MESA, Arizona -- November 18, 2015 – Clara Trim was named the 2015-16 Miss Native MCC during a scholarship pageant, hosted by the Mesa Community College Inter-tribal Student Organization and the American Indian Institute on November 6, 2015. Quimbie Gonnie was named first attendant.
In her capacity as Miss Native MCC, Trim will serve as an ambassador for the MCC American Indian student body and represent the college at many tribal and cultural events throughout the Valley during her reign.
“Education has always been an important part of my life,” Trim said. “I want to encourage other Native American students to reach out and utilize the resources that are available to them on campus so that they can be successful students and reach their potential.”
Clara-Ellen Geromana Puanani Stant-Trim is from Holbrook Az. She is one-quarter Navajo from Greasewood, Ariz., one-quarter Hopi from Hotevilla, Ariz. and half Hawaiian from Laie, Hawaii. She will be graduating from MCC in May and plans to continue her education to earn a bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. and pursue a career as a school psychologist. She names her 5-year-old daughter as her inspiration for continuing her education.
The pageant contestants Quimbie Gonnie (Navajo), Thomacita Begay (Navajo), and Clara Trim (Navajo, Hopi, Hawaiian) each conducted a traditional and contemporary talent performance and answered a series of questions before a panel of judges.
Contemporary talent featured Gonnie speaking on the importance of her family as her inspiration as they encouraged her to keep going in whatever she does. Begay explained the Navajo Nation flag and sang a flag song. Trim performed a Hawaiian hula dance and explained its importance as a performance and prayer.
For the traditional portion Gonnie sang two Navajo songs inspired by former Miss Navajo, Radmilla Cody, which reminded her of her grandparent’s sheep and goats she helped care for as a child. Begay performed several songs inspired by her belief in the Native American Church. Trim’s traditional performance was another hula but with the more of a traditional and historical explanation.
“A common theme between all three contestants was their reliance on family support and a desire to continue pursuing education beyond MCC to improve their futures,” said Sam Stevens, Mesa Community College Advisor. “Each one mentioned significant lessons learned from parents, grandparents, and other family members who motivated and encouraged them to not only complete their schooling but also supported their efforts to compete in this year’s pageant.”
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Contacts
Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu
Sally Mesarosh, sally.mesarosh@mesacc.edu
The Mesa Community College American Indian Institute helps to minimize the cultural distance associated with transition when a student leaves their home area. The Institute provides American Indian students a support and resource center with an awareness of Native customs and culture so they can achieve college success.
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for its service-learning, civic engagement and innovative educational programs, which include university transfer, career and technical, workforce development, and life-long learning. Host to 40,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degrees and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC’s student body hails predominantly from the East Valley of Phoenix and includes Veteran, American Indian and International students who enrich the learning experience. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015, MCC is one of 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. The District also includes the Maricopa Corporate College and two skill centers. For additional information, visit mesacc.edu.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) http://www.ncahlc.org, 800-621-7440.
The Maricopa County Community College District is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.