School Stories

Faculty Spotlight

Desmon Tippeconnie

Mr. Desmon Tippeconnie (he/him/his), Tsi’naajinii nishłį́, Tábąąhí báshíshchíín, Bit’ahnii dashicheii, Kinyaa’áanii dashinálí, shares his passion and knowledge as our Diné Language and Culture I Instructor. In 2025, he proudly earned his master’s degree from the University of New Mexico, furthering his commitment to education and cultural preservation. Known for his engaging teaching style and dedication to his students, Mr. Tippeconnie inspires a deeper connection to language, culture, and identity.

Alumni Spotlight

Santee Lewis

“My education at Navajo Preparatory School was life-changing. It opened doors to opportunities and helped lay the foundation for me to succeed in advancing my education and later, in careers serving the Navajo people at the federal level and in leadership on the tribal level. As the only residential college preparatory high school serving Navajo students from all corners of the Navajo reservation, there is no other school that offers curriculum compatible with Navajo culture and teachings at the same time exposing students to arts, sciences, and athletics, while preparing them to successfully walk in two worlds—that of our indigenous people and the mainstream. I’m incredibly blessed to have attended Navajo Prep and am proud of the impact Navajo Prep alumni have now and will have into the future as we serve our Navajo communities.”

-Santee Lewis, former Executive Director of Navajo Nation Washington D.C. Office

Distinguished Alumni

Dr. Janice Jim

Class of 1999

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
BS, MS, Dr. of Vet Medicine, WSU
Animal Haven

Winifred Jumbo

Class of 2006

Miss Navajo Nation
BS Magna Cum Laude Brown University
Diné College

Shawna Becenti

Class of 1993

Head of School
BA, MS UNM
Navajo Prep

Dr. Renae Watchman

Class of 1992

Co-Director, Office of Academic Indigenization and Associate Professor, Departments of English & Indigenous Studies
BA, MA from ASU; PhD from Stanford
Royal University Calgary Alberta