Archie Hunt was crowned Mr. PHS Naat'áanii Hastiin and Tyra American-Horse was crowned Miss Naat'áanii `Aadzáni at this year’s UNITY Pageant, which was held in mid-November in Page High School’s Cultural Arts Building.

American-Horse says being chosen as Miss PHS Naat'áanii `Aadzáni is a big honor and something she plans to take very seriously. For her traditional talent, she performed the Jingle Dress Dance. For her modern talent, she stood on stage and told jokes.

American-Horse, a senior at Page High School, has been part of the UNITY Club since her sophomore year. 

“This is a big honor for me,” she said. “It’s a huge opportunity to be more involved in leadership, and I think this role will bring out the part of me that represents the Navajo Nation.”

Hunt said any opportunity to represent the UNITY Club, the school district and the Navajo community is always an honor.

During the UNITY Pageant, he performed a Northern Traditional Dance for his traditional talent, and played the tuba as his modern talent.

In their new roles, Hunt and American-Horse will serve as indigenous representatives for the students, teachers and staff of PUSD and the broader community.

The UNITY Pageant is one of several programs organized by PUSD’s Indian Education Indian Education Office Coordinator Carlos Begay. He said being on stage while performing and answering tough questions in front of family and peers is a great way to build confidence, character and motivation, as well as develop traits that leaders possess. 

This year’s pageant included seven contestants. During the competition, contestants had to perform a traditional talent, a non-traditional talent and answer questions from the judges.

Between performances from the contestants, the pageant also featured fashion modeling with designs from Bitahni Boutique and Breezy Designs. The fashion houses are owned and operated by Diné entrepreneurs Jessie Manygoats and Marian Mike respectively.

The pageant was emceed by Carlos Begay. The judges for this year’s UNITY Pageant were Revington Babu, Acacia Williams, Dee McKerry and Paul Begay. 

Tyra American-Horse also gave the welcome remarks at the beginning of the pageant, and Amy Begay, Miss Navajo Nation, was the event’s motivational speaker. Her remarks came near the end of the program.