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Left to right- Contestant Kandice Washington, First runner-up Laura Ketcher, Jr. Miss Cherokee LaShawna Fields, Second runner-up Robbie Johnson, and Contestant Willa Standingwater.

TAHLEQUAH, OK - LaShawna Tay Fields, an eighth grade student at Marble City Grade School in Sequoyah County was crowned Junior Miss Cherokee at the 17th Annual Junior Miss Cherokee pageant.

LaShawna Fields, the daughter of L.S. and Treva Fields of Marble City, also received the Miss Congeniality award and won the talent competition for her selection of “How to make Kanuchi.” Kanuchi is a traditional Cherokee dish made with hickory nuts and hominy.

"I’m very excited for winning the title, and I look forward to holding the title of Junior Miss Cherokee for my people", Fields said.

The tribal council chambers was packed with family and friends as the reigning 1999-2000 Jr. Miss Cherokee Raven Bruner presented her crown to Fields.

First runner-up was Laura Ketcher, daughter of R. D. and Mona Ketcher of Stilwell; Second runner-up was Robbie Lynn Johnson, the daughter of Teresa and Bill Chuculate of Park Hill and Robert and Anita Johnson of Vian. Also entering the pageant were Kandice Washington of Tulsa and Willa Standingwater of Locust Grove.

Those wishing to schedule an appearance by the Junior Miss Cherokee, may contact Reba Bruner, phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2397).