Southern Ute Student of the Season
Ailise Naranjo
My name is Ailise Naranjo and I have been nominated Southern Ute tribal “Student of the Season” for Fall 2025. I attend Ignacio Elementary School where I am in the 1st grade. My mom is Josie Jack. I enjoy music and seeing my friends. While at school my favorite subject is reading and P.E., when I grow up I would like to become a doctor. My positive role models include my mom, grandma and grandpa.
Ailise was nominated by Southern Ute Education teacher Denise Krispin, “Ailise is a delightful young girl who I enjoy teaching. This is her second year joining me for after-school tutoring. Ailise is like a ray of sunshine that always brightens my day. She is an enthusiastic student who enjoys learning at school and tutoring. I love that she is willing to tackle challenging work and is not afraid to try new things. Ailise is respectful to her teachers and kind to her classmates. She is caring, thoughtful, and willing to help others. Congratulations, Ailise!”
Ailise’s classroom teacher shares, “Ailise is such a joy to have in class; she comes to school with a positive attitude towards learning. She is always smiling; she completes all assigned work and is always looking for a challenge. Ailise lends a helping hand anytime she notices a friend that may need help; she is a social butterfly,” Ms. Sullivan said. “Ailise constantly talks about the new things she is learning in her specials class, she also loves to color and draw. Ailise is very creative, and she loves to read.”
Ailise’s family comments, “We are all so very proud of Ailise, being able to watch her grow independently and be so determined to learn.”
Aziryah Howe 
My name is Aziryah Howe and I have been nominated Southern Ute tribal “Student of the Season” for Fall of 2025. I attend Ignacio Elementary School where I am in the 5th grade. My mom is Camille Richards, what I enjoy most about school is that it helps with the hard stuff. My favorite subjects are music and science, and my positive role models include my family, friends, and teachers. When I grow up, I would like to go to college and learn to become a music teacher.
Aziryah was nominated by Southern Ute Education teacher Kelly Fiddler and she shares, “Aziryah, you are such an intelligent, thoughtful and very kind person. Your high social intelligence and maturity is admirable. The empathy and understanding that you show toward all people is honorable,” Ms. Fiddler said. “You are a strong and solid role model for other children who may not be kind to one another or get along with each other. Your wonderful personality and positive attitude brightens every space that you enter.”
Aziryah’s teacher Mrs. Young shares, “I have watched Aziryah grow since she became an Ignacio Bobcat a few years ago, and I have admired her strength and determination this year. She represents her school and her community with six pillar Bobcat characteristics. I am proud of her as a teacher and amazed at her beautiful soul as a young lady. Congratulations!”
Aziryah’s music teacher, Samantha Walker shares, “Aziryah holds a natural kindness and humility that makes her shine. She has always been a sweet student, an amazing helper, and has a true love for music. I love the fact that she gives out lots of hugs, notes of encouragement, song suggestions, and jewelry! I admire that Aziryah never gives up, no matter the challenge. I’ve had the honor of teaching her in Music last year, Southern Ute Education Art and Music Camps, and this year in Voices of Ignacio Choir! I am very excited for her to receive this honor and continue to watch her grow!”
Aziryah’s family comments: “Thank you to Kelly Fiddler and the Ignacio Elementary School staff for helping us get to this point! We are beyond happy for Aziryah! The world is yours Ms. Girl, shine bright and smile on – with love from Mom, Nate, Mae Mae, and Grama Flo.”
Tayton Goodtracks 
My name is Tayton Goodtracks and I have been nominated Southern Ute tribal “Student of the Season” for Fall of 2025 because my teachers are proud of me. I attend Ignacio Middle School where I am in the 7th grade. My parents are Bradlin Goodtracks and Alyssa Wagner, I enjoy playing school sports the most and my favorite subject is Math. My mom is my positive role model, and when I grow up, I would like to become a police officer.
Tayton was nominated by Southern Ute Education teacher Julie Stone, “Tayton was nominated for the Southern Ute Student of the Season because he has displayed a great deal of growth and maturity. He is well liked by his peers, respectful and kind at school,” Stone said. “Taytons teachers overwhelmingly nominated him for this honor. He is very attentive in class and is appreciated for his hard work and participation. Many people recognize that Tayton is a hard worker in class and fun to be around.”
Tayton’s family comments “I am very proud of you, Tayton, keep up the awesome work – love Mom. Keep up the amazing work, never give up – love MayZana. Great job son, keep up the good work, keep making your family proud! We will always stand behind you! – Love Dad & Necca.”