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SHS seniors, Jessica Cornell and Deena Nez were recently named Academic All-State by the Oklahoma Cheerleading Coaches Association.

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – For the first time in the history of Sequoyah High School (SHS), two cheerleaders have been named Academic All-State by the Oklahoma Cheerleading Coaches Association’s (OCCA). Jessica Cornell and Deena Nez, co-captains of the SHS cheerleading squad, will officially receive their awards at the OCCA Honors Ceremony at the Southern Hills Marriott in Tulsa on July 27th.

“These girls have worked so hard during their time at Sequoyah High School,” said Bonnie Griffin, SHS cheerleading coach. “It takes a very dedicated and disciplined student to be able to participate in athletics, extra-curricular activities and maintain a high GPA. Deena and Jessica have been able to keep themselves balanced and excel in their endeavors. One thing I tell the squad is that nothing really good ever comes easy. There have been times when these girls, along with their teammates have been discouraged, injured, and even scared, but have pushed through the struggles to succeed. I am very proud of Deena and Jessica. I expect them to achieve many great things in the future.”

In order to qualify for Academic All-State, the girls had to have an ACT score of 25 or higher and maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher, and have cheered for at least 3 years on the varsity cheerleading squad. The OCCA only selected 21 senior cheerleaders from the entire state of Oklahoma for this award.

Cornell, 17, is the daughter of Anthony and Michelle Cornell of Tahlequah and plans to attend Northeastern State University. Nez, 17, is the daughter of Francis and Peggy Nez of Tahlequah and is the valedictorian of the 2006 graduating class at SHS. She plans to attend the University of New Mexico.

Sequoyah High School "Home of the Indians!" P.O. Box 520, Tahlequah, OK 74465             Sequoyah High School Alumni P.O. Box 187, Park Hill, OK 74451-0187 Sequoyah High School, an Indian boarding school, originated in 1871, when the Cherokee National Council passed an act setting up an orphan asylum to take care of many orphans that came out of the Civil War. Sequoyah High School's approximate 300 enrollment represents 42 tribes and 14 different states. Students are eligible to attend if they are members of federally recognized Indian tribes or one-fourth blood descendants of such members.