Tribal Education hosts the Chief Azule Scholar Awards for students
May 20, 2016
Christopher Lomahquahu
Gila River Indian News
Gila River Indian Community students celebrated another year of academic excellence surrounded by friends and family at an event hosted by the Tribal Education Department.
TED hosted the annual Governor’s Scholar Award Program under it’s new name, the Chief Azule Scholar Awards Program, at the Rawhide Western Town Steak House on May 7.
Chief Antonio Azule was the last hereditary chief to lead the Community and was regarded as an advocate for education for the Akimel O’otham and Pee-Posh people.
The scholars program recognized 4-12th grade students and recent college graduates who received a bachelor’s degree.
In his address, Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis said the students are carrying on a legacy started by the Huhugam ancestors who were innovative in areas of science, engineering and agriculture.
“Every year the Community is going to recognize academic excellence. It’s going to recognize it among [our] best and [our] brightest,” said Lewis.
Chief Azule’s direct descendant Dean Azule was a special guest at the banquet and spoke on behalf of his ancestor.
“I am very, very honored to have [this] scholars program named after Chief Azule. [He] promoted a lot of progress for [his] people, including getting educated,” said Azule.
He encouraged the students to be innovative and to create answers to some of the biggest issues that face Native people.
“We look forward to [you], to see what’s beyond the horizon,” said Azule.
Lt. Gov. Monica Antone echoed the same appreciation for the students and encouraged them to strive for more in their lives in honor of Chief Azule.
“We are reminded every day of what he stood for,” said Antone, “[He] helped fight the battles to protect [our] Community.”
2016 Chief Azule Scholar & Citizenship Award Winners
Fourth Grade
1st—Caswell Gerlaugh-Sam, Blackwater Community School
2nd— Nevaeh Quiroz, Blackwater Community School
3rd— Alayna Mark, Sacaton Elementary School
Fifth Grade
1st— Adriella Gambler, Blackwater Community School
2nd— Gabriel Lewis, Blackwater Community School
3rd— Azaria Enos, Sacaton Middle School
Sixth Grade
1st— Sineca Jackson, Conley Elementary School
2nd— Phoenix Bojorquez, Imagine Prep Coolidge
3rd— Elysa Martinez, Skyline Gila River D5
Seventh Grade
1st—Kylie Allison, Hohokam Middle School
2nd—Joseph Laborin, Imagine Prep Coolidge
3rd—Anthony Blackwater, Hohokam Middle School
Eighth Grade
1st—Rachael Whempner, Vista Del Sur Accelerated Academy
2nd— Angelica Ulate, Skyline Gila River D5
3rd— Hope Miles, Imagine Prep Coolidge
Ninth Grade
1st— Lorenza Aleman, Coolidge High School
2nd— Zachary Quimayousie, Imagine Prep Coolidge
3rd— Jessica Rios, Betty H. Fairfax High School
Tenth Grade
1st— Jered Lewis, Coolidge High School
2nd— Karissa Mark, Imagine Prep Coolidge
3rd— Rheanna Jackson, Coolidge High School
Eleventh Grade
1st— Hunter Nish, Coolidge High School
2nd—Selena Whitman, Coolidge High School
3rd—Selena Jackson, Coolidge High School
Twelfth Grade
1st—Danielle Whempner, Betty H. Fairfax High School
2nd—Bianca Hernandez, Casa Grande Union High School
3rd—Ashley Thompson, Casa Grande Union High School
College
1st—Raquel Romero, Arizona State University
2nd—Gary Mix, University of Oregon
3rd—DeAnna Ringlero, South Mountain Community College
Citizenship Awards (Twelfth Grade)
1st—Danielle Whempner, Betty H. Fairfax High School
2nd—Bianca Hernandez, Casa Grande Union High School
3rd—Ashley Thompson, Casa Grande Union High School
Lorenz Saiza, Coolidge Alternative Program
Mariana Allison, Coolidge Alternative Program
Gabriel Madrid, Coolidge High School
Olivia Hogg, Coolidge High School
Manuel Lewis, Vista Grande High School
Priscilla Rhodes, Casa Grande Union High School
Marissa Sunna, Vista Grande High School
Jesus Flores, Vista Grande High School
Martin Solarez Jr., Casa Grande Union High School
Roman Sabori, Casa Grande Union High School
Salindarose Antone, Casa Grande Union High School
Daniel Lewis, Coolidge Alternative Program
