"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Miss Cherokee Contestants Announced

***"(L to R) Danayah Bush, Sallisaw, OK; Lindsay Glass, KS; Kinsey Shade, Tahlequah, OK; Sarah Holcomb, Vian, OK; Christina Snell, KS; Brandy Arneecher, KS."***

TAHLEQUAH, OK — Displaying their leadership abilities and promoting their cultural identity are the aspirations of six young women who will compete in the Cherokee Nation’s Miss Cherokee Leadership Competition on Saturday, August 25, at 7 p.m. at the NSU Ballroom in Tahlequah. The competition is being held in conjunction with the 55th Annual Cherokee National Holiday.

“It is such a joy to see these young women take part in a competition that showcases knowledge of their Cherokee heritage and encourages strong leadership skills,” said Nancy Scott, event coordinator. “I encourage everyone to come out and support these young women. This is truly a great opportunity for each of them.”

The role of Miss Cherokee is to represent the Cherokee Nation as a goodwill ambassador and to serve as a messenger to promote the government, history, language and culture of the Cherokee people.

This year’s contestants are Christina Snell of Kansas, Brandy Arneecher of Kansas, Lindsay Glass of Kansas, Danayah Bush of Sallisaw, Sarah Holcomb of Vian and Kinsey Shade of Tahlequah.

Christina Snell is the daughter of Anthony and Tina Snell of Kansas. Christina attends Northeastern State University and is majoring in early childhood/special education. Christina serves her community by helping the disabled shop for groceries and enjoys weaving baskets with her grandmother.

Brandy Arneecher is the daughter of Priscilla Blackfox-Arneecher and Clifford Arneecher of Kansas. She attends Northeastern State University and would like to obtain a degree in nursing. Brandy serves her community by taking part in a variety of community work projects. She enjoys singing Cherokee hymns that her grandmother taught her.

Lindsay Glass is the daughter of Leonard and Angie Glass of Kansas. Angie attends Bacone College and is majoring in criminal justice. Lindsay is a volunteer at the nursery in her church and enjoys traditional basket weaving and playing cultural games, such as marbles and stickball.

Danayah Bush is the daughter of Ricky and Barbara Bush of Sallisaw. She attends Northeastern State University and is working toward a degree in dental hygiene. Danayah has taken part in her community by volunteering as a receptionist for the Cherokee Nation Human Services Department in Sallisaw. She enjoys attending powwows and traditional basket weaving.

Sarah Holcomb is the daughter of Mitch and Sherry Holcomb of Vian. She is enrolled in Northeastern State University and is majoring in nursing. Sarah volunteers at the Cherokee Nation Child Development Center and enjoys beading, stomp dancing, pottery and weaving baskets.

Kinsey Shade is the daughter of Bobby and Ruth Ann Shade of Tahlequah. Kinsey attends Northeastern State University and is majoring in Mass Communications. She is serving her second term as a member of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Youth Council and has taken part in community volunteer projects, such as picking up trash and painting churches. Kinsey enjoys storytelling, gathering traditional food and traditional basket weaving.

“All of our participants are all qualified to serve as Miss Cherokee,” said Scott. “I am anxious to see which of these young ladies will represent the Cherokee people in the coming year.”

Winners will be announced that night but the contestant selected for Miss Cherokee 2007-2008 will not be crowned until Saturday, September 1, during the State of the Nation program.

The contestant chosen to be Miss Cherokee will receive a $3000 scholarship. The first runner-up will receive a $2000 scholarship and the second runner-up will be awarded a scholarship in the amount of $1000.

The Cherokee National Holiday has been held since 1953 in tribute of the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution. It has grown into one of the largest events in Oklahoma, attracting more than 90,000 visitors from across the world.

This year’s theme is “Common Values, Common Ground,” in commemoration of the 169 years of rich history the Cherokee Nation has in what is now Oklahoma, and the 100th anniversary of Oklahoma’s statehood.

“This theme is a tribute to the partnership that exists between the Cherokee Nation and the great state of Oklahoma.” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “Throughout the years we have worked together to create better and stronger communities all over the state. This year’s theme of ‘Common Values, Common Ground’ reiterates the importance of the continuation of this relationship for the betterment of Cherokee citizens and our Oklahoma neighbors. In our partnerships with the state and community organizations all across Oklahoma we can help to create a better Oklahoma for everyone.”

For more information contact Nancy Scott, phone: 918-453-5259.