Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Eight Cherokee women will compete for the crown of Miss Cherokee at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 5, at the Northeastern State University Fine Arts Auditorium.

MISS CHEROKEE CONTESTANTS, From left to right are, Alicia Cearly, Jay; Adeline Cochran, Tahlequah; Nicole Squirrel, Kiefer; Rachel Clarkson, Broken Arrow; Tricia Six and Jamie Standingwater, Salina; Michelle Nofire, Muldrow; and Amanda Turner of Tahlequah.

Contestants for the 2000-2001 Miss Cherokee Pageant are Alicia Cearly of Jay, Rachel Clarkson of Broken Arrow, Adeline Cochran and Amanda Turner of Tahlequah, Michelle Nofire of Muldrow, Tricia Six and Jamie Standingwater both of Salina, Nicole Squirrel of Kiefer. Cearly is the 19-year-old daughter of Katherine Cearly-Hector of Jay. She is a student at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah studying special education. Clarkson is a student at the University of Central Oklahoma studying health services. She is the 19-year-old daughter of Mary and Randy Clarkson of Broken Arrow. Last year Clarkson was crowned Miss Broken Arrow for a second time, was named Miss Indian UCO and competed in the Miss Cherokee pageant.

Cochran is enrolled at the NSU taking Native American Studies. The 18 year old was Junior Miss Cherokee 1998-99 and Junior Miss Oklahoma 1999-2000. She is the daughter of Jamie and Mildred Cochran of Tahlequah. The 19-year-old daughter of Bruce and Rose Rowe, Nofire was Miss Indian NSU in 1999 and was 2nd runner up in last year's Miss Cherokee pageant. She is a student at NSU enrolled medical technology courses. Six is a student at Connors State College in Warner taking secondary education courses. She is the19-year-old daughter of Janice Ballou and William Six of Salina.

A student at NSU studying business/accounting, Standingwater is the 19-year-old daughter of Tom and Rhoda Standingwater of Salina. She competed in last year's pageant. Squirrel is the daughter of Donna and Jose Squirrel of Kiefer. She is attending NSU and is enrolled in criminal justice courses. Turner is also attending NSU studying special education, and is the 18-year-old daughter of Mozelle Turner of Tahlequah.

The annual pageant provides a $2,000 scholarship for the winner, $800 for 1st runner-up and $500 for 2nd runner-up. The scholarships may be used at the higher education institution of the winner's choice. Contestants are also judged and awarded prizes for best essay, creative and performing arts talents, academic achievement and Miss Congeniality. These awards are sponsored by former Miss Cherokees. The top three winners also will receive donated gifts provided by local business and individuals.

A new award, entitled the Heritage Award, which is sponsored by the Cherokee Color Guard, will be presented to the contestant who is the most knowledgeable of Cherokee history and culture.

Miss Cherokee's role is to provide the Cherokee public with a tribal member who personifies Cherokee virtues, talents and other attributes. To the general public she embodies those same qualities and also serves as a goodwill ambassador, cultivating friends for the Cherokee Nation and appreciation for the tribe's history and culture.