RRPS Native American Royalty Court announced

RIO RANCHO — Music, colors, dancing and laughter were all in abundant supply at the Rio Rancho High School Performing Arts Center last Thursday as the 2024-25 Rio Rancho Public Schools Native American Pageant got under way.

The pageant began with an introduction from Suzanne Nguyen, RRPS executive director of federal, bilingual, and Native American studies, who thanked the guests and contestants and handed things over to last year’s RRPS Miss Indian, Khloe Bates.

The “Parade of Contestants and Chaperones” came next, and the audience got its first look at the contestants, who each took the stage accompanied by a family member or close friend.

Mya Yazzie, a fourth grader at Ernest Stapleton Elementary, represented her Navajo, San Felipe Pueblo heritage.

Myles Beaumont, also a fourth grader, but at Joe Harris Elementary, honored his Gros Ventre/Colville/Crow heritage.

During the question-and-answer portion, Kylie Toddy, Navajo tribal member and freshman at Cleveland High School, discussed her love of sports and desire to help children.

Rio Rancho Middle School sixthgrader Anna’Mae Johnson beautifully represented her Hualapai tribal heritage.

Nizhoni Tsosie, a sophomore at Rio Rancho High School, honored her Navajo/Dine roots.

Zuni Pueblo sixth grader Iris Weekooty, who attends Lincoln Middle School, spoke of her desire to be a school ambassador.

Lana Largo, a fifth grader at Rio Rancho Elementary, represented her Navajo heritage and spoke of her strong faith.

Lastly, RRHS senior Pharrah Clark took to the stage to represent her Navajo, Laguna Pueblo roots.

After the talent and Q-and-A portions of the pageant, the judges decided on this year’s Native American Royalty Court. The 2024-25 judges were Michael Garcia, Kelsey Quintana and Rosaline Whitehair.

The 2024-25 RRPS Native American Royalty CourtPharrah Clark: Miss Indian RRPS, Navajo and Laguna Pueblo, senior at Rio Rancho High School

Anna’Mae Johnson: Jr. Miss Indian RRPS, Hualapai Tribe, sixth grade at Rio Rancho Middle School

Myles Beaumont: Little RRPS Brave, Gros Ventre/Colville/Crow, fourth grade at Joe Harris Elementary

Lana Largo: Little Miss Indian RRPS, Navajo, fifth grade at Rio Rancho Elementary School