"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Jr. Miss Leadership Competition

"Feather Smith, Jr. Miss Cherokee 2007, waves to the crowds lining Tahlequah streets during the 55th Annual Cherokee National Holiday. Smith will pass her crown to a new Jr. Miss Cherokee on August 16, 2008."

TAHLEQUAH, OK — The Cherokee Nation is accepting applications for the Jr. Miss Leadership Competition that will be held in conjunction with the 56th Annual Cherokee National Holiday on Saturday, August 16, at 6:30 p.m., in the old gym at Sequoyah Schools. Jr. Miss Cherokee serves as a goodwill and cultural ambassador for the Cherokee Nation.

“I encourage all eligible young ladies to enter the competition,” said Reba Bruner, event coordinator. “It is a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. The competition is a great place for young women to share their talents and knowledge of Cherokee culture and traditions. It's a learning experience and, from what I hear from former contestants, a fun time.”

Awards will be presented to first, second and third place winners. Special awards will also be awarded for Miss Congeniality, traditional dress, academics, cultural presentation and best essay.

Participants must be between 14 and 17 years old before Saturday, August 16, be a Cherokee Nation tribal citizen, be enrolled in school, must not have been married or cohabitated, must not have children, must not have previously served as Jr. Miss Cherokee, must never have been convicted of a felony and be physically able to fulfill the duties of the position.

To enter, contestants should submit a completed application form, a copy of tribal citizenship card, a copy of the most recent school transcript, a 3 x 5 color photograph and a two-page typed, double spaced explanation of the contestant’s platform, by Monday, July 28 at 5 p.m.

The Cherokee National Holiday has been held since 1953 in tribute to 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.

Each year a theme is chosen for the Cherokee National Holiday that celebrates Cherokee Nation’s rich heritage and culture. The 2008 theme is "di ni yo tli u na li s de lv do di, Planting the Seed Corn for our Children's Future."

“In this theme, we honor all the Cherokee parents and grandparents whose everyday actions are dedicated to establishing strong, self-sufficient children and communities. Cherokee community members have great respect for these individuals who care and plan for the Cherokee Nation’s leaders of tomorrow,” said Smith.

For more information about the Jr. Miss Leadership Competition or for an application, contact Reba Bruner, phone: 918-453-5397 or Nita Wilson, phone: 918-207-3865.