My name is Penelope Thomas, and I am 18 years old. I am an 11th grader including that I am an upcoming senior, class of 2027, at Fort Wingate High School, and I am also a dual credit student at Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I am from the tribe of the Navajo Nation, and my clans are the Black Sheep Clan, born for the Water Edge Clan. My maternal and paternal clans are the Zuni Pueblo people and the Towering House Clan. I am originally from Jones Ranch, New Mexico, near Zuni Pueblo, also known as Chichiltah, NM.

I would describe myself as outspoken, outgoing, and full of laughter. I enjoy meeting new people, having meaningful conversations, and learning from every experience. Education is very important to me because it gives me the opportunity to achieve my goals and honor my grandmother, who was not able to attend school. I want to become a Navajo teacher so I can help preserve our language and culture for future generations. Right now, I am taking dual credit classes at SIPI, including Navajo Government, and I am working step by step toward becoming a Navajo educator.

My culture has taught me respect, responsibility, hospitality, and spiritual balance. These values influence how I live every day. They guide me to speak Navajo, share family stories, cook traditional meals, celebrate ceremonies, and wear traditional outfits. I feel a deep responsibility to keep our traditions alive and to make sure that younger generations understand and value where they come from. My family has inspired me to honor our heritage, and I hope to continue that tradition throughout my life.

At school, I maintain a GPA above 3.0, major in Navajo studies, and participate in sports as a volleyball player and former football player. I also take on leadership roles, helping my classmates work together and communicate effectively. One challenge I faced was during my time as Former Miss Wingate, when some people doubted my abilities. I overcame this by staying strong, believing in myself, and showing others that it is possible to overcome obstacles. This experience taught me the importance of resilience, confidence, and leadership.

I am passionate about youth, culture, education, and honoring our elders. I want to help young people stay connected to their traditions, learn from our elders, and feel proud of their heritage. Our elders carry wisdom and stories that teach us who we are, and education allows us to use that knowledge to succeed.

As a Miss Indian New Mexico contestant, I am committed to honoring my culture, learning from my elders, and inspiring the next generation to embrace their identity with pride. I envision a community where young people respect their elders, carry our teachings into the future, and celebrate their heritage. I am proud to represent the Navajo people, because our culture, language, and traditions are strong and beautiful. I hope to show others the importance of valuing and preserving our heritage.