Cherokee Nation News Release (918) 453-5378 FAX (918) 458-6181 Cherokee Nation Director of Communications@cherokee.org © Cherokee Nation - All Rights Reserved July 21, 2010

Miss Cherokee Contestant Deadline Extended

The Cherokee Nation is inviting young Cherokee women the chance to represent their nation and receive higher education scholarships, recognition and the experience of a lifetime. The deadline for applications has been extended until Friday, July 30. 

As she has done for decades, Miss Cherokee serves as a messenger to promote the government, history, language and culture of the Cherokee people and as a special representative of the Cherokee Nation, the winner can look forward to a year of travel to many exciting events and places. 

To be eligible to vie for the 2010 Miss Cherokee title, contestants must be a Cherokee Nation citizen between the ages of 17 and 22 before August 28, 2010, and be at least one quarter Cherokee. Other eligibility requirements must be met. Application packets must include all required documents and must be postmarked no later than Friday, July 30, 2010. Applicants who submit the required information by the deadline will be notified that they are an official candidate for the 2010 Miss Cherokee Leadership Competition. 

Miss Cherokee Leadership participants will be judged in several categories, including an interview, platform presentation, social skills, tribal knowledge and their usage of the Cherokee language. Participants in the competition will be asked to show their leadership attributes by demonstrating knowledge of cultural activities and skills, a history of community service and leadership and the desire to share those qualities with the public in a gracious, professional manner. 

Nancy Scott, coordinator for the competition, said several scholarships will be awarded as part of the competition, including a $3,000 scholarship to the winner, and $2,000 and $1,000 scholarships given to the first and second runners-up. Contestants must be able and available to fulfill the physical duties of the position, including travel and public appearances, and if selected, official appearances begin Saturday, Sept. 4, immediately following the crowning. 

Danielle Culp of Claremore serves as the current Miss Cherokee, and will pass her title to the 2010 winner at the Principal Chief’s State of the Nation ceremony held during Cherokee National Holiday on Labor Day weekend. 

To request an application or for more information, contact Scott at (918) 453-5259 or by e-mail at nscott@cherokee.org.