Jeehdeez’a Celebration Marks Full-Circle Moment for Community

Students, educators, families and community members gathered on April 22, 2025, under brilliant clear skies in Low Mountain, Arizona, to celebrate the opening of Jeehdeez’a Elementary School’s new state-of-the-art outdoor sports complex. The event marked more than the opening of the lighted football field, track and skatepark. It was a moment to reflect on years of hard work, collaboration, and shared vision. 

“To be here, on this soil, witnessing what we envisioned become real — it’s hard to explain what that means,” said Detroit James, former student and the day’s master of ceremonies. “It’s not just a field. It’s a promise kept.” 

The day featured powerful remarks from Diné and Bureau of Indian Education leaders, student music, a community lunch, and an inaugural 5K event. As a previous school board member and early supporter of the athletic facility project, James felt overcome with emotions while listening to students perform the song “Go My Son” at the grand opening. 

“I had to stop and just listen,” he said. “That song, those words reminded us of where we came from. It was healing. It was powerful.”  

The celebration was also visually stunning. All 47 female students wore colorful ribbon skirts created for the day by Jeehdeez’a language and culture teacher Phyllis Tachine and her team.  

For Vincent Mays, Ed.D, principal of Jeehdeez’a, the celebration represented the culmination of years of persistence. 

“This field is the result of vision, grit, and deep love for our students,” Mays said. “We knew that if we wanted to nurture champions — in the classroom and beyond — we had to create the environment they deserved.” 

Mays credited partnerships with the Bureau of Indian Education and local leadership for making the project possible. He recognized the support of BIE School Operations, Behavioral Health and Wellness, and ARPA funding, as well as his district leadership, to enable the $3.9 million facility. 

“We built trust. We kept showing up. And now, our kids have a place that reflects their potential,” he said. 

Adding to the day’s significance, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren attended the celebration. 

“It’s always good to witness success in our Navajo schools,” Nygren said on social media after the festivities. “This project shows how great leadership, good planning, and strong partnerships can lead to amazing outcomes.” 

Leaders from the Bureau of Indian Education, including Emily Arviso, Associate Deputy Director for Navajo Bureau Schools, and John McIntosh, Jeehdeez’a Elementary’s Education Program Administrator, were also in attendance. 

“Today marks a special day for Jeehdeez’a Elementary School. It is an amazing accomplishment and far-reaching in its benefits for the community it serves,” Arviso said during her remarks. “As Diné, we honor the earth as a sacred source of life. It is fitting that we dedicate a facility that brings people together to move, celebrate, and thrive — in harmony with the land.” 

“Jeehdeez’a has shown what’s possible when we invest in both vision and values,” McIntosh said, emphasizing the project's broader impact. 

The new outdoor athletic facility features a regulation track, multi-sport field, bleachers, and infrastructure for future programming. Built with local climate and culture in mind, the space is expected to support athletics, physical education, school gatherings, and community events. James saw his community's past, present, and future in the new facility and the school that will enjoy it. 

“This field was built on love, determination, and the belief that our kids deserve the best,” he said. “I’m proud to be from Jeehdeez’a. I’m proud of all of us.”