By Dana Hudspeth, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
2008-09 Miss Chickasaw Carla Lane, Little Miss Chickasaw Chelsea Wedlow and Jr. Miss Chickasaw Julie Underwood, from left, appear at the 2009 Red Earth Parade in Oklahoma City. Applications are now being accepted for 2009-2010 Chickasaw Princess Pageant contestants. The annual pageant is set Sept. 28 at the Ada Cougar Activity Center in Ada, Okla.
Deadline has been extended to August 21, 2009.
Applications are now available for 2009-2010 Chickasaw Princess Pageant contestants. The annual pageant is set Sept. 28 at the Ada Cougar Activity Center in Ada, Okla., where contestants will do their best to be crowned either Chickasaw Princess(17-25 years old), Chickasaw Junior Princess (12-16 years old); or Little Miss Chickasaw, (7-11 years old).
The new-crowned royalty will have the honor and privilege of representing the Chickasaw Nation at various functions and events across several states.
The Chickasaw princesses have been making appearances for many years.
The heritage of the princesses goes back to 1963 when Ranell (James) Harry, daughter of former Chickasaw Governor Overton James, was appointed the first princess.
The 2008-2009 Chickasaw royalty are Chickasaw Princess Carla Lane, Junior Miss Chickasaw Princess Julie Underwood and Little Miss Chickasaw Princess Chelsea Wedlow.
Applicants must be residents of the Chickasaw Nation, be at least one-quarter Chickasaw, be a registered Chickasaw citizen, be the required age by the date of the pageant, never have been married, must not have any children, must never have served as a princess in the respective category, must have reliable transportation, abstain from the use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco-related products during the reign as princess, attend public or private school and be working toward a diploma or be a high school graduate or equivalent. Contestants must also attend an orientation workshop and must provide their traditional dress.
Applications may be picked up at the Youth and Family Services building on Seabrook Road in Ada or on the web at http://www.chickasaw.net/.
Applications must be returned to the Princess Program at the Division of Youth and Family Services, 231 Seabrook Road, Ada, Okla. 74820.
In addition to completing the application, princess hopefuls must write an essay, have three letters of reference from non-relatives and submit a 5x7 self-portrait.
The deadline to apply has been extended to August 21, 2009.
For more information, contact Toni Castleberry, princess program coordinator, at (580) 272-7710 or email http://www.chickasaw.net/newsroom/toni.castleberry@chickasaw.net.
Contestant Reimbursement Now Available
Chickasaw Princess Pageant contestants are now eligible for reimbursement for expenses related to the pageant, to help defray the cost of participating.
To receive reimbursement, contestants must participate in all areas of the pageant. Reimbursement will not take place until after the pageant has been completed.
For more information, contact Toni Castleberry, princess program coordinator, at (580) 272-7710 or email http://www.chickasaw.net/newsroom/toni.castleberry@chickasaw.net.
