Ten LAHS Native American seniors were honored Wednesday evening during the 5th Sash Ceremony. Students received hand-woven sashes created by Cris Velarde Students receiving sashes, pictured with Josett Monette, Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department, left, and Cris Velarde, Santa Clara Pueblo/Jicarilla Apache, fourth from right, include, left to right, Dayna Reano, Carlissa Epperson, Seneca Tsoodle, Jared Muzzie, Siena Rolfe, Malachi Laskie, Angelina Ulibarri, David Gonzales, Jimmy Wilson and Benjamin Catron Romero. Courtesy/LAPS
Cris Velarde, Santa Clara Pueblo/Jicarilla Apache, explains the meaning of the sash to students and guests during the ceremony. Courtesy/LAPS
LAPS News:
Ten Los Alamos High School Native American seniors were presented hand-woven sashes during the 2024 Sash Ceremony hosted by Los Alamos Public Schools. These sashes will be worn by the students during the graduation ceremony on May 25.
This is the sixth year for this event, which was attended by more than 85 family members and friends supporting their students.
Native American Parent Advisory Council (NAPAC) President Darren Harvey and Vice
President Jovita Mowrer were Masters of Ceremony. LAPS Superintendent Jennifer Guy and LAHS Principal Renee Dunwoody welcomed guests and shared their pride in the seniors’ accomplishments and future paths.
Lieutenant Governor Raymond Martinez of Pueblo de San Ildefonso opened the program with a prayer and shared remarks with the students. Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya also provided a protection prayer for the graduates and shared some advice for the graduates.
Former Laguna Pueblo Governor Martin Kowemy, Jr., provided the closing prayer.
Cabinet Secretary Josett Monette of the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department also shared remarks with the students as well as a congratulatory message from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.
Former San Ildefonso Governor James Mountain also spoke during the ceremony as did his daughter Leah Mountain, who was responsible for bringing this important ceremony to Los Alamos High School. She received her sash in 2020.
LAPS School Board members Melanie Colgan, Lauren Coupland, Antonio Jaurigue, Ellen Specter and Sondra Wyman, as well as Assistant Superintendent Carter Payne and LAPS Liaison Julie Dare for Native American Students and Families, were also in attendance.
Cris Velarde, Santa Clara Pueblo/Jicarilla Apache, is a traditional belt and rain sash weaver who teaches weaving classes at the Poeh Cultural Center in Pojoaque. He has been designing the sashes to be worn for graduation since 2013. Each year he creates a unique design to celebrate the graduates.
Members of the Class of 2024 honored with sashes are Benjamin Catron Romero, Carlissa Epperson, David Gonzales, Malachi Laskie, Jared Muzzie, Dayna Reano, Siena Rolfe, Seneca Tsoodle, Angelina Ulibarri and Jimmy Wilson.
Native American Parent Advisory Council (NAPAC) Vice President Jovita Mowrer and President Darren Harvey were the Masters of Ceremony for the Sash Ceremony held at Cottonwood on the Greens. Courtesy/LAPS