Miss Diné College
2011-2012
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. ‘Develop your body but do not neglect your mind, for it is the mind that leads a man to power, not the strength of body.’ This quote was said by American Indian Crow chief, Plenty Coup.
Ya’a’teeh shik’éí, shidine, shí eí Valentina Maria Blackhorse yinishí. Tl’ááshchí’í nishíigo, Bit’ahnii báshíshchíín, Tódích’íi’nii dashícheii dóó Táchii’nii dashínalí. ákót’éego asdzáán nishli. Naadiin shinááhai dóó Diné College Social Behavioral Science baaííníshta’. Shizhé’é dóó Shimá eí Danny dóó LaVerne Blackhorse wolyé. Shádí dóó Shideezhí eí Victoria dóó Vanielle Blackhorse wolyé. Shimásaní eí Elizabeth Simpson wolyé dóó shicheii eí James Hobbs wolyé nt’éé. Shinálíasdáán eí Bessie Lee Begay wolyé nt’éé dóó Shinálíhastiin eí Harry Blackhorse wolyé nt’éé. Tódínnéeshzheedi shíghan.
Growing up through Native American Church, raised with my religion and my Navajo tradition in mind, my parents always support me, telling me I would reach any goal I put forth. Whatever I would tell my parents about what I wanted to be when I grew up, sometimes I would say ‘I want to be a police officer, a dancer, an astronaut, etc.’
Gaining an education was what my parents wanted for their children, entering kindergarten at the age of 5, I was very school-orientated, and school meant everything for me, gaining that education to make my parents proud. When I was 9 years old, I competed in my first pageant. I went on to win Miss K.C.S when I was 12 years old and then the title, Miss M.V.H.S when I was 17 years old.
Competing in pageants since 9 years old up to now, it wasn’t just about winning or losing; it was about having fun, showing your talent, making new friends, and about the support people gave you. Apart from being school orientated, family means the world to me, together as a family we overcame obstacles, overcame hard times. That’s why a huge part of my support, my accomplishments came from my family and it’s because of my family as to why I would never give up, staying positive, especially when times were tough.
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.
Contact
Valentina M. Blackhorse
Miss Diné College
Call Sponsor:
928.724.6741
Mail to:
Miss Diné College
1 Circle Dr.
Tsaile, AZ 86556