"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Ashley Miller Crowned Jr. Miss Cherokee

***"Ashley Miller, center, was recently named 2009 Jr. Miss Cherokee Ambassador. Jackie Eagle, left, was second runner-up and Taylor Goff, right, was first runner-up."***

Ashley Miller of Stilwell was recently named the new Jr. Miss Cherokee Ambassador. The competition was held in conjunction with the 57th Annual Cherokee National Holiday.

Ashley is the 16 year old daughter of David and Tammy “Keeter” Miller of Stilwell. She is a junior at Stilwell High School and has been a member of the Cherokee National Youth Choir for the past five years. She plans to obtain a Native American Studies Major in the future with minor emphasis on Cherokee Education and Music. Her platform is Cherokee Language Preservation and her cultural presentations include performing Cherokee hymns, storytelling, double-wall basket and finger weaving, as well as other traditional Cherokee arts and crafts.

Taylor Goff of Sallisaw was selected as first-runner up in the competition. Taylor is the daughter of Mika Goff and attends Gans High School. Jackie Eagle was named second-runner up. Jackie She is the daughter of Jack and Rhonda Eagle and is a student at Gore High School.

“I am proud of all of the young ladies and the pride they have in their heritage and how they are willing to share what knowledge they have and are willing to learn and do more,” said Reba Bruner, event coordinator. “They are role models and already leaders in their own right and are a part of history in the Cherokee Nation.”

The Jr. Miss Cherokee Ambassador Competition was created to provide a way to promote leadership and culture among Cherokee youth. The winner of the competition acts as a goodwill ambassador for the tribe and promotes the government, language, history and traditions of the Cherokee people.

The Cherokee National Holiday has been held since 1953 to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution. With its exciting array of entertainment, cultural and athletic events, it has grown into one of the largest festivals in Oklahoma, attracting more than 90,000 visitors from across the world. This year’s theme is Elohi Nusdidanv Degadelaquasgesdi (“I learn from all that I observe”), reflecting the Cherokee Nation’s long held belief in education as a means to uplift individuals and their communities. The 57th Cherokee National Holiday is a smoke-free event. For more information about the Cherokee National Holiday, please call 918-453-5536 and visit http://holiday.cherokee.org.