Wahtomy named new Sho-Ban High School Queen, bullying addressed at assembly
New Sho-Ban High School Queen Hazebah Wahtomy.
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Shoshone-Bannock Jr./Sr. High School announced Hazebah Wahtomy as their new incoming Sho-Ban Queen at an assembly on Tuesday, February 13.
She was presented with a flowers, sash, crown and honor song by the Ghost Canyon singers.
Wahtomy was the first attendant in last year’s competition, former Queen, Cincee Washakie, transferred schools. Wahtomy will serve until the school’s annual powwow on March 1 and 2.
Hazebah is the daughter of Gabriel Wahtomy and Roselynn Yazzie. She is a traditional dancer. She’s a junior and participates in Sho-Ban Dance Troupe and Fort Hall Youth Council. She plays volleyball, softball and this year she plans to take part in track & field.
Her favorite class is anatomy and her educational goals are to get good grades and study performing arts at the Institute of American Indian Arts. She also has an interest in cosmetology. During the summer she likes to spend time with her family and friends, travel, attend cultural events, camp, and paddleboard.
Local royalty with Shoshone-Bannock Jr./Sr. High School staff.
The powwow committee members were also introduced, they are: Co-Chairs Daeda Pevo and Marty Davis; Vendors Liaison is Leah Pandoah, Dance Troupe Advisor is Kara Tsosie; Advisor Carol Perkins; Activities/Events Coordinator Pamela Chandanais-Werry; Principal Matt Wilson and Students Kimora Graves the 2023/2024 Sho-Ban Jr./Sr. High School Princess and Keylii Tsosie, who will also be honored as a head dancer.
Bob Johnson was invited to speak to the students about bullying and encouraged the students to think about how they can be warriors in today’s world. He said they can do that by being a role model and doing good things in the community.
Johnson asked the kids to think about their actions and to be accountable for them. Even if they do wrong he said they should think of a way to make up for them. As they get older they need to take on more responsibilities for themselves and they must remember there are people who care and love them.
Bob Johnson speaks to students about respect.
He encouraged the students to stay on the red road and be a good person. He told them to set their goals high and to always be respectful to themselves and others.
He shared with them his own experiences growing up and his mistakes. At one time he was an outstanding athlete, but got caught up in alcohol, drugs and poor choices. Fortunately he was able to come through all that and he was there to talk to them today because he cared about them. He’s been sober for almost 30 years.
Sho-Ban staff presented Johnson with a blanket for coming to speak to the students.
Principal Matt Wilson thanked Johnson and told the students life doesn't last forever but he wants all of them to make the best of it and he’s proud of them.
The event concluded with a round dance.
