Lori Ann Piestewa Memorial Scholarship This Scholarship Is
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Lori Ann Piestewa Memorial Scholarship This scholarship is awarded in honor of Lori Ann Piestewa, an enrolled member of the Hopi Tribe from the village of Upper Moenkopi on the Hopi Reservation. She left two beautiful children – Brandon, and Carla. Lori’s Hopi name was Qotsa-Hon-Mana or White Bear Girl. The land’s Hopi residents are rich in the highest of human qualities – caring and concern for each other, and deep family and religious values. Their most treasured possessions are each other. It is in this environment that Lori was raised to be the courageous, resolute and unselfish person that she was, qualities that ultimately led her at the age of 23 to make the ultimate sacrifice for her Tribe and her Country. Lori, like other struggling but aspiring young American Indian women, joined the military for a better life – for her two children and her family. She had dreams, and like many other American Indian girls, she did not have personal resources and had not been able to obtain scholarships to help her pursue those dreams. She loved her children dearly and wanted them to have a better life. This award has been created to help fill that need for scholarships. Lori’s first assignment was with the 507 Army Maintenance Company, where she became roommates with Jessica Lynch. We often hear of the lifelong bonds that are formed among our soldiers especially when they go to war, bonds so strong that they often involve risking death for their fellow comrades. Lori and Jessica established such a bond, and it transcended life and death. Lori has been an inspiration and role model for Hopi and American Indian youth, for our troops and veterans, and for many throughout the Nation. One of the most prominent peaks in Phoenix, Arizona was renamed Piestewa Peak in honor of Lori and all fallen military heroes. American Legion Post 80 on the Hopi Reservation has been renamed the Lori Piestewa American Legion Post 80. The Lori Piestewa National Native American Games brings Native American youth from throughout the country together every year. A plaque bearing Lori’s name is located at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico and at Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial in La Jolla, California. This scholarship is awarded to a young member of the Hopi Tribe that also has dreams for a better life, is family and community centered, and exemplifies some of the qualities that led Lori Ann Piestewa to give her life for our Country. Written by: Ernest Martinez .