"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Claremore Woman Chosen as Miss Cherokee

*"Danielle Culp of Claremore (center) was named Miss Cherokee for 2009-2010. Pictured with Culp are second runner-up, Callie Vann (left), and first runner-up, Kourtney Vann (right), both of Tahlequah."*

TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma - Danielle Culp of Claremore was crowned the new Miss Cherokee during the 57th Cherokee National Holiday held over Labor Day weekend.

Culp is the daughter of Terry and Ellen Culp. She is actively involved in several different organizations and community service projects. She has been an active member of the Cherokee Nation Summer Youth Leadership Program and the Cherokee Nation Tribal Youth Council, as well as a volunteer for the Rogers County Cherokee Association. Danielle’s platform for the upcoming year is focused on teaching leadership skills to today’s youth and instilling in them the important qualities a true leader should hold.

The purpose of the Miss Cherokee Ambassador Competition is to identify young women with leadership abilities to represent the Cherokee Nation, its citizens and communities. Miss Cherokee serves as a goodwill ambassador and messenger to promote the government, history, language and culture of the Cherokee people.

The Miss Cherokee Ambassador participants were judged in several categories, including an interview, platform presentation, social skills, tribal knowledge and their usage of the Cherokee language.

“I want to commend the five young ladies that stepped up and participated in this year’s competition, they worked hard in their preparation and it showed in their final presentations, said Nancy Scott, event coordinator.

Kourtney Vann of Tahlequah was selected as first runner-up. She is the daughter of Penny Drywater and Michael Smoker, and attends NSU majoring in Elementary Education.

Callie Vann of Tahlequah was chosen as second runner-up. Callie is the daughter of Eleanor Butler and also attends NSU.

Each of the three young women will receive a scholarship for their success in the competition. Culp will receive a $3,000 scholarship, Kourtney Vann will receive a scholarship in the amount of $2,000 and Callie Vann will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Candace Christie of Sallisaw and Jana Henry of Salina also competed in the competition.