Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - Three Sequoyah High School (SHS) students recently won awards for their artwork in a national art competition. Jana Leach, junior from Stilwell, won second place, April Dickson, sophomore from Stilwell, won third and Julie Hensley, sophomore from Tahlequah, was an honorable mention. All three winning art pieces were entered in the basket category.

“The Cherokee style of basket is unusual to the people of that area,” said Brandi Adair, instructor at Sequoyah High School. “They can’t wait to get their hands on them.”

The Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona hosts the annual Heard Museum Native American Student Art Show and Sale. Winners receive ribbons and prize money, but all entrants’ art is available to purchase with profits going to the student artist.

Eight SHS students sold their artwork. They are Jana Leach, April Dickson, Bo Carey, Julie Hensley, Michael Hooper, Sarah Blueback, Rene Berryhill, and Mindy Hooper. The categories the students competed in were baskets, pottery and sculpture.

“We are very excited for these students and excited about having these students here at Sequoyah,” Adair said.

“Sequoyah is a great place for young leaders to develop their natural talents,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “Kids with artistic abilities really have a chance to shine at Sequoyah.”

Sequoyah High School "Home of the Indians!" P.O. Box 520, Tahlequah, OK 74465             Sequoyah High School Alumni P.O. Box 187, Park Hill, OK 74451-0187 Sequoyah High School, an Indian boarding school, originated in 1871, when the Cherokee National Council passed an act setting up an orphan asylum to take care of many orphans that came out of the Civil War. Sequoyah High School's approximate 300 enrollment represents 42 tribes and 14 different states. Students are eligible to attend if they are members of federally recognized Indian tribes or one-fourth blood descendants of such members.