Greyhills Academy recognizes its students’ success at AIMS <br>

Photo by Ray Baldwin Louis

Staff, teachers and parents gathered at Greyhills on March 10 to honor students who recently passed their AIMS test with dinner and special awards.

Jannae Farrell said passing AIMS gave her both motivation, and satisfaction.

“I was once told that I shouldn’t settle for anything less than what I wanted,” she said. “You can learn many things, not just by studying books. I learn from my surroundings, my siblings, the environment, the people I’m with most of the time, and even my mistakes.”

Aaron Begay said he believes that every student can pass the AIMS test if they try. He pointed out that he feels it is important because there are going to be more exams required in the future whether for school or employment.

“Education is important for everybody. Most people don’t learn anymore than what they have learned in college or high school. That is why you should learn as much as you can right now,” Begay said. “Passing the AIMS is only an obstacle for what is lying ahead of you in the future. Anyone could pass AIMS if they try their best. Reading helped me to pass the test.”

Natalica Nez said that education has laid a solid foundation for her future, career and her life.

“It has allowed me to help myself, and monitor my progression towards my goal,” Nez stated. “I often think about what I’ve done well. It makes me feel confident; it also makes my outlook on life anything but dull or timid.”

Lenford Barton emphasized the need to be persistent.

“Our desires of perfection may not be met in the future, but by passing these tests, we can come pretty close to them,” said Barton. “If we fail, we have to try again to increase our chances of being successful; and successful people don’t have to be talented, they just have to work hard and succeed on purpose. If there was a time to take control of what you have, the time is now.”

Marie Morales, Dean of Career and Technical Education Department, said that she was impressed with the 25 students.

“With all that goes on in the school with different activities, it is nice to have these students remind us that education is our priority at Greyhills Academy,” Morales said. “I am amazed at the level of writing they display and the thoughts they share show that they are thinking about their future and what they want to accomplish in life.”

Morales expressed appreciation to all the parents who were there for their support and helping their children come to school so they are prepared to take tests and pass them.

Superintendent Andrew Tah also spoke and reviewed the testing measurements and how it affects the whole school with the Annual Yearly Progress (AYP). Tah said that last year 23 per cent of 10th grade students were expected to pass the AIMS testing in reading, but only 18 percent accomplished that goal. Tah said that the percentage has been raised for this year, and as a result, more students will need to pass the test.

Robert Yazzie, member of the governing board, also spoke briefly and praised the students for their accomplishments. He said that he hoped others will follow in their footsteps and pass the testing.