Six Candidates Compete to be the Next Miss Cherokee

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – Six young women are vying to become Cherokee Nation's next goodwill ambassador. The 2012 Miss Cherokee Leadership Competition will be held Saturday, August 25, at the Cornerstone Fellowship Church in Tahlequah, 718 Pendleton Street. The event kicks off with a meet and greet reception at 5:30 pm, followed by the competition at 7 pm cdt

Miss Cherokee Candidates(l to r) Kristy McCreary, 19, of Claremore; Christy Kingfisher, 20,
of Tahlequah; Holly Noe, 22, of Oaks; Miss Cherokee Sidney Kimble; Kelsey Hinson, 18,
of Vinita; Caitlin Dingle, 21, of Catoosa; and Emily Buckner, 20, of Tahlequah

Contestants will be judged in several categories, including an interview, a platform presentation, social skills, tribal knowledge and their use of the Cherokee language. The women will exhibit their leadership qualities by demonstrating knowledge of cultural activities and skills, experience in community service and leadership, and the desire to share those qualities with the public in a gracious, professional manner.

The candidates include Kelsey Hinson, 18, of Vinita; Kristy McCreary, 19, of Claremore; Holly Noe, 22, of Oaks; Emily Buckner, 20, of Tahlequah; Christy Kingfisher, 20, of Tahlequah; and Caitlin Dingle, 21, of Catoosa.

The winner will take home the Miss Cherokee title along with the copper crown and a $3,000 scholarship. First runner-up will receive a $2,000 scholarship, and second runner-up will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Current Miss Cherokee, Sidney Kimble, will pass her title to the 2012-2013 winner during the competition. The newly crowned Miss Cherokee will make her first public appearance at Principal Chief Bill John Baker's State of the Nation ceremony on Saturday, September 1, during the 60th annual Cherokee National Holiday.

The public is invited to attend the competition and enjoy cultural and platform presentations from each candidate, as well as performances by the award-winning Cherokee National Youth Choir.

posted August 22, 2012 7:59 am edt