My name is Zuriah Baker, and I have been nominated for Southern Ute Student of the Season for Spring 2025. I have been nominated by Southern Ute Education teacher ShaRay Rock. I attend Bayfield High School where I am a Junior (11th grade), I am the daughter of Hailey Yesslith (Herrera) and Zachary Yesslith.  

My favorite part of being in school is earning a variety of opportunities and getting the chance to be a leader. My favorite subject is history; it is my passion in life. My positive role models include; my mother, grandmother, parents, history teachers, and the Southern Ute Tribal Council. When I grow up, I would like to be a diplomat, it is my goal to help all people in my life.  

Teacher’s comments: Zuriah has shown the role of what a great leader is. She is the Chairman for the Sunshine Cloud Smith Youth Advisory Council, she is a part of the Study Aboard Program, she has been accepted for the Summer Senate Page Program, she will be attending Close Up: Native American & Alaskan Native Youth Summit this summer. Zuriah is a hard worker and is dedicated to what she does. Not only for herself, but for her family and peers. She has all the characteristics of a great leader. I am proud of her and all her accomplishments. Zuriah is the perfect candidate for this pick.