Danielle Goldtooth crowned 2007-2008 Miss Diné College

Blaire Belle Maryboy (right) places her crown on Danielle Coralynn Goldtooth Sept. 19 as she was crowned Miss Diné College 2007-2008 (Photo by Edward McCombs).

Blaire Belle Maryboy (right) places her crown on Danielle Coralynn Goldtooth Sept. 19 as she was crowned Miss Diné College 2007-2008 (Photo by Edward McCombs).

TSAILE-Standing amidst a cascade of balloons, Danielle Coralynn Goldtooth was crowned Miss Diné College 2007-2008, Sept. 19. The 21-year-old biology major was born in Shiprock, N.M., and her parents are Carole Goldtooth and Steven Semken. She is a 2005 graduate of Shiprock High School.

"The pageant was wonderful. I wasn't expecting to win at all," Goldtooth said. Six other contestants vied for the title including Lasaha Ross, Desirae LaMotte, Renell Gonnie, Charlene B. Goodluck, Alexandra Begay and Petra Tsosie. The girls competed in both modern and traditional talent presentations as well as answering impromptu questions.

Goldtooth says she loves working with her community and loves her heritage and language. "I would like to promote reading and education for the non-traditional students [such as] mothers needing to return to get their education," she said.

"I'm learning Navajo at Diné College. I will need it for my future. I would like to eventually go to medical school and one day come back to the reservation and explain medications, what they are for and where they are coming from," Goldtooth added.

Goldtooth was involved with the Sheep Improvement Project in high school and had the opportunity to travel to Mexico.

Goldtooth represents the fourth generation of her family to attend Diné College. Her grandfather, Anthony Goldtooth, is also a faculty member of Diné College, Shiprock.

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