Hopi Jr. High promotes eighth graders

Board member Steve Bahnimptewa (right) congratulates Co-Valedictorian Sheldon Nanacasia.

Board member Steve Bahnimptewa (right) congratulates Co-Valedictorian Sheldon Nanacasia.

POLACCA, Ariz. - Students can overcome peer pressure by studying hard and having confidence to stick to making good choices, which in turn will help them combat obstacles.

That is the message Michael Adams had for the eighth graders who were promoted May 20 from Hopi Junior High School as a couple thousand family and friends filled Bruin stadium to watch the proceedings.

Adams, serving as the keynote speaker for the promotion ceremony for 76 eighth graders, recounted how he switched from cross country to football because of peer pressure since his friends felt that football was "rougher, tougher and more manly."

It didn't end up badly as Adams gained recognition for playing football and went on to play football for Occidental College in California.

"I was the smallest, but quickest receiver," he said.

But decisions made due to peer pressure don't always turn out so well.

"Are you strong enough to say no?" he asked. "If you lack the confidence you're more likely to give in to peer pressure."

Adams urged the eighth grade students to expect to go to college.

"I expected to go to college through hard work and discipline. Expectations gave me direction. Sometimes I didn't go out. I stayed home to do my homework because I knew sacrifices would help with my long-term goals," he said.

Adams told the eighth graders that they can earn a college degree as long as they work hard.

He also told them not to blame others when they fail, but to learn from those experiences.

Adams said there are positive and negative consequences for every decision. He told them that drugs would only bring negative consequences.

"Are the choices worth the consequences?" he asked. "Choices should be well thought out."

Adams said the students should know what they want to do after they leave high school.

"A smart kid is always one step ahead," he said.

Adams also showed his sense of humor. The dignitaries rode the Bruin bus down to the field.

"That brought back memories when I was riding in the Bruin bus holding hands with some girl," he said.

Adams graduated from Hopi five years ago. Since that time, he earned a BA in psychology from Occidental College - the same school President Obama attended. He has started to work on his masters. He wants to earn a doctorate in counseling and psychology so he can come back to the Hopi Reservation to help.

Valedictorian Duane Gashwazra said anyone can be valedictorian if they work hard.

"There were many times I wondered if I would make it through, but I pulled through," he said. "We need to continue our education through the next four years."

Gashwazra said high school would be a challenge, so students shouldn't give up when it gets hard. He thanked his family and teachers for their help.

Co-Salutatorian Crystal Jenkins thanked her teachers, grandpa and friends for helping her. She told her classmates to cherish the memories and keep their grades up.

"To my classmates, I'm proud of you all," he said.

Co-Salutatorian Sheldon Nanacasia said he was grateful to be on the podium. He thanked his family and friends for pushing him. He said he plans to return the favor.

"Congratulations. We have succeeded," he said.

Hopi Junior High Principal Albert Sinquah said the junior high students had lots of academic and athletic opportunities. He told the parents and relatives that the students wouldn't have had their successes without them.

"I hope that you continue to support the students because without you they wouldn't be here today," he said.

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