The Morongo Band of Mission Indians, recognizing the transformative power of education, has long been a champion of academic advancement within the Native American community. Demonstrating this commitment, the tribe annually awards scholarships to deserving California Native American students through its Rodney T. Mathews, Jr. Memorial Scholarship program. This initiative, a unique offering within the state, provides critical financial support to help students pursue their dreams of higher education. In a recent ceremony, the Morongo Tribal Council proudly presented $70,000 in scholarship funds to seven accomplished students, marking another milestone in the tribe’s dedication to empowering future generations. The $70,000 in Scholarships Awarded to Native American Students by Morongo Tribe program has become a cornerstone of their philanthropic efforts.
The scholarship presentation took place at a special luncheon held at the Morongo Tribal Hall, situated just north of the tribal administration building at 11581 Potrero Road. The event was not only a celebration of the scholarship recipients but also a recognition of tribal members and descendants who had recently achieved their college degrees, further emphasizing the importance of education within the Morongo community. The atmosphere was one of pride and optimism, as the tribe celebrated the academic achievements of its members and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting future generations.
While many tribes offer scholarship programs specifically for their own members, and federal scholarship opportunities exist, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians stands apart with its inclusive approach. The Rodney T. Mathews, Jr. Memorial Scholarship program is open to any enrolled member of a federally recognized California Indian tribe who is pursuing full-time studies at an accredited college or university. This broad eligibility ensures that the scholarship program reaches a wide range of Native American students across the state, maximizing its impact and contributing to a more educated and empowered Native American population.
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants are required to meet specific criteria designed to ensure that recipients are not only academically capable but also committed to their community. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required, demonstrating academic aptitude. In addition, applicants must complete 60 hours of service with a designated California Indian community agency, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to their heritage. Active involvement in the Native American community is also a key requirement, encouraging students to remain engaged with their cultural identity and contribute to the well-being of their communities. These criteria reflect the Morongo tribe’s holistic view of education, which emphasizes not only academic achievement but also community involvement and cultural preservation.
According to Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin, the tribe views education as a fundamental right and a pathway to opportunity for all Native Americans. "Education is such a serious priority for all Native Americans that we felt it was important to make scholarship funds accessible to all qualified Indian students no matter what tribe they were from," stated Chairman Martin. "Education opens the door to having choices in life and we wanted to help open the doors to tribal youth from all California tribes." His words encapsulate the tribe’s unwavering commitment to empowering Native American students and fostering a brighter future for all.
Curt Walch, the Morongo scholarship administrator, noted the strong interest in the program. When the scholarship application was released in March, the tribe received over thirty applications from members of more than a dozen different tribes. This high level of interest underscores the need for such programs and the positive impact they can have on the lives of Native American students. The selection process was rigorous, ensuring that the scholarship funds were awarded to the most deserving and promising candidates.
The seven recipients of the $70,000 in Scholarships Awarded to Native American Students by Morongo Tribe for this year represent a diverse range of academic disciplines and tribal affiliations:
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Wendy Schlater, a member of the La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians, is pursuing studies in holistic health science, reflecting a commitment to wellness and traditional healing practices.
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Hillary Eagle-Eye Renick, a member of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, is enrolled in the University of Oregon’s College of Law, demonstrating a dedication to justice and advocacy for Native American rights.
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Theodore Aswet Taylor, a member of the Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, aspires to become a commercial airline pilot, embodying ambition and a desire to break barriers in the aviation industry.
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William Madrigal, Jr., a member of the Cahuilla Band of Indians, is pursuing studies in anthropology and archaeology, showcasing a passion for understanding human history and preserving cultural heritage.
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Tabitha Whipple, a member of the North Fork Mono Tribe of California, is studying astronomy and physics at San Diego State University, illustrating a fascination with the cosmos and a pursuit of scientific knowledge.
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Amber Gibbens Tyner, a member of the Yurok Tribe, is dedicated to becoming a school psychologist, reflecting a desire to support the mental health and well-being of students.
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Christina Ann Brown, a member of the Bishop Paiute Tribe, is pursuing a medical degree from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine, demonstrating a commitment to providing healthcare services to underserved communities.
These students exemplify the diverse talents and aspirations of Native American youth, and the Morongo scholarship program plays a vital role in helping them achieve their goals.
Walch further explained that the Morongo tribe views education as a key to self-reliance and empowerment for Native American tribes. "Self-reliance is making education possible for Indian tribes," he stated. He highlighted the tribe’s comprehensive approach to education, which includes a HeadStart program for pre-schoolers, tutoring programs for elementary and high school students, adult education classes, and a scholarship program for tribal members. The establishment of the academic scholarship program for a broader spectrum of Native Americans was seen as the logical next step in the tribe’s commitment to education. The $70,000 in Scholarships Awarded to Native American Students by Morongo Tribe is a significant contribution to the education of Native American students.
The Rodney T. Mathews, Jr. Memorial Scholarship program is named in honor of Rodney T. Mathews Lyons, a respected member of the Morongo tribe who passed away in 2003. Mathews was a graduate of Hastings Law School and served as a judge pro tem for more than a decade. The scholarship serves as a lasting tribute to his legacy and his commitment to justice and education.
The program provides up to $10,000 per student each academic year, a substantial amount that can significantly ease the financial burden of higher education. The scholarships are granted to eligible applicants on a yearly basis and are renewable for a second year, pending demonstration of exceptional progress. This ongoing support allows students to focus on their studies and make the most of their educational opportunities.
In addition to the scholarship presentations, the event also honored tribal members and descendants who had recently completed their college degrees. These individuals included: Carolyn Lorraine Horsman (Bachelors of Science Degree in Information Systems from the University of Redlands), Kim Schoenborn (Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing from Loma Linda University), Dennis Miller (Masters of Arts Degree in Business from Norte Dam De Nemur University), Michael Gonzales (Diplome in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts from the California Culinary Academy), Michelle Mathews (Associates of Arts Degree in Business from Western International University), Jeffery Bisonette (Bachelors of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Portland), Lauren Miller (Associates of Arts Degree in Geography from Irvine Valley College), Amanda Marquez (Associates of Arts Degree in Nursing from the College of the Desert), and Lisa Buenting (Masters of Science Degree in Nursing from Loma Linda University). Their achievements serve as an inspiration to current and future students, demonstrating the transformative power of education.