Canku Ota

(Many Paths)

An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America

May 17, 2003 - Issue 87

Hopi Alumni Are Good Role Models

Beverly Honanie, Native American Recruitment Retention Specialist at Arizona State University-West, was talking to students about attending the university. Freshmen through seniors visited with working-world folks to learn about the various careers.

Hopi High students had large selections of careers and colleges to learn about. The list of visitors with booths at the career fair included Arizona Department of Economic Security, Hopi Radio KUYI, Army, the U.S. Postal Service, Ironworkers Local 75, Hopi Tribe Office of Personnel, Hopi Guidance Center, Pathways to Health and Fitness, Eagle Air Med, Speech and Language Consulting Services, Quality Inn and Hotel Restaurant, Hopi Health Care Center, Coconino Community College, Everest College, Hi Tech Institute, New Mexico Highlands University, Northern Arizona University, Northland Pioneer College and Hopi Tribe Grants and Scholarship Program and Adult Vocational Training Program.

Honanie graduated from Hopi High School in 1995 and went on to earn her BS in regional development from the University of Arizona.

Honanie told the Hopi High students that ASU-West is much smaller than the main campus.

"It's more student-oriented and we have scholarships available," she said. "We need more Native American students."

Honanie said Native Americans make up 2 percent of the current ASU-West enrollment.

"We want to raise that to 3 percent. We have about 115 Native American students and would like to get it up to 200. We have our own resource center and Vice Provost Gebe Ejigu advocates for Native American programs," she said.

Hopi BIA Police Officer Paul Sidney, a graduate of Hopi High School, told students what it's like to patrol the area.

Sidney told the youth that they have to be at least 21 years old and have a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma to join the Hopi BIA Police Department. He added that applicants for the police department should have a clean record, but someone with misdemeanors could be considered for hire.

"As long as you're honest. It's up to the hiring personnel, but they look for honesty, personality and character," he said.

Sidney said some students who got in trouble in the past want jobs with the police department.

"They stop by. They're attracted by the uniforms and firearms. They know it involves a lot of adrenaline. When something happens, a police officer can't hesitate to get involved," he said. "They may be facing someone who has a firearm and a knife and who's combative. A police officer is a risk-taker, but they must know the law so they can make a quick, right decision."

Sidney said police work can involve a lot of liability, so officers must think about what they do. Sidney is also involved with Community Oriented Police System (COPS) and Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT). He added that he likes being involved in community programs like these. "It's helps to have rapport with the public," he said.

Sidney, who is responsible for training young recruits, said he was excited about the opportunity to talk to students during the career fair.

"We need new people with new ideas. We're looking for potential recruits," he said.

Jessica Vicente, a staff assistant at KUYI, said many students showed an interest in the local radio station.

"I told them we want more teenagers broadcasting on the air," she said.

Hopi High School

http://www.hjshs.k12.az.us/

www.expedia.com

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