Hopi grad excels in athletics, journalism

POLACCA, Ariz. - Hopi High's Shelby Yellowhorse ended her senior year in great fashion with awards for athletics and journalism.

Yellowhorse, who will be majoring in criminal justice at Paradise Valley Community College, became the 2A North Regional Champion in the shot-put event with a throw of 28 feet and 11 inches. She also placed sixth in the state tournament in the shot-put.

"I was proud because I was the only Native American who qualified for state in the shot-put," she said. "That was awesome."

Just a couple days later, Yellowhorse was recognized with an award from the Arizona Republic's Media in Education program for her outstanding contributions to the journalism program at Hopi High. Yellowhorse served as editor of the Hopi High Bruin Times this past year.

"I was so happy about the journalism award because I didn't know I would get it," she said. "I loved journalism. It was an awesome class. I liked my classmates and getting out to interview people. There was an excitement when you walked into the journalism classroom."

Yellowhorse said she also enjoyed the journalism trips to Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University.

"Doing interviews made me more outspoken," she said.

Yellowhorse said she enjoyed the athletic and journalism awards equally.

"They were both awesome," she said.

Yellowhorse, who maintained a B average, was active throughout the year. She served as manager for the boys basketball and football teams. She also enjoyed her art class.

She is the daughter of Mardell Lomayestewa and stepfather Aaron Scott of Shungopavi.