Students from the Los Alamos High School Native American Culture Club last week in front of the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Courtesy/LAPS
Sen. Leo Jaramillo speaking to students last week from the Los Alamos High School Native American Culture Club at the State Capitol last week. Courtesy/LAPS
LAPS News:
Seventeen students from Los Alamos High School Native American Culture Club were part of the celebration of American Indian Day at the State Capitol last week.
The visit included a ceremony in the rotunda which began with an invocation by Governor Max A. Zuni, Pueblo of Isleta, the posting of Colors by the Jicarilla Apache Nation Veterans Group, and the National Anthem Navajo Class, Alvino Sandoval, McKinley Middle School, Albuquerque Public Schools.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Dencia Tafoya’s kindergarten class from Kha’p’o Community School, and Troy Yazza, Mescalero Apache Tribe, performed the Honor song.
The American Indian Day Proclamation was read by Josett D. Monette, Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham shared her thoughts about American Indian Day.
Students then had the opportunity to meet with Senator Leo Jaramillo for a question-and-answer session, followed by photos in the Senate chamber.
For many, it was their first time visiting the State Capitol. “I thought the visit was not only extremely informative but also important at showing some of the students how government works,” said Quentin Nichols, a junior at LAHS.
“When I first walked in I couldn’t help but think that it was huge and really nice,” added LAHS Senior Genevieve Epperson. She was impressed at seeing all those people come together for something really important to them. “I enjoyed it and really liked seeing everyone that was there. It was a great experience.”
When asked about what was their favorite part of the trip, Quentin said the sense of community in the crowds. “My favorite part would have been hearing the speeches just because it was nice to see new people talking and hearing from them and their thoughts,” noted Genevieve.
“My favorite part was exploring all the hallways and looking at the art,” added LAHS Sophomore Abigail Nash.
Students were also treated to lunch and entertainment at the Santa Fe Indian School.
Those who made the trip included Cailyn Bingham, Brody Brothers, Hailey Duran, Carlissa Epperson, Genevieve Epperson, David Gonzales, Adrianna Keiter, Caleb Moss, Rowan Mowrer, Jared Muzzie, Abigail Nash, Quentin Nichols, Wrenne Sapp, Marcos Shije, Carter Talley, Sawyer Talley and Hannah Waldschmidt.
Staff members Kimberly Engelking, Sigrid Wurthmann, Andrea Determan, Jovita Mowrer and Sal Zapien accompanied the students as did School Board Vice President Ellen Specter.