2012 Scholars

Keioshiah Peter is the recipient of this year’s Udall Scholarship. Morris Udall & Stuart Udall Foundation is dedicated to educating a new generation of Americans to preserve and protect their national heritage focused on environmental and Native American issues.

The Foundation awards 80 scholarships of $5,000 to junior and senior college students committed to careers related to the environment, tribal public policy, or Native American health care. This year, 80 Udall scholars were selected from 585 candidates nominated by 274 colleges and universities.

Keioshiah Peter is a transfer student from San Juan College, currently studying sociology and Native American Studies at UNM. She is planning to pursue a master’s degree in Public Health and become a substance abuse counselor on the Navajo reservation.

At the age of 16, she became a certified Ropes Course instructor and started volunteering at the Indian Health Services to help promote physical and mental health through exercise and activities. She interned at the Veterans Affairs Office in Washington, D.C. during summer of 2011 through American Indian Science and Engineering Society. She volunteers at the Native Health Institute and also serves as a treasurer for UNM KIVA Club.

She has received Navajo Nation Scholarship, Rising Leader Award, Chief Manulito Scholarship, and Daughters of American Revolution.