Col Springs Gazette

First Hopi earns gold bars

Grad a celebrity on Arizona reservation Mark Reis The Gazette

Michael Tenakhongva the first member of the Hopi Nation to graduate from any of the three major U.S. military academies, hopes he is an inspiration for fellow tribal members in Arizona. By Ed Sealover The Gazette

Air Force Academy graduates have come from around the state, across the country and throughout the world.

But never had a newly commissioned second lieutenant come from the Hopi Indian reservation in remote northeastern Arizona. Until Wednesday.

Michael Tenakhongva became the first Hopi to graduate from any of the three major U.S. military academies.

More than 30 relatives, tribal members and supporters flocked to Falcon Field to watch him graduate. Others waited eagerly for the news on the reservation where Tenakhongva has become a celebrity.

"Even at the high school, they're talking about him, that he's the first Hopi High grad to come here," his beaming father, Clark, said after the ceremony.

"It's great," Tenakhongva said. "Hopefully more of my tribe will be more interested, maybe if they hear about my story."

Nearly one-third of American Indians don't finish high school. Fewer go to college, and almost none gets the opportunity to shake Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's hand while accepting their bachelor's of science degree.

But Tenakhongva knew by the fourth grade he wanted to fly for the Air Force. And teachers encouraged him to do so.

Despite finishing third in his class, he did not get a congressional recommendation needed to enter the academy. So he went to the academy prep school, where he struggled through a year's work with fellow cadets like Warren Lopez, who graduated beside him Wednesday.

"He's one of those guys who will do anything to help you," Lopez said after giving Tenakhongva a bear hug. "I learned the pride that Native Americans have. That's some serious pride."

The next four years were not easy, but Tenakhongva made it with the support of his family and a pair of Hopi tribal members living in Colorado Springs.

When Tenakhongva travels home later this week, he will be the toast of a banquet of piki bread and mutton stew, traditional Hopi food. More than 800 people are expected to attend.

"One of the things that happens when you've had a smaller percentage of American Indians be successful is that models are very important," said Jim West, president of Futures for Children, an organization that encourages Native American education. "I think Michael takes his place now as a role model."

Tenakhongva is taking that seriously. Before beginning his dream of soaring through the air, he will spend a year working in the academy's minority recruitment office.

Then it's off to navigator training.

As Tenakhongva moves toward his dream, so do his younger siblings. One brother will graduate from the University of Arizona in December, and a sister begins at Dartmouth in the fall.

Clark Tenakhongva, who served 10 years in the Army and completed his associate's degree, encouraged his kids to do better than him. Their accomplishments, he said, help dispel the stereotypes about American Indians.As the Thunderbird jets roared overhead after graduation - jets Second Lt. Tenakhongva would love to fly one day - he basked in what his family, friends and inner drive helped him to achieve.

"It's a wonderful feeling after four long years," he said, glancing skyward. "I just want to provide inspiration."

-- Anonymous, May 30, 2002