"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Smith Crowned Miss Cherokee Leadership

"Miss Cherokee Leadership 2008-2009, Feather Smith,
of Tahlequah, Oklahoma."

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Feather Smith of Tahlequah was recently crowned Miss Cherokee Leadership during the annual State of the Nation address ceremony at the 56th Annual Cherokee National Holiday.

“This competition was a lot of fun,” said Smith. “To represent my people and to be in a position to be a role model to younger generations of Cherokees is an honor. I look forward to the upcoming year and will work hard to be a good ambassador for the Cherokee Nation.”

Smith is the daughter of Rex and Marie Smith of Tahlequah. She is currently enrolled at Northeastern State University (NSU) and is majoring in Zoology. She is a Cherokee storyteller and enjoys making traditional crafts and playing stickball. Feather’s platform for the upcoming year is reading among Native Americans and the significance of stressing to our Cherokee children the importance of the written word.

The purpose of the Miss Cherokee Leadership Competition is to identify young women with leadership abilities to represent the Cherokee Nation, its citizens and communities. Miss Cherokee Leadership serves as a goodwill ambassador and messenger to promote the government, history, language and culture of the Cherokee people.

The Miss Cherokee Leadership participants were judged in several categories, including an interview, platform presentation, social skills, tribal knowledge and their usage of the Cherokee language.

Kinsey Shade of the Briggs community was selected as first-runner up. Kinsey is the daughter of Bobby Joe and Ruth Ann Shade. Kinsey attends NSU and is majoring in Mass Communication.

“Competing in the Miss Cherokee competition was a great experience. I’m glad I participated,” said Shade.

Charbrice Rhea of Westville was chosen as second runner-up and was named Miss Congeniality. Charbrice is the daughter of Barbara Skaggs and also attends NSU.

“Meeting everyone and spending time with the other contestants was really a lot of fun,” said Rhea. “I am honored to have competed with so many wonderful girls.”

Each of the three young women will receive a scholarship for their success in the competition. Feather will receive a $3,000 scholarship, Kinsey will receive a scholarship in the amount of $2,000 and Charbrice will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Danielle Culp of Claremore, Courtney Teehee of Jay, Alyssa Allen Fields of Locust Grove and Jana Henry of Salina also competed in the competition.

“I want to thank each of the young ladies that participated in the Miss Cherokee Leadership Competition,” said Nancy Scott, coordinator. “The girls should be proud of how well they all did. I commend them on their commitment to the Cherokee heritage. This year’s competition was wonderful. I appreciate everyone who participated.”