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From left to right, Krisa Muskrat, Kristen Smith-Snell, and Amanda Chair holding awards they received at the 50th Annual Cherokee National Holiday Miss Cherokee contest.

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Kristen Smith-Snell, 18 of Tahlequah, was crowned Miss Cherokee at the State of the Nation Address at the Cherokee Nation courthouse on Saturday. Smith-Snell was chosen based on her demonstrated leadership and cultural knowledge.

"I intend to support the preservation of culture in today's youth," Smith-Snell said. "To me, culture is more than just history. It consists of our language, stories, legends, craftsmanship, and even our families."

Smith-Snell has given cultural presentations at area youth conferences, served as a volunteer at her church, and has represented her church on various reservations by teaching vacation bible school. She was chosen as a member of Who's Who Among American High School Students and was an active member of Native Reflections during her time at Tahlequah High School. She is currently employed by the Cherokee Nation and plans to go to college next year where she will major in psychology. The 2002 high school graduate plans to devote most of her time during the coming year to her reign as Miss Cherokee.

"I will take the following year to dedicate my efforts to the preservation of our culture by offering my time and knowledge, not only to the youth in local communities, but communities throughout the United States," Smith-Snell said.

As Miss Cherokee, Smith-Snell will receive a $3,000 scholarship from the Cherokee Nation. First runner-up, Amanda Chair, 20 of Stilwell, will receive a $2000 scholarship and second runner-up, Krisa Muskrat, 18 of Tulsa will receive a $1000 scholarship.