"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokees Hosting Jr. Miss Cherokee Competition

***"Tara Comingdeer, Junior Miss Cherokee Ambassador 2008-2009."***

The Cherokee Nation is now accepting applications for the Jr. Miss Cherokee Ambassador Competition, to be held on Saturday, August 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sequoyah Schools old gym building. The competition is held in conjunction with the 57th annual Cherokee National Holiday, and the winner will serve as a goodwill and cultural ambassador for the Cherokee Nation.

Participants must be between the ages of 14 and 17 on or before Saturday, August 22, and be a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. In addition, they must be currently enrolled in school and must be physically able to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the position. Previous winners of the Jr. Miss Cherokee competition are not eligible to compete. Other conditions may apply and a full list of rules and qualifications is available with the application packet.

Awards will be presented to first, second and third place winners, and special awards will be given for Miss Congeniality, traditional dress, academics, cultural presentation and best essay. Tara Comingdeer is the current Jr. Miss Cherokee Ambassador for 2008-2009.

“Past competitions have given these young ladies the opportunity to display their talents, poise and knowledge of our culture and history,” said Reba Bruner, event coordinator. “I hope that everyone will come out and support these young ladies as they vie for the title of Jr. Miss Cherokee Ambassador.”

To enter, contestants should submit a completed application form, a copy of their tribal citizenship card, a copy of the most recent school transcript, a 3 x 5 color photograph and a two-page typed, double spaced explanation of the contestant’s platform, no later than Friday, July 31, at 5:00 p.m.

For more information about the Jr. Miss Cherokee Ambassador Competition or for an application, contact Reba Bruner, phone: 918-453-5397 or Nita Wilson, phone: 918-207-3865.

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 E-loh-i nu-s-di-da-nv de-ga-de-la-qua-s-ge-s-di (“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 Annual Cherokee National Holiday is a smoke-free event.