Tayeanna Bekise, a junior at Newcomb High School, was named on May 8 as one of twelve students nationwide to receive the 2026 FCCLA National Leadership Conference Scholarship. She is the only student from New Mexico selected for this recognition.
The scholarship allows Bekise to attend the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., from July 6–10. The selection process included written essays, a resume, a financial need letter, and a virtual interview with the national committee.
“It is really an honor to be able to represent my people and the minorities. I get to represent and show that we can have a voice in such a big place like that — that you don’t have to have money, you don’t have to know anybody. You can start from absolutely nothing and just work your way up by showing a person what you can do,” Bekise said.
Bekise pointed out that recipients from southern and rural regions are rare among scholarship winners this year. A review of the cohort confirms she is the only representative from New Mexico; other recipients come from American Samoa, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, South Dakota, and Texas.
She joined FCCLA earlier this year after connecting with her advisor Mrs. Renee Campbell through family ties. At the New Mexico State Conference in Albuquerque in March she competed in Repurpose and Redesign with “Generations Reborn,” slippers sewn from her father’s old baby blankets. “My grandma uses those slippers around the house now,” Bekise said. “She shuffles around in them when she’s cooking. It’s really cute.” Her acceptance was announced live during her virtual interview on FCCLA’s national YouTube channel.
“I try to keep my family really updated on the things that I’m involved in — things that I’m really proud to be a part of. It’s important to me that they’re updated in my life,” Bekise said.
The recognition has been noted across Central Consolidated School District (CCSD). “I am a huge fan of Navajo student success,” Lynn M. Foster-Smith said—FCCLA advisor at Kirtland Central High School—“I feel it is a big deal to share and celebrate Ms. Tayeanna Bekise.”
Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is focused on developing leadership skills among youth nationally; Bekise will represent both New Mexico and Navajo Nation at July’s event.
Central Consolidated School District operates as a public school district serving Shiprock area communities by providing education resources for students and families while supporting academic programs and community engagement according to the official website.
