Chelbie Turtle Named Jr. Miss Cherokee

Chelbie Turtle of Tahlequah was named Jr. Miss Cherokee Saturday. At the presentation in Tahlequah are, from the left, Sherry Baker, Cherokee Nation First Lady; Turtle; Lynda Crittendon, Cherokee Nation Second Lady; and Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittendon. For the next year Turtle will act as a goodwill ambassador for the Cherokee Nation, promoting the government, language, history and traditions of the Cherokee people. Turtle is the daughter of Jeff Turtle and Lisa Trice-Turtle, who was the 1986-87 Miss Cherokee. Four teens competed for the title in four categories: cultural presentation, interview, impromptu questions and speech on their platform. Turtle earned her sash and crown after she told the traditional story of how strawberries came to be, earned her sash and crown after she told the traditional story of how strawberries came to be, sang "Amazing Grace" in Cherokee and gave a speech on the importance of higher education. Four teens competed for the title. Elizabeth Hummingbird, 16, of Stilwell was named first runner-up and won co-Miss Congeniality; Danya Pigeon, 15, of Tahlequah received the traditional dress award; and Tatianna Slover-Birdtail, 14, of Tahlequah was named co-Miss Congeniality. Turtle will be crowned during the Cherokee National Holiday on August 30 and 31.

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com