Crownpoint, NM - On November 13, 2017, Navajo Technical University’s Child Care Services held its annual royalty pageant crowning Skye Ramone, 4, and Colton Goodluck, 4, as the 2017-2018 Little Miss and Little Mr. NTU. The two will serve as ambassadors for NTU’s Child Care center over the next year, representing the university in various capacities at community events and functions.

“We are excited for Little Miss & Mr. NTU representing Navajo Technical University and the Child Care Services,” expressed NTU Child Care Director Yvette Spencer. “It is very crucial because they are both role models who display the importance of practicing our Navajo culture and language. We encourage this at a very young age to preserve the Navajo culture and language, but most importantly, the focus of Little Miss & Mr. NTU is to empower all children, build up their self-confidence and self-esteem to accomplish anything they wish to do in their lives.”

The theme for the pageant was, “Today, Tomorrow, Endless Heroes,” and judging was based on three categories: traditional talents, contemporary talents, and an introduction in both Navajo and English. In total, the pageant had eight contestants vying for both Little Miss and Mr. NTU, but it was Ramone and Goodluck who were selected before family, friends, and community.

 

“[The pageant] is a great opportunity for these kids to showcase their talents and for them to be interactive with the Navajo culture,” said Spencer, who stressed the need to advocate for community interaction. “As representatives they learn about the importance of being a contributor to the community.”

Spencer alluded to NTU’s former Little Miss NTU, Kelana Charley, as a great example, who now represents the elementary school in Crownpoint after her reign as Little Miss NTU ended. Like Charley, Ramone has embraced her new role and has made several appearances within the community, including a public speaking engagement at NTU’s employee Christmas luncheon where she spoke and performed songs she sang during the pageant.

 

 

Skye Ramone is the daughter of Wanda Jimmie of Crownpoint, NM, and her clans are Tódík’ózhí born for Tó’heedlííníí. Colton Goodluck is the son of Lacey Begay and Charles Goodluck of Crownpoint, NM and his clans are Ma’íí deeshgíízhíníí born for Tódík’ózhí.

For more information about NTU’s Child Care Services contact Director Yvette Spencer at yspencer@navajotech.edu