Local Navajo Graduate Wins $5,000 U.S. Eagle Scholarship

A recent scholarship award highlighted both cultural preservation and technical ambitions among San Juan County youth. Hailey Thomas, a graduate of Navajo Preparatory High School from Lukachukai, Arizona, received $5,000 as one of six winners in the 2025 U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union scholarship program. The program distributed thirty thousand dollars to projects addressing community concerns, bullying prevention, and business development across New Mexico.

Thomas was selected for a community concern submission she developed while in high school, when she translated the Australian Broadcasting Corporation animated show "Bluey" into the Navajo language. Reviewers cited the project for its emotional impact and thoughtful execution, and the scholarship committee noted winners for their commitment to community well being and career goals that benefit society. Thomas said she applied after seeing an advertisement for the scholarship and felt the community concern category fit a high school project perfectly.

The award advances Thomas's plans to study electrical engineering and computer science at the University of California Berkeley. She described growing up with grandparents who did not have electricity or running water and framed her engineering interest around designing sustainable electrical systems for Native communities. That personal context ties the scholarship to broader policy questions facing San Juan County and neighboring tribal lands, where access to reliable power and modern infrastructure remains uneven.

For local leaders and public agencies, the award underscores the value of investing in education pathways that link cultural revitalization with technical training. Supporting students who commit to return to hometowns can help address workforce gaps in rural health care, utilities, and public safety, and can strengthen partnerships between county government and tribal institutions seeking sustainable energy solutions. For families and educators, Thomas's recognition demonstrates the tangible benefits of community focused projects and the role of scholarships in removing financial barriers to higher education.

The scholarship program also signals to civic institutions that youth initiatives addressing local concerns can attract external funding and recognition. In the months ahead, county officials and school administrators may consider how to amplify similar opportunities and align local training programs with the infrastructure needs of Native communities.