementary, making a strong showing that led to their sweep of the elementary school category. The winning word in this division was Níló (Hail).
In the middle school category, the competition was intense, with multiple rounds needed to determine a champion. In the end, a Hermosa Middle School student from Ms. Comanche-Whitehorse’s class secured the victory by spelling Bijáád (His Leg).
The high school division also delivered an exciting competition. The winner, a Farmington High student and former student of Ms. Comanche-Whitehorse, impressed the audience with her strong performance. She claimed victory with the final word, Nihibá (Awaiting Us).
We are incredibly proud of all our students who participated and showcased their hard work, commitment, and love for the Diné language. Congratulations to our winners and to all students who took part in this important cultural event!
Elementary School Winners:
First Place: Sariah Benally (Apache Elementary School)
Second Place: Aurora Bedonie (Apache Elementary School)
Third Place: Mallory Cooper (Apache Elementary School)
Middle School Winners:
First Place: Arianna Paul (Hermosa Middle School)
Second Place: Yanabah Smith (Tibbetts Middle School)
Third Place: Athena Nevayaktewa (Mesa View Middle School)
High School Winners:
First Place: Tayen Johnson (Farmington High School)
Second Place: Leo Norberto (Piedra Vista High School)
Third Place: Noah Barton (Farmington High School)
A heartfelt THANK YOU to our dedicated Diné Language teachers, whose passion and commitment help our students connect with and preserve their language and culture: Ms. Lula Begay (Animas ES), Ms. Jo Leiba-Jack (Apache ES), Ms. LaRosa Dawes (Apache ES), Ms. Marilyn Talamante (Bluffview ES & McCormick ES), Ms. Louise Ramone (Esperanza ES), Ms. Terry Comanche-Whitehorse (Heights MS & Hermosa MS), Ms. Mildred Bitsui (Mesa View MS), Ms. Cheryl Willie (Tibbetts MS), Ms. Nancy Benally (Tibbetts MS), Ms. Melanie Kurley (Farmington HS), and Ms. Esther Dennison (Piedra Vista HS).
A big THANK YOU to our pronouncers, Mildred Bitsui and Carmelita Lee, and our judges, Chizz Bah, Jerilynn Goldtooth, Dr. Terry Lee Teller, and Lucinda Segina, for their invaluable support in making the event a success.
The evening was made even more special with a beautiful performance of the Pledge of Allegiance and the Sash Belt Dance by the Piedra Vista Indigenous Club.
Kudos to our FMS Native American Programs staff for organizing this meaningful event, giving students the opportunity to compete, revitalize the Diné language, and honor their teachers in front of their families. Be sure to check out the many wonderful events hosted by FMS Native American Programs throughout the year!