I would like to take this time to say “Sgi” to my mom, dad, and the rest of my family for supporting me and always encouraging me to do my best. I had fun getting to know the contestants for the Little Miss Cherokee pageant, and I am grateful to Amanda Wolfe-Moore for all her hard work and dedication. This was a great experience, and I enjoyed getting back into the competition.
I want to especially say thank you to my sponsors: Tashina and Beast at 3414 Body Arts Studio, Long House Funeral Home, and Santa’s Land. Without your help, I don’t know where I would have been.
I want to recognize my Uncle John Grant Jr., Bullet Standingdeer, Bear Taylor, Monica Taylor (who was also my belt maker), Kimsey Taylor and Matthew Tooni! They helped me with my talent, and I want them to know that they are greatly appreciated. They never hesitated when I asked for their help!
I also want to say thank you to my uncle Albert Martin Jr. for getting my car for the parade, my grandma Carol Bernhisel for making my traditional outfit, my cousin Earl Martin for driving the car in the parade, my Uncle Jay Shell and Kennedy Shell and my Cousin BC for handing out my candy and my cousin Candy Ross for letting me borrow her mom’s basket. I want to send a shout out to Garfield Long Jr. for translating my speech and to Michelle Long for braiding my hair and making me look Uwoduhi!
Lastly, I’m thankful for the friendships that I made, and I’m thankful for the blessings from God above. Congratulations to the New Little Miss Cherokee and the 1st Runner-Up Tsini McCoy! All the contestants did a great job and have nothing to be ashamed of or sad about. We are all winners in my eyes!
Sincerely,
Miss Praire Monique Toineeta “Iwodi”
2nd Runner-Up Little Miss Cherokee Pageant
