By NB3 Foundation

Youth take the lead: NB3 Foundation closes out the 2026 Twilight Series

The NB3 Foundation Youth Council saved the best for last. On July 30, they brought over 130 people to the Rio Grande bosque trails for the final event of the 2026 Twilight Series – a community run/walk that packed energy, purpose, and serious heart into every mile.

Partnering with Running Medicine, Native Women Run, Native Health Initiative, and the Dukes Track Club, the youth council pulled off a full-scale community event with routes from 1 to 3 miles. Runners and walkers showed up from Albuquerque, Laguna Pueblo, Santa Clara Pueblo, Ohkay Owingeh, and beyond – including various ages and experience levels – all moving together on the same trail.

“It was amazing to see everyone coming from different places – various tribes, run clubs, or fitness levels. Seeing everyone support one another made me proud of myself and gave a new sense of purpose,” said Pharah Clark, youth council vice president, said.

Second-year council member Leandra Baca (Santa Clara) turned the event into something even bigger. She wove the run/walk directly into her Summer Policy Academy project on diabetes prevention, making her the third youth council member to participate in SPA – a program that trains Indigenous youth to understand federal policies and design real service projects for their communities.

“For my first community service project, what made this event so amazing and impactful was seeing all the people that showed up and supported us,” Leandra said.

Eleven council members ran the operation from the ground up. They designed the flyer, recruited volunteers, led warm-up stretches, delivered speeches, captured photos, and handed out inspirational wristbands. They sharpened their public speaking, leveled up their event planning skills, and built something real together.

“This event signifies the start of building a foundation for a close community led by youth. The Twilight Series brought out a remarkably large crowd this year, forming a bond among community members unlike anywhere else,” Amaya Lucio, youth council member, said. 

Follow NB3 Foundation on social media to stay connected with upcoming youth council events and community projects.

 

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By NB3 Foundation

SFIS girls soccer builds momentum through Indigenous exhibition

As the Santa Fe Indian School (SFIS) girls soccer team begins its fall season, players are building on the skills and experience they gained during a special trip to Washington in June.

With support from NB3 Foundation, the team traveled to Tacoma to participate in the Puyallup World Cup Powwow Indigenous Soccer Exhibition. The event brought together six Indigenous teams, giving athletes an opportunity to compete, connect and celebrate their shared love of the game. With the excitement of the FIFA World Cup throughout the region, the atmosphere made the experience even more memorable.

Organizers initially contacted NB3 Foundation about assembling a team for the exhibition. Although the NB3FIT summer schedule was already full, NB3 Foundation worked to ensure the opportunity would still reach Native youth. Through collaboration with the Santa Fe Indian School athletic director NB3 Foundation was able to coordinate the team’s transportation and participation.

For the SFIS players, the trip offered more than additional time on the field. It gave them a chance to bond as teammates, compete against other Indigenous teams and develop skills they could bring into their fall season.

The experience also demonstrated the importance of creating spaces where Native youth can see themselves represented in sports. By competing alongside other Indigenous athletes, the players were able to build confidence, form relationships and become part of a larger community united through soccer.

Through partnerships like this, NB3 Foundation continues to provide Native youth with opportunities that support physical activity, youth development and cultural connections on and off the field.

We wish the SFIS girls soccer team a successful season and look forward to seeing the players carry the experience, confidence and teamwork they gained in Tacoma onto the field.

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By NB3 Foundation

Beyond the finish line: Eli’s big catch

At 10 years old, Eli Light-Chee is always up for an adventure, whether he’s running a race, throwing a javelin or reeling in a big catch.

Eli has been part of NB3FIT Running Club since 2022, competing in cross country and track and field. He runs the 800 and 1,500 meters, throws the javelin and is already a three-time national Junior Olympic cross country competitor.

However,  running is only one of the ways Eli stays active. He also plays baseball and basketball and enjoys trips to the skate park. Eli’s love for the outdoors extends beyond running. An avid fisherman, he enjoys spending time on the water and connecting with the outdoors in another way.  This summer, Eli’s time on the water paid off

A massive catch at Cochiti Lake earned him a spot on the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Weekly Wall of Fame. He was also featured in the department’s Aug. 6 fishing and stocking report.

Beyond everything he accomplishes, Eli is simply a great kid to have in our programs. He is kind, hardworking and brings a big heart to everything he does. He is always ready with a smile and has a way of making the people around him smile, too.

We’re proud to watch Eli continue to grow, try new things and have fun along the way. Keep it up, Eli!

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By NB3 Foundation

Youth Spotlight: Lorenzo Leon learns lessons from the hive

NB3FIT Track & Field athlete Lorenzo Leon, 14, of the Pueblo of Acoma, is finding success both on the track and in the classroom, where his curiosity sparked an interest in beekeeping. While competing this season in the 800-meter run, 1,500-meter run, javelin and long jump, Lorenzo also completed a beekeeping project for his eighth-grade class at the Native American Community Academy (NACA).

Lorenzo’s interest in bees began when his grandmother started taking a beekeeping class and prepared to bring bees home. He and his grandfather helped build a protective enclosure for the hive, and Lorenzo soon had the opportunity to learn more through visits to the Pueblo of Laguna apiary, which is home to more than 10 hives.

Through his research, Lorenzo learned about the important roles queen bees, worker bees and drones play within a hive. He also participated in hive inspections, helping examine frames for honey, pollen and developing bees while learning how colonies work together to thrive.

As part of his project, Lorenzo interviewed local beekeepers and discovered the important role bees play in pollinating crops and supporting healthy ecosystems. He also learned lessons that extend beyond the hive, including teamwork, patience and cooperation.

“We can learn from the bees by watching them work together to keep the hive alive and growing,” Lorenzo shared in his project.

NB3 Foundation is proud to celebrate youth like Lorenzo who pursue their interests beyond sports, embrace learning opportunities and strengthen their connections to community.

To learn more about New Mexico honey bees, visit the New Mexico State University bee program website.

Read Lorenzo’s full report below!

Learning about Beekeeping
by Lorenzo Leon

I got interested in bees because my grandma was taking a class in beekeeping. She was getting ready to bring bees home, so my grandpa and I helped make her a “bee corral.” We did this because the range horses roam around where we live, and the wind blows hard sometimes. Later, I had the chance to go to the Pueblo of Laguna apiary, where they now have more than 10 hives.

A beehive has bees that perform different jobs.

The queen bee is the most important bee in the hive. Her job is to keep the bees together and lay eggs throughout her life.

Worker bees make up most of the bees in the hive. They are all females and have many jobs, including:

  • Keeping the hive clean
  • Maintaining the hive’s temperature
  • Taking care of the queen
  • Caring for eggs and larvae
  • Guarding the hive
  • Collecting nectar and pollen

During the summer, worker bees are very busy and may live about six weeks. During cooler weather, they are less busy and can live about six months.

Drones are the male bees. There are usually fewer of them. Their job is to mate with a queen bee, usually one from another hive. I learned that worker bees can push drones out of the hive because they do not help with anything else in the hive.

I learned how to help with hive inspections. We wear protective veils and suits over our faces and bodies, but I have still gotten a few bee stings. When the hive is opened, a smoker with cool smoke helps move the bees around.

We have a Langstroth hive with 10 frames. We take out each frame to see what is going on in the hive. We look to see how much nectar and pollen are stored. We look for new bees. Eggs are hard to see, so we look for larvae and new adults forming in covered honeycomb cells. We also look for the queen. She is bigger and longer than the worker bees. Sometimes she is hard to find, and it is exciting when we see her.

I interviewed two Laguna beekeepers for my project, and here are some important things to remember and think about.

Bees are important to agriculture because they help pollinate crops.

We can learn from bees by watching them work together to keep the hive alive and growing. We learn that we need to work slowly and calmly when working with bees and pay attention to what we are doing. We benefit from the gifts of bees, including honey and wax. We also need to be aware that using chemicals, such as pesticides, on plants is harmful and often deadly to bees.

I am glad I am learning about bees and have the opportunity to work with them.

 

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By NB3 Foundation

Breaking Barriers: How NB3FIT Youth Golf is opening doors for Native athletes

 

For many Native youth, sports offer more than just competition they offer connection, opportunity, and the chance to rewrite the narrative. Members of the NB3FIT Youth Golf Team, including Alyssandra Rodriguez and Zachary BlueEyes, are doing just that, showcasing what’s possible when talent meets community support and national opportunity.

Through the NB3 Foundation and the NB3FIT Golf program, these young golfers have grown not only as players but also as leaders. Zachary BlueEyes reflects on the program’s impact: “NB3FIT Golf Team has had a huge impact on me. I’ve become mentally stronger, more disciplined, and I’ve learned how to carry myself both on and off the course. It’s helped me grow not just as a golfer, but as a leader and role model in my community.”

Golf has brought BlueEyes many experiences and in a PGA Pathway to Progression event, the Amundi Evian Junior Showcase is one he will always remember.

“It challenged me to train harder and trust the process, even when it felt slow,” he said. “Being surrounded by talented players made me realize the importance of supporting each other and helping others get their names out there. It reminded me that the journey is about more than just individual success it’s also about building a community and giving back.”

Thanks to these opportunities, BlueEyes is now looking ahead to new challenges. He is headed to the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) to compete at the collegiate level, with plans to transfer to New Mexico State University (NMSU) and pursue a degree in Professional Golf Management.

“My goal is to either earn a spot on the NMSU golf team or continue building a career in the golf industry. I’m committed to making the most of every opportunity.”

Off the course, BlueEyes remains focused on his education.  “I want to study business and marketing to give myself a range of options. Education is key, and ultimately, I want to give back to the communities that raised and supported me.”

When asked what advice he’d give to other Native youth, BlueEyes said, “Stay focused on your journey. Golf can be uncomfortable sometimes, but that’s where growth happens,” he said. “Don’t waste time comparing yourself to others or worrying about what other people are shooting. Stay focused on your progress, your grind, and what you’re capable of achieving. Most importantly, be proud of where you come from. Representing your Native community through golf is powerful.”

Their journeys speak to a larger movement one where Native and minority athletes are reshaping the face of golf.

“The growing visibility of Native and minority players in golf is a powerful reminder that we can make an impact on any field, regardless of the barriers we may face. As more of us step onto the course and showcase our skills, we’re breaking down stereotypes and showing the world that we belong,” BlueEyes emphasized.

As partnerships like the one between the NB3 Foundation and the PGA continue to grow, so do the opportunities for Native youth. The stories of Zachary and Alyssandra are just a few of many, but they send a powerful message to our youth and communities.

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By NB3 Foundation

Youth Spotlight: WynterRose Sheka & Marcus Tenorio 

Join us in recognizing two members of the NB3 Foundation Youth Council: WynterRose Sheka (#22, Tohatchi High School Senior) and Marcus Tenorio (#12, Santa Fe Indian School Freshman)!

These two athletes are not only standouts on the court, but also passionate mentors and advocates off the court. As youth council members, they show up for their communities, lead by example, and uplift their peers by promoting healthy futures for Native youth.

Their advice to younger athletes:
“To the young ones out there — keep pushing towards your goals. Even if it’s a small milestone, it’s still a step towards your bigger goals. You got this!”

— Marcus

“In any sport, you need to have the IQ — understand the game. Be in the gym every day whether it’s running, shooting, or ball handling. Eat healthy and take care of yourself. Self-care matters as you grow. And always express your feelings to your parents or a trusted family member.”
— WynterRose (2025 First Team All-District Selection & District Co-MVP, 3A All State, NM All Star)
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By NB3 Foundation

2023 NB3FIT Golf Team announced

The Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation is excited to introduce the 2023 NB3FIT Youth Golf Team, which includes 11 golfers ages 13 to 17 from across the state of New Mexico. The NB3FIT Golf Team was established in 2021 to provide skills training, tournament opportunities, and mentorship to aspiring Native youth golfers.

Youth are selected based on skill, commitment to the game, involvement in their community and their willingness to learn. Being selected to the team comes with a variety of learning opportunities and skills training meant to enhance their game. However, the focus is not only on golf. Youth are also challenged to think strategically about how they will give back to their community through volunteering and other community service efforts. 

“I wanted to be on the NB3FIT Golf Team because I love the game and this team provides many opportunities to grow and get better,” Maddison Long,16, said. “It also teaches important lessons like time management, giving back to the community, and places other responsibilities on us that can help us prepare for later in life.”

Long has been part of the NB3FIT junior golf family since she was a child and has been selected to the team for the past three years. You will often find Long on the course or at NB3 Foundation events volunteering and mentoring young golfers. 
 
Long, her little sister Olivia,13, and Alyssandra Rodriquez,15, make up the girls team this year. Rodriquez returns from last year’s team, and Olivia joins for the first time.  For the boys, the team welcomes newcomers: Deviond Gachupin, 13, JJ Botello, 14, and Jacob Francisco, 17. Francisco plays high school golf for Miyamura High School in Gallup, N.M. and Gachupin and Botello are both active in the golf scene as middle school students.  

The team returns a strong boy’s roster including Skyler Woods ,17, Zachary BlueEyes ,16, Noah Pozernick ,17, Luke James ,17, and Ardell John ,17. Woods and BlueEyes both placed first in their age divisions at last year’s NB3 Foundation Native Youth Golf Championship. Woods, BlueEyes and John also helped Kirtland Central High School finish second in the 2022 high school state championship.  

Pozernick, James and Francisco all play for Miyamura High School and are looking to get the Patriots a podium finish at the 2023 NM Golf State Championship, May 8-9 at Santa Ana Golf Club.  

Following the state championship, a busy summer season will begin. Each NB3FIT golfer will play at least 10 more tournaments, a combination of NB3 Junior Golf Tour and Sun Country Jr. Golf tournaments. Golfers will also go head-to-head against Native youth from across the country in the 2023 Native Youth Golf Championship in late July. 

“It’s only been three years and we have already seen incredible stories come from this team. Two past team members are playing collegiate golf, and another is attending The Golf Performance Academy in Connecticut,” Clint Begay, director of NB3FIT said. “I’m excited for this year’s team and look forward to seeing them accomplish new goals on and off the course.” 

The team will continue to meet up twice a month to practice, work on youth development skills and check in on community service projects. 

2023 NB3FIT Youth Golf Team  

Zachary BlueEyes, 16, Kirtland, NM, Diné, Kirtland Central High School  

Ardell John, 17, Kirtland, NM, Diné, Kirtland Central High School  

Skyler Woods, 17, Kirtland, NM, Diné, Kirtland Central High School  

Jacob Francisco, 17, Gallup, N.M., Diné, Miyamura High School  

Luke James, 17, Gallup, NM, Diné, Miyamura High School  

Noah Pozernick, 17, Gallup, NM, Diné, Miyamura High School  

JJ Botello, 14, Albuquerque, N.M., Hispanic 

Deviond Gachupin, 13, Albuquerque, N.M, Pueblo of Jemez 

Alyssa Rodriguez, 15, Albuquerque, NM, Hispanic, West Mesa High School 

Maddison Long, 15, Albuquerque, NM, Coeur d’Alene/Diné, Volcano Vista High School 

Olivia Long, 13, Albuquerque, NM, Coeur d’Alene/Diné 

  

  

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By NB3 Foundation

NB3FIT Fall Jr. Golf program off to a great start!

The season started September 14  and will run through November 3! We are happy to be at full capacity this fall with the program being made up of a mix of youth from our summer golf program, past participants of NB3FIT and youth who are completely new to NB3FIT.

We are thankful for the partnership with the Sandia Golf Club where we are hosting programming on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  The main focus of the program is to provide youth participants the opportunity to learn and practice the fundamentals of golf. An added feature this fall, is the incorporating of practice on Saturdays. Each week we schedule tee times for the youth to play at golf courses in the greater Albuquerque area. A great opportunity for them to put the skills they learn to use on the course.

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By NB3 Foundation

NB3FIT Cross Country hits the trails

NB3FIT Cross Country program is back!

Led by NB3FIT coaches, the team began practicing earlier this month at North Domingo Baca Park in Albuquerque, NM. Due to the pandemic the program will look a little different than previous years, but everyone is just excited for the opportunity to welcome youth back to in-person programming. During 2020, NB3FIT hosted virtual cross-country programming for local Native youth. Though they never got to compete, they were still provided instruction and workouts through virtual check-ins and pre-recorded videos filmed by the NB3FIT coaches.

With many surrounding pueblo communities still limiting the access of visitors due to the pandemic, NB3FIT is hosting practices in Albuquerque, a more central location that is open to the public. In the future, when it is safe to do so, NB3FIT plans to returning to tribal communities to host cross-country programming.

To date, the team has 21 runners and is looking forward to competing for the first time next month at the Albuquerque Athletic Track Cross Country Meet on Saturday, September 18.

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By NB3 Foundation

NB3 Foundation Native Youth Golf Championship sends four youth to national tournament

Nearly 50 Native youth golfers ages 8-18 competed in the NB3 Foundation 2nd  annual Native Youth Golf Championship on August 8-10 at the Santa Ana Golf Club, Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M. Four from the group qualified to play in the Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship at Kosati Pines at Coushatta in Kinder, La. in November.

“The tournament was exciting from beginning to end,” Clint Begay, director of NB3FIT said.  It was great to meet all the youth and families and we are excited to send four Native youth to the national championship.”

Laylee Wishark ,13, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Kanyon DeRyke,13, Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, Shandiin Harper ,18, Diné and Adiance Cheromiah ,17, Pueblo of Laguna, won their respective age divisions and securing themselves a spot in the national event that will air on Golf Channel.

Wishark, shot 83 and 85 earning her spot to play in the national tournament. Wishark said she was most proud and thankful for her family and community who supported her journey to compete in the tournament. She and her family drove over 1,000-miles from Carthage, Miss. to compete in the tournament.

DeRyke, they boys 13 & under division winner, shot his best score ever 2-under on the final day of the championship. DeRyke, Bringham, Utah, said he was excited about the opportunity to compete in Coushatta.

Last year’s 14-18 girl’s division champ returned this year looking to defend her title. After one round of play Harper found herself four strokes back from day one leader Emma Worgum, Mount Vernon, Wash. On day two, Harper staged a comeback shooting a division best, 71 to reclaim her title as the girl’s division Native Youth Golf Champion.

“I came in today four back, and I ended up winning by three today so that’s pretty cool,” she said. “I’m excited to go back [to Coushatta] and play better than I did last year. I  think last year I wasn’t really ready.”

Taking home top honors in the boys 14-18 division was Adiance Cheromiah, Pueblo of Laguna. They boy’s division was a close finish, Cheromiah taking home first  place by one stroke and leaving a three-way tie for second and third. After a two-hole playoff, Skyler Woods, Diné, claimed outright second and Tristen Toledo, Pubelo of Jemez, secured third.

Looking ahead to the Notah Begay III Junior National Championship in November, Cheromiah said he’s wants to focus on keeping a positive outlook.

“My mentality, not letting my emotions get to me, and working on my iron approach shots,” he said.
Begay was pleased with the diverse turnout this year and said he looks forward to welcoming more Native youth golfers next year.

“It was a great event and we were excited to see so many new faces out on the course this year,” Begay said. “We had an exciting finish in the boys 14-18 division and it was just a great atmosphere watching these dedicated junior golfers in their element… the future is bright for Native youth golfers.”

Girls 13 & Under:
Laylee Wishark +24

Hayden Dan + 38

Dallas Dan +46

Girls 14-18:
Shandiin Harper +4

Emma Worgum +7

Beans Factor + 15

Boys 13 & Under:
Kanyon DeRyke +5

Deviond Shendo +32

Kenneth Tafoya + 46

Boys 14-18:

Adiance Cheromiah +11

Skyler Woods +17

Tristen Thompson +17

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