Native American Seals and Stoles

Native American Graduating Seniors are eligible to earn the Seals and Stole award if they meet the eligibility criteria and follow the process. The online application will be available November 1. The deadline to apply is December 15, 2025 

There are up to four Native American Seals that an APS student may earn to wear with their cap and gown at their graduation ceremony. It is an opportunity for Native students to learn more about their culture, contribute to their community, and learn the Zuni or Navajo language.  Students may earn one, two, three, or four seals.  (The fourth seal is a state language seal that at this time is only for seniors who are proficient in Navajo).  By earning one seal, the student will receive the stole.   It is an honor for students to earn and wear the stole.

For more information, please contact the APS Indian of Education counselor, Sara Money, email: sara.money@asp.edu 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

 Native American high school seniors who:

• Are enrolled in APS (not charter school).

• Completed a 506 and/or CIB (Certificate of Indian Blood) and the forms are on file with the APS Indian Education Department. (Or access the forms in the tab/button that says resources.)

• Have a flat cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher by the end of fall semester senior year.

• Less than 7 absences in any class (senior year).

WHEN ARE THE DEADLINES?

Students need to be specific about which Seal(s) they are applying for.  You will need to two essays and two presentations if you are trying to earn the APS Indian Tribal Seal and the Seal for Distinguished Learning. 

Timeline below:

•  November 2- December 12, 2025: Complete Online Application

• November 15, 2025- Attend a Workshop 10am- noon at City Center or December 2, 2025 6pm-8pm at City Center

• Varying dates- Write Essay(s) and create google slide presentation: Due date is different for each seal. Look in session for specific dates.

• March 25, 26, 27, 2026- Complete in person presentations and demonstrations.

• April 17, 2026- Must RSVP by this date for Senior Banquet

• May 8, 2026 – Awards given at senior banquet at Isleta Resort & Casino. Graduates can bring two guests

Students need to be familiar with the Native American Values which includes:  Generosity, Independence, Belonging, and Mastery.  Here is a Rubric of the Native American values.

Notification

Applicants will be notified by email and/or phone call in April regarding the status of the application.

Receiving

Students will receive the award at the senior banquet which is typically 1-2 weeks before graduations are scheduled.

Wearing

Students will wear their stoles over their graduation gowns during the graduation commencements.  Each earned seals is attached to the stole. The seal looks like a “patch” that is attached to the stole.