Three
new Chickasaw young ladies began their reign as 2008-09 Chickasaw
royalty during the annual Chickasaw Princess Pageant, conducted
at the Ada High School Cougar Activity Center Monday, Sept. 29.
Carla
Lane, Julie Underwood, and Chelsea Wedlow 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.
We
are proud of these extraordinary young ladies who will serve as
ambassadors for the Chickasaw people during the upcoming year,
Governor Bill Anoatubby said. They join a great history of
dynamic Chickasaw women.
During
the pageant eight young ladies were judged on traditional Chickasaw
dress, random questioning, talent and poise.
Contestants
demonstrated a wide variety of talents ranging from stomp dancing,
storytelling and signing.
The
winners were selected by a panel of judges. Gov. Anoatubby awarded
each princess winner with a crown, traditional dress, shawl, sash,
trophy, gifts and cash prizes.
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.
Chickasaw
Princess 2008-09 Carla Lane is the 22-year-old daughter of J.D.
Lane and Janett (Brown) Lane, of Ravia, Okla.
Since
I was a little girl I have always dreamed of one day being the Chickasaw
Princess. (Its) a great honor to be able to hold the title,
and I will, to the best to my ability, serve as a role model for
other young Chickasaw people, and be someone that they would look
up to.
Lane
said in her new role, she hopes to learn more about her heritage
and help preserve the Chickasaw language, by sharing both with other
young people.
Chickasaw
Junior Princess Julie Leshell Underwood, of Reagan, Okla., aspires
to be an outstanding goodwill ambassador for the Chickasaw Nation.
To
be chosen for the Chickasaw Junior Princess for 2008-2009 is a great
honor and privilege.
During
her reign, the 13-year-old daughter of Darrell and Linda Underwood
also hopes to convey her respect for her tribe to others.
Underwood
is an eighth grader at Mill Creek Junior High School, where she
is active in several academics and athletic organizations.
Little
Miss Chickasaw Chelsea Lynn Wedlow, of Allen, Okla., said she will
strive to make everyone in the Chickasaw Nation proud, particularly
the elders.
I
work hard and try my best to make them proud and make the Chickasaw
Nation proud.
She
is the nine-year-old daughter of Maceo Wedlow and Rachel (Stick)
Wedlow. She is a fourth grade student at Allen (OK) Elementary School.
Maegan
Carney, Ardmore, Andrea Underwood, Ada, and Krysten Wallace, Ada
also participated in the Little Miss Chickasaw category, and in
the Chickasaw Junior Princess category, the participants included
Brittney Frazier, Ada, and Fichik Hita Frazier, also of Ada.
During
the pageant ceremony, special recognition was paid to the princesses
completing their reigns as Chickasaw royalty for 2007-2008, Chickasaw
Princess Jaisen Monetathchi; Chickasaw Junior Princess Catie Newport;
and Little Miss Chickasaw Alexis Walker.
I
have learned so many new things about my culture, Alexis said
during an emotional farewell address.
This
year has been an incredible year. said Katie, adding she is
a better person because of the things she learned during her reign.
Ms.
Monetathchi said even though her reign is concluding, she will continue
to serve her tribe to the best of her ability.
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.
All
royalty participants are required to be residents of the Chickasaw
Nation and have a minimum one-quarter Chickasaw blood quantum, submit
an essay, three letters of reference from non-relatives plus a 5x7
self-portrait.
For
more information about the Chickasaw Princesses, contact Toni Castleberry
at (580) 272-7710, or email toni.castleberry@chickasaw.net.
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