By Dana Hudspeth, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
Three young ladies began their reign as 2009-10 Chickasaw royalty during the annual Chickasaw Princess Pageant, conducted at Ada High School Cougar Activity Center Monday, Sept. 28.
Jessie Miller, Alexis Walker and Lauren John, all of Ada, were crowned by Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby and Lt. Governor Jefferson Keel. The trio will serve as Chickasaw Princess, Chickasaw Junior Princess and Little Miss Chickasaw, respectively.
The new royalty will have the honor and privilege of representing the Chickasaw Nation at various functions and events across the country during their one-year reign.
“These extraordinary young ladies will serve as excellent ambassadors for the Chickasaw Nation during the upcoming year. They join a great history of dynamic Chickasaw women. We are proud these three ladies and of all our Chickasaw Princess Pageant participants,” said Governor Anoatubby.
Chickasaw Princess 2009-10 Jessie Miller is the 19-year-old daughter of Jeffrey Miller and Shannon Russell Treat. She is a sophomore at East Central University. After graduation, she aspires to be a teacher.
“As Chickasaw Princess, I will do what it takes to help other Chickasaw children to want to do their best in everything they do,” she said.
Alexis Walker, 13, is the daughter of Darrell and Johnna Ellis Walker. She is in the eighth grade at Ada Junior High School.
“Being Junior Miss Chickasaw means being a role model for young girls, representing the unconquered and unconquerable Chickasaw Nation- as well as my Lord- to the best of my abilities, and learning more about my culture,” she said.
Lauren John is the seven-year-old daughter of Thomas and Lisa John. She is in the second grade at Hayes Elementary School.
“As Little Miss Chickasaw, I want to tell about how great it is to be Chickasaw,” she said.
During the pageant, participants were judged on traditional Chickasaw dress, random questioning, talent and poise. Contestants demonstrated a wide variety of exceptional talents ranging from storytelling, singing and dancing.
The winners were selected by a panel of judges.
Each princess winner received a crown, traditional dress, shawl, sash, trophy, gifts and cash prizes from Governor Anoatubby.
Catie Newport, of Ada, was named first runner up 2009-10 Chickasaw Princess and Tisha Cully, also of Ada, was second runner-up.
In the Chickasaw Junior Princess category, Autumn Underwood, of Latta, was named first runner-up.
Little Miss Chickasaw first runner up was Maegan Carney, Ardmore, second runner-up, Raechell Meely, Sulphur, and Cheyanne Arkansas, Tishomingo, was named third runner-up.
During the pageant ceremony, special recognition was paid to the princesses completing their reigns as Chickasaw royalty for 2008-2009, Chickasaw Princess Carla Lane; Chickasaw Junior Princess Julie Underwood; and Little Miss Chickasaw Chelsea Wedlow.
“It has been a great honor to serve this past year, I have learned more about the Chickasaw Nation and other tribes,” said Lane.
Underwood said, “It has been is a privilege and honor for me to get to represent the Chickasaw Nation. It has been an awesome year.”
“I’ve done my best to be a princess you can be proud of,” said Chelsea.
The heritage of the princesses began in 1963 when Ranell (James) Harry, daughter of former Chickasaw Governor Overton James, was appointed the first princess.
All royalty participants are required to be residents of the Chickasaw Nation and have a minimum one-quarter Chickasaw blood quantum, and meet other requirements.
For more information about the Chickasaw Princesses, contact Phyllis Avanzini at (580) 272-5508 or phyllis.avanzini@chickasaw.net
