Board recognizes Newcomb students: rugby team, Dartmouth acceptance and new middle‑school bike program

The Central Consolidated School District board publicly recognized several student and community accomplishments at its meeting. Newcomb High School’s newly formed rugby team was honored after traveling to Salt Lake City as the only team representing the Navajo Nation in a national competition. Coach Chi and school staff described the program as still young — composed mostly of freshmen and one eighth-grader during its first season — and said the team is fundraising for an April tournament in Brigham City. The board also highlighted that Tanya Platero, a Newcomb student, was accepted to Dartmouth College’s Indigenous Fly‑In program; district staff said Platero will attend October 10–15 and described her reaction to the acceptance. Board members commended the family for supporting the student’s initiative and said the district wants to continue spotlighting college-access opportunities. Separately, the board heard that a middle‑school Riding for Focus program delivered 35 new bikes and a 12‑lesson curriculum to students in Shiprock, including hands‑on bike assembly and safety training; staff said community partners helped assemble the bikes and provided helmets. The superintendent also reported a recent $1,500 donation from a local energy company to Shiprock High School’s science department to purchase a robotics kit for a local RezBotics competition. Board members praised students, parents and community volunteers and encouraged continued fundraising and community support for the new activities.