Copyright © 2005 NLThomas
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Miss Cherokee Ashlee Chaudoin reads to children at the Cherokee Nation Head Start class in Maryetta.

STILWELL, OKLAHOMA - It's not every day that a local celebrity pops into Stilwell, Okla., but, Ashlee K. Chaudoin, the current Miss Cherokee recently visited the Cherokee Head Start emersion class in Maryetta to read books to the children who are learning to speak the Cherokee language.

"I enjoyed visiting with the children, it was a great opportunity to see what our youth are learning," Chaudoin said. "It was also nice to get to talk with the youth about our culture and why it is important to keep learning."

"The children really enjoyed her presence," said Terri Nakedhead, Head Start staff. "The children also took home pictures of Ashlee and even had us hang a picture of her by the Chief and Deputy Chief pictures."

Chaudoin read several books to the children and talked to them about her traditional Cherokee tear dress, crown, and what it is like to be Miss Cherokee. She also encouraged the children to keep learning the Cherokee language. The children sang several songs in the Cherokee language and taught Chaudoin several animal names in Cherokee.

"The children were all talking about Ashlee and her dress, beads and moccasins long after she had left," Nakedhead said.

"I look forward to visiting with others about our culture," said Chaudoin. "I encourage the youth and everyone to learn as much as they can about our Cherokee culture, history and language."

To schedule an appearance by Miss Cherokee contact Nancy Scott, 918-456-0671 (ext.5529) or 800-256-0671 (ext.2259).

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org