Navajo-Hopi Observer

TSAILE Ariz, - Valentina M. Blackhorse is Miss Diné College 2011-2012. As one of her first formal activities, she participated in Diné College's parade entry in last week's 65th Annual Navajo Nation Fair. She has released the following message:

"With a warm welcome and good blessing going out to the Navajo Nation. My name is Valentina Maria Blackhorse. As a young Navajo woman, I would like to present my four clans as I hope to meet new relatives during my reign as Miss Diné College. I am Red Bottom People, Born for the Folded Arm People, my maternal grandfather's clan is Bitter Water and my paternal grandfather's clan is Red Running into the Water.

I am 20 years old and obtaining my Associates Degree in Social Behavioral Science. My parents are Danny and Laverne Blackhorse, my older sister is Victoria Blackhorse and my younger sister is Vanielle Blackhorse. My grandmother is Elizabeth Simpson and my grandfather is the late James Hobbs, after my grandfather passed away, my grandmother remarried to Ben Salis. My paternal grandmother is the late Bessie Lee Begay and my paternal grandfather is the late Harry Blackhorse. I reside in Kayenta, Arizona with my family.

During my reign as Miss Diné College 2011-2012, it is indeed, big shoes to fill because you're a role model not only for the younger generation, but for your peers and for the older generation because they expect you to carry yourself with respect and dignity. Not only will I represent the school, but I want to make a difference and contribute to the community as well. Therefore, during my reign I want to bring awareness to certain aspects of life, which are Health, Education, Involvement and our heritage.

Also, I want to dedicate my reign to my family because as I was growing up they would always tell me 'You're Navajo...you will never be another race, another nationality, as much as you try, your skin will always be brown, be proud that your Navajo, don't ever try to change that, don't ever forget that.' Those are the people that molded me into the person I am today, the culture, the language, the tradition, the history and the teaching I carry upon myself as a young woman. Thank you!" Blackhorse concluded.