"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - “Tsa-La-Gi” Trail of Tears Awards

TULSA, OKLAHOMA - In honoring the hard work of area students, the Cherokee Nation recently hosted the “Tsa-La-Gi” Trail of Tears Awards for Excellence at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Tulsa.

“We are very proud of each of the young men and women who were nominated to receive this award,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “It is good to see so many Native American youth rising to their full potential in academics. The Cherokee Nation is honored to recognize their efforts and achievements.”

The “Tsa-La-Gi” Trail of Tears Awards for Excellence began in 1987 as an honors assembly to recognize Indian students graduating from senior high and middle school throughout the Cherokee Nation. The award recognizes students who have displayed outstanding merit in at least one of the following eight areas: academics, art, citizenship, civic organizations, Indian cultural activities, music, school clubs and sports.

“The annual ceremony honors hundreds of Indian students from more than 70 schools in the Cherokee Nation,” said Reba Bruner, Trail of Tears Excellence Awards Coordinator. “It is so encouraging and exciting to see so many Native American youth excelling from areas such as academics to civic organizations. I believe the achievements of these young people will help to produce strong Indian leaders in years to come.”

The district award winners from district one were Christopher Duvall of Tahlequah and Jake Whitener of Hulbert. District two winners were Christina Hanvey of Westville and Daniel Bunch of Stilwell. Winners from district three were Alicia Young of Vian and John Brooks of Gore. District four was represented by Rachel Blundell of Warner and Jourdan Godwin of Fort Gibson. Winners from district five were Amy Dunaway-Knight of Jay and Mackenzie Bird of Grove. District seven winners were Katherine Rhine of Claremore and Richard Farbro of Claremore. The district eight award winner was Melissa Jean Boley of Tulsa. Katie Campbell and Lacy Nicole Summer of Nowata were the winners of district nine. In addition, the at-large district award winner was James Hall III of Muskogee.