CRIT Head Start Celebrates Grand Opening

It has been a long time coming for CRIT Head Start. For many of us, Head Start holds a special place in our memories. We attended Head Start here in the valley as children, and years later, our own children have walked through its doors. The grand opening of the new facility was a meaningful moment to celebrate a program that has been part of so many families’ lives.

Community members gathered at the CRIT Head Start campus on Friday, Oct. 23, to celebrate the grand opening. With the theme “Building Futures, Opening Doors,” the celebration brought families, Tribal leaders and staff together to mark the occasion.

Acting Head Start Director Monica Rosnagle, CRIT Treasurer Anisa Patch and Chairwoman Amelia Flores cut the ribbon to officially celebrate the opening.

Tribal Council members in attendance included Chairwoman Flores, Secretary Josephine Tahbo, Treasurer Patch, Councilman Bill Beeson, Councilwoman Raeanne Patch, Councilwoman Tracey Quillen and Councilwoman Vanessa Welsh. Each shared a few words during the celebration.

The ceremony program included a welcome from Rosnagle, a blessing by Pastor Shawn Thompson and a guest speaker, Pastor Darryl Grissum. Miss CRIT Veronica Webb, Jr. Miss CRIT Jessica Scott and Little Miss CRIT Alura Rose Walrod introduced themselves and danced.

The celebration included performances representing the four Tribes of CRIT: the Mohave Singers and Dance Group, the Chemehuevi Red Foot Committee, the Hopi group and the Navajo group Tó Nílini Dá’ák’eh Dine’é, or River Field People. Head Start children also performed the ABC song.

Following the ceremony, community members toured the new facility and explored the spaces where CRIT’s youngest learners will play, learn and grow. Thank you to everyone who was involved in making the new CRIT Head Start facility a reality for our community and future generations.