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  • Cherokee Nation crowned Julie Thornton (center) of Muskogee as the 2012-2013 Jr. Miss Cherokee. First runner-up was awarded to Cierra Fields (right) of Ft. Gibson and Megan Baker (left) of Locust Grove took home second runner-up.

    Jr. Miss Cherokee Winners 2012.jpg

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August 25, 2012

Jr. Miss Cherokee crowned

Pryor Times

Tahlequah, Oklahoma — TAHLEQUAH  — Julie Thornton of Muskogee reigned supreme at Cherokee Nation’s latest ambassador competition taking home the 2012-2013 Jr. Miss Cherokee title. For the next year Thornton will act as a goodwill ambassador for the tribe promoting the government, language, history and traditions of the Cherokee people.

Thornton, 17, is the daughter of Bryant and Shelly Thornton. She is a senior at Hilldale High School in Muskogee. Thornton won over the judges with her knowledge of Cherokee language and history and impressed the audience with a cultural presentation over traditional Cherokee basketry. She will assume the duties held by the 2011-2012 Jr. Miss Cherokee, Christy Kingfisher.

During her reign as Jr. Miss Cherokee, Thornton said she is going to focus on helping more people achieve higher education.

“Higher education is what will create a better foundation for [Cherokees] in the future,” Thornton said during her platform presentation. “Cherokee Nation has boundless opportunities for higher education and as Jr. Miss I will do my best to inform everyone, young and old, of the vast opportunities available to them as Native Americans.”

Cierra Fields, 13, of Fort Gibson was named first runner-up. Fields is an eighth-grade student at Ft. Gibson Middle School and the daughter of Richard and Terri Fields. Fields also received the cultural presentation award and the traditional dress award.

Second runner-up went to Megan Baker, 15, of Locust Grove. Baker is a sophomore at Locust Grove High School and the daughter of Jeremy and Gina Baker. Baker won the essay and academic awards as well.

Also participating in the competition were contestants Deonna Toney, 15, of Sallisaw and Sage Butler, 15, of Jay. Butler was awarded Miss Congeniality. The Jr. Miss Cherokee Ambassador competition was held in conjunction with the 60th Cherokee National Holiday.

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