­
­
Marcus White (red ribbon shirt) accepted the Elbert J. Floyd on behalf of his cousin, Kaya Bison. White stands with his mother, Agatha Bison, along with presenter, John L. Floyd, Southern Ute Education Director, LaTitia Taylor, and Southern Ute Tribal Councilmembers Alex Cloud, Lorelei Cloud and Tyson Thompson.
The grandson of Elbert J. Floyd, John L. Floyd spoke of his heartfelt appreciation to be awarding the scholarship, named after his grandfather.
Marcus White reads a letter to the Southern Ute Tribal Council from his cousin, Kaya Bison, for whom he accepted the Elbert J. Floyd award in Council Chambers, Friday, June 2.
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Thumbnail image of
Thumbnail image of
Thumbnail image of
­
­

Kaya Bison awarded the Floyd Scholarship

Friday - June 9, 2017 by Staff report | The Southern Ute Drum

Kaya Bison, a young Southern Ute tribal member was awarded the Elbert J. Floyd Scholarship Friday, June 2. Every year the scholarship is given to an outstanding, deserving tribal member student.

The award recipient, Kaya Bison, was unfortunately unable to attend the ceremony in person. Standing before members of the Southern Ute Education Department and Tribal Council — Southern Ute Tribal member, Marcus White accepted the award on her behalf, alongside his mother, Agatha Bison.

The Floyd family has been giving out the award in honor of Elbert J. Floyd since his passing in 1985. Floyd worked with the Southern Ute Tribe for 20 years and always found an interest in youth education and furthering that knowledge and schooling. Presenting this year’s award was John L. Floyd, grandson of Elbert Floyd.

“My grandfather was always passionate about the link between his family and the Ute people,” John L. Floyd said. “Kaya is very worthy of this award because she is pursuing her education, improving her reading ability and is working harder at being a better individual.”

“It’s an awesome thing to see that the younger generation wants to improve and continue their schooling towards and throughout college,” Southern Ute Council woman, Lorelei Cloud said. Southern Ute Vice Chairman, Alex S. Cloud said that by Marcus and his mother accepting the award on Kaya’s behalf, it goes to show how education is a big component throughout their families’ lives.

“Kaya is a role model, scholar, fun friend, and exemplifies Bobcat character,” said Carrie Vogel, the Southern Ute Public Education teacher working with Ignacio Elementary School.

Kaya Bison had prepared a letter to be read by her cousin Marcus White during the presentation, it’s contents directed to Floyd and the Tribal Council.

“I want to first say thank you so much for this recognition. It is an honor to be nominated and to receive this award. I apologize for my absence … I will keep it in my thoughts and prayers. Again, thank you so much for this award and the honor that goes along with receiving it,” Bison said.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
To top