Newcomb High School senior Jordin Holyan will attend the University of Portland with full financial support after earning the Davis New Mexico Scholarship, according to a May 8 announcement. Holyan, who is salutatorian and a National Honor Society member, will begin her studies in the university’s nursing program this fall.
The Davis New Mexico Scholarship covers all college costs for first-generation students from New Mexico. Holyan is the third student from Newcomb High School to receive this award. She became eligible through participation in the ROCA (Rural Opportunities for College Access) summer program. “I heard about ROCA from Guila Curley, and after she recommended me, we went to the program,” Holyan said. “Our college advisor told us we qualified for the Davis scholarship — and we heard that it paid for everything.”
Holyan chose the University of Portland because of its strong nursing program and also mentioned its school colors as an influence on her decision. “The main reason was because the main color was purple,” she said with a laugh, “as well as them having a really good nursing program. I had my eyes on University of Portland from the start.” Her motivation to pursue nursing stems from wanting to help others and contribute positively to her community.
After learning she received the scholarship, Holyan described an emotional reaction: “I literally screamed,” she said. “I was so happy I started crying. I told Guila and she started crying too.” The scholarship has significant meaning for her family as well; Holyan is the first in her immediate family to attend a four-year university directly after high school. She credits her mother as a key motivator: “My mom has been crying — even a few days after I received the scholarship — saying she’s so happy that I don’t have to worry about finances… My mom was the biggest motivator for me to be at the top of my class.”
Central Consolidated School District operates multiple schools serving communities including Shiprock and provides public education resources from elementary through high school levels while supporting family involvement and academic programs, according to its official website.
Holyan’s achievement highlights ongoing efforts by educators like College and Career Readiness Coordinator Guila Curley at Newcomb High School who work with students on competitive scholarships such as ROCA. As only one of three recipients in school history, Holyan’s story shows what can be achieved when students are supported by their families, teachers, and community programs.
