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Dahlonegah’s Christina Gonzales, Eric Wofford, Danielle Leach and Kyle Petit consult during the Cherokee Challenge Bowl finals.

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Anxious children lean forward on the edge of their seats, their rapt attention focused on the questioner. In a flurry of activity, little hands poke at buttons, struggling to be first with the answer. A buzzer sounds, a child answers correctly, and the Cherokee Challenge Bowl is underway.

Hundreds of children, from grades kindergarten through high school, are competing this month at the Cherokee Nation complex in Tahlequah in the Cherokee Challenge Bowl. Participants representing schools all over northeastern Oklahoma answer questions relating to Cherokee history, government, culture and language.

"It's a great way for children to take pride in their culture and show off their knowledge of Cherokee culture, history and language", said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. "It’s also a chance for kids to learn from each other and share their knowledge and culture."

The Hulbert Nighthawks, comprised of Paige Shepherd, Jacob Ellis, Miranda Witte, Nikki Gifford and Sara Landaverde took first place in the 3rd-5th grade competition in an overtime battle against the Dahlonegah Firekeepers. The second place Firekeepers are: Eric Wofford, Kyle Petit, Danielle Leach, Jennifer Calico and Christina Gonzales. Competition for other grade levels continues through November.