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The Sequoyah Schools’ fast-pitch softball and volleyball teams received recognition form the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association for their outstanding academic performance. Both teams earned the OSSAA’s Distinguished Academic Award for the fall 2009 season. “The OSSAA academic awards earned by our student athletes in both softball and volleyball are very good examples of how athletics and academics can work together when students manage their time effectively,” said Mitch McGehee, Sequoyah Schools’ principal. To qualify for the award all team members had to have a 3.5 grade point average, and rank in the upper 10 percent of their classification. “Winning the distinguished academic achievement award for this season was such an honor for the team,” said Jay Herrin, Sequoyah Schools’ volleyball coach. “I am very proud of these young ladies for their dedication both on the court and in the classroom. The team had an overall grade point average of 3.77 on a 4.0 scale and our goal for next season is to have a 4.0 and win the academic state championship. This award is a testament not only for the players, but also the faculty for their effort with these student athletes.” Members of the Sequoyah Schools’ fast-pitch softball team are Nikki Lewis, Cortney Glass, Caitlin Dry, Megan Tehee, Haylee Beck, Lindsey Hammer, Taylor Johnson, Ashton Parent, Taylor Yochum, Brenna McLemore, Dee Adair, Trinity Busby, Summer Cunningham, Shannon Barnett, Kristan Carder, Kalley Garrett, Mason Slaton, Saharra Henson, Sabrina Martinez, Keishia Jones, Kara Linch, Megan Chewey, Jessica Bluebird, Courtney Jones, Heather Chuculate, and Ashely Mounce. They are coached by Jeff Turtle and Jake Tanner. Members of the Sequoyah Schools’ volleyball team are Ashley Belcher, Paige Budder, Nakayla Dunn, Hope Harjo, Laurin Keen, Skye Norwood, Megan Larney, Anaweg Smith, Jessica Velasquez, Pretty-Sky Wilden, and Bryna Wilson. Both teams have received a plaque for their honor.

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