"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Students Receive Cherokee Cultural Competition Awards

Dr. Neil Morton, Cherokee Nation Group Leader for Education Services, speaks to a group of students who were recognized recently for their participation in the tribe’s annual Cultural Competition. Twenty-five area schools took part in the 2009 event.

At a recently held awards banquet in Tulsa, the Cherokee Nation recognized hundreds of students who participated in the Cherokee Cultural Competition over the past school year.

The Cherokee Nation Co-Partner Program hosts the competition each year for area Native American students who are in kindergarten through high school. The Cherokee Cultural Competition consists of four different categories: an art contest, a creative writing contest, a Language Bowl and a Challenge Bowl for students in grades 3 -12.

“The cultural competitions and art contests provide a very positive interchange among the students from all the schools within the Cherokee Nation,” said Dr. Neil Morton, group leader of Education Services. “The annual awards ceremony and banquet enhances the self worth of the individuals while engendering a feeling of group accomplishment and pride for tribal identity.”

For their accomplishments winners in each category were given awards and Visa cash cards. Twenty-five area schools participated in the cultural competition, with 365 students receiving a cash card.

To participate in the annual Cherokee Nation Cultural Competition, students must be enrolled through the Johnson O’Malley (JOM) program in their public school or meet JOM eligibility criteria. For more information, please contact the Cherokee Nation Education Services Group by calling 918-453-5000.