CHINLE HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES DUAL CREDIT STUDENTS AT ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
CHINLE, Ariz., April 28, 2026. Chinle High School hosted its Dual Credit Achievement Awards to honor students who earned college credits through the school’s dual credit program. The event celebrated the hard work of high school students and highlighted the strong partnerships between Chinle High School, Diné College, Navajo Technical University, and Northern Pioneer College.
Principal Dr. Raymond Andrade opened the evening by praising the students and the program’s growth. “We celebrate our students who have achieved this great accomplishment of earning dual enrollment credit,” Dr. Andrade said. He shared his goal to see students graduate with an associate degree alongside their high school diploma. Dual credit student Avarose Nieto-Begay confirmed this goal is within reach. “It is possible to still continue high school while doing college work on the side,” Nieto-Begay said.
Dedicated instructors and counselors guide the students through this rigorous process. Fine Arts Instructor Julius Vancruz and Navajo Language Instructor Victor Denny recognized their students during the ceremony. “I encourage all my students to sign up for dual enrollment,” Vancruz said. Denny noted that the program gives students a significant head start on their higher education journey.
Counselor Dr. Kenneth Sanford emphasized the importance of starting early, stating, “We start looking at right now, and there are a number of freshmen that are enrolled. Years ago, only upperclassmen had these opportunities, but now more freshmen can begin earning college credit from their very first year of high school. Starting early allows students to experience college-level work, build confidence, and accumulate credits that put them ahead when they graduate. Our goal is to have students leave Chinle High School not just with a diploma, but with a strong head start on their college degrees—something that benefits them academically and financially in the long run.”
Higher education partners attended the event to present certificates and show their support. Francetta Begaye, Dual Credit Program Director at Dine College, played a key role in making the program a success by coordinating closely with both parents and faculty. Through the Dual Credit Program, high school students can get an early start by earning college credits while still attending high school. Courses offered through Diné College include a broad range of subjects, such as English, Math, Humanities, Fine Arts, History, and Science. Dual credit courses may be taught on a Diné College campus or on a high school campus, with all high school courses aligned to Diné College curricula. Students earn college credit immediately upon successful course completion, allowing them to get ahead while still in high school.
Begaye helped students access these college-level courses, guided families through the enrollment process, and ensured instructors were fully credentialed and supported. “I really appreciate you for having your children take dual credit with Dine College,” Begaye said, encouraging parents to partner with their principals and counselors to establish degree pathways for their children. Her commitment has led to more students taking advantage of dual credit opportunities and moving closer to earning their college degrees while in high school.
Patrick Blackwater, Acting Provost at Diné College, explained the program’s benefits. “The dual credit program provides high school students with opportunities to earn college credits,” Blackwater said. Tomasita Clarke from Navajo Technical University and Todd Wilcox from Northern Pioneer College also celebrated the students. “This is an opportunity for your students … to get that experience while they’re here,” Clarke said.
Community leaders and parents shared their pride and advice. Mariana Kahn, Principal Attorney and Legislative Counsel for the Navajo Nation—also a graduate of Chinle High School and an alumna of Diné College—encouraged the young scholars to carry strong values into their futures. “Drape yourself in these virtues—kindness, helpfulness, generosity, and gratitude. These are qualities you will take with you wherever you go, beyond high school and into your communities, families, and the wider world. The patience and steadfastness you build now will support you through life’s next steps,” Kahn said.
Charlezalowpher Blacksheep, a dual credit student, spoke about how the program broadened his perspective. “I never really knew how it worked, but after joining and having conversations with the dual enrollment team, I finally got the hang of it, and now I see how beneficial it is. It opened me to a lot of opportunities that we can use in the long run, and also right now,” Blacksheep said.
Reflecting on his mindset before participating, he added, “Before I started, I had a vague understanding about college and didn’t think this could be a thing for me, but now I know the criteria and possibilities. It really opens your mind.” Parents played a major role in student success as well. Janet Blacksheep, Charlezalowpher’s mother, spoke about encouraging her son to take advantage of the program and experience what being a college student is like.
For more information on Diné College Dual Credit Program – dualcredit@dinecollege.edu
