Showing posts with label Dishchii’bikoh Community School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dishchii’bikoh Community School. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Heroes of Cibecue Student Book Series at Heard Museum

Cathy Shumard visits with NHDAZ teachers 
Jeron Verasco and Simon Kibe from Cibecue
As part of the Memorial Day Celebration at the Heard Musuem, a noteworthy exhibit was presented by National History Day Arizona students from White Mountain Apache, showcasing exceptional research from the Dishchii’bikoh Community School in Cibecue, AZ.

Commemorating Heroes of Cibecue - the Heroes of Cibecue Student Book Series and Exhibit showcases children's literature, student artwork, and narratives paying tribute to Apache veterans and the students who helped preserve their stories. Student authors, illustrators, and narrators may also participate through live readings and reflections, creating a poignant experience that honors remembrance, service, and Indigenous heritage.

National History Day teachers Jeron Velasco and Simon Kibe explained the program at the Cibecue table. Jeron accompanied 2025 NHDAZ students to Washington D.C. Simon will go with the students this year.

More at https://www.azfamily.com/.../indigenous-service-members...

Historical League is very supportive of these students. 

Thanks to Katie Tovar and Cathy Shumard for the photos and descriptions.






Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Gene Rose Velasco, National History Day teacher at Dishchii’bikoh Community School

  Gene Rose Velasco is a dedicated educator, researcher, and author with a deep passion for the humanities and social sciences. Originally from La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, Philippines, she has built a distinguished career in teaching, research, and academic writing spanning over fifteen years, with a strong focus on social studies education.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education majoring in Social Studies from the University of St. La Salle, where she also served as a part-time instructor. She went on to complete her Master of Arts in Education specializing in Social Studies and recently earned her Master of Arts in Special Education, further strengthening her commitment to inclusive and responsive teaching. In addition, she has completed the academic requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies, reflecting her dedication to continuous learning and scholarly growth.

Throughout her career, Gene Rose has served as a Master Teacher in Senior High School, a college instructor, and a social studies educator across diverse educational settings. Her teaching journey includes meaningful work in indigenous schools in New Mexico and her current role at Dishchii’bikoh Community School, where she teaches middle school students with compassion, cultural sensitivity, and a deep commitment to student development.

She is actively involved in National History Day (NHD)–sponsored research initiatives, guiding students in exploring the stories of war veterans, with a special emphasis on Indigenous heroes. Most recently, she successfully led her students to win at the Regional National History Day competition, earning them the opportunity to advance and compete at the state level.

As a mother of four, Gene Rose brings warmth, empathy, and understanding into her classroom. Her nurturing approach inspires students to see education not only as a path to personal success but also as a way to honor their heritage, history, and cultural identity.

Her academic contributions include presenting research at national and international conferences and publishing in respected platforms such as the University of St. La Salle College of Education Journal and the Philippine Sociological Society Annual National Conference.

Beyond academia, she is passionate about theater, public speaking, and research. As an author, her work reflects a profound appreciation for culture, history, and human development, aiming to educate and inspire through narratives that celebrate identity, resilience, and lifelong learning.

Sunday, August 31, 2025

2025 Arizona History Teacher of the Year, Jeron Velasco

Congratulations Jeron Velasco. Thanks also to your dedication to the National History Day in Arizona program at Dishchii’bikoh Community School, White Mountain Apache Reservation in Cibecue, AZ. Jeron and his wife, Gene, were among the four teachers and two AHS advisors who accompanied 37 Arizona NHD finalist to Washington D.C. in June. Your students are excelling with your leadership.


Arizona Department of Education's post


To Mr. Jeron Velasco: Arizona History Teacher of the Year
We are proud to announce that Mr. Jeron Velasco has been named the Arizona History Teacher of the Year, a prestigious honor recognizing excellence in history education. While all nominees this year demonstrated exceptional commitment and talent, the selection committee unanimously chose Mr. Velasco for his outstanding dedication to engaging students and enriching his community through the study of history.
Jeron Velasco is a Filipino Cultural Exchange Teacher, speaker, and educator with over 12 years of experience across high school, college, and graduate levels in both the Philippines and the United States. He currently teaches Social Studies at Dishchii’bikoh Community School in Cibecue, Arizona, where he empowers Indigenous students through culturally responsive teaching, historical research, and civic engagement.
Jeron is the founder and adviser of the Dishchii’bikoh History Club, which has produced student-led publications such as Heroes of Cibecue and earned national recognition through programs like National History Day. He is currently completing his Doctorate in Development Studies while continuing to speak and mentor educators internationally.
Not only was Mr. Velasco selected as Arizona History Teacher of the Year, he was chosen as a C-SPAN Teacher Fellow for his work in civic education and historical storytelling. Reflecting on his approach, Jeron shares: “My inspiration comes from my students’ untold stories and the urgent need to make history matter in their lives. I approach history as a living, breathing subject—rooted in identity, justice, and action.”
(Launching the Dishchii’bikoh History Club – For the first time in school history, over 40 students joined the regional contest under History Club and it explored Indigenous topics and local history. This grassroots initiative became a safe space for youth to examine community issues through historical research.)
He believes in empowering students to become historians of their own communities: “Whether through interviewing Apache veterans, researching tribal treaties, or presenting at national competitions, my students do not just learn history—they make it. They see themselves as leaders, scholars, and changemakers.”
(MMIW National Advocacy – Two of my students took their National History Day project on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) to the national stage. Their work earned them interviews and special awards, amplifying the voices of Indigenous women and raising awareness of this critical issue.)
Receiving national recognition, Jeron emphasized the deeper meaning of the honor: “It is a celebration of my students, their ancestors, and the community of Cibecue. It affirms that rural, Indigenous, and marginalized voices deserve to be heard, studied, and honored on national platforms.”
(Heroes of Cibecue Co-Writers – Students became partner-authors for a published book honoring White Mountain Apache veterans like Steven and Ronnie. Their research and interviews formed the basis of a living history project. We are currently working on a second volume to include more stories and tributes from families and community members.)
His passion, leadership, and innovative teaching practices continue to inspire both students and colleagues alike. Mr. Velasco is now a candidate for the National History Teacher of the Year contest where the nominee has a chance to win a $10,000 award and the recognition from history educators across the nation. We celebrate his achievement and thank him for his invaluable contributions to education in Arizona and beyond!