Siyo, on Oct. 7, I was crowned Little Miss Cherokee 2015-2016. I am still filled with excitement and look forward to representing the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians with great pride.
I would like to begin by thanking my Mom and Chaz. Thank you both for taking the time to help me with everything and for always believing in me.
Thank you Micah, Carrah and Ogana Swimmer for teaching me my talent and helping me to perfect it. Carrah, thank you for taking the time to fix my hair so that I would be presentable while on the stage. I could not have done it if not for the help of the Swimmer family.
Madison Crowe, thank you for making sure I kept calm and relaxed on pageant night, and making sure my outfits were nicely attired.
Jordyn Thompson, thank you for letting me ride on your pretty car and the pretty pictures you captured of me during the banquet and pageant night. You’re the best!
Nancy and Johnnie Ruth Maney, thank you for making all of my beautiful outfits.
Richard Saunooke, thank you for my beautiful pucker-toed moccasins, and putting all my silver on my traditional outfit.
Amanda, thank you for being such a great pageant coach to myself and the other contestants. Because of your time, we wouldn’t have been able to prepare ourselves to walk the stage.
Boie Crowe, Delayna Mills, Eve and Ellise Stamper, thank you for helping me hand out candy in the parade and handing out friendship bracelets during my talent.
Thank you to all of my sponsors: Jack and Tootsie Gloyne, Diamond Nails, Albert Rose, CBC Printing, Moni and Ben Toineeta, Travis Smith, BJ Barnard, Evelyn Granning, Crowes Wrecker Service, Tunney Crowe, B and Libby Ensley, Sarah and Tommy Teesateskie, Tribal T.E.R.O. Program. Without your generous donations, I wouldn’t have been able to compete for the title, and be your new Little Miss Cherokee.
I would like to let each of my fellow Little Miss contestants know that you all did awesome, and each one of you are beautiful. Lastly, I would like to thank all of my family and friends who supported and believed in me from day one.
Congratulations to the newly crowned Miss Cherokee Taran Swimmer, Teen Miss Cherokee Blake Wachacha, and Junior Miss Cherokee Abigail Taylor. I look forward to the upcoming year representing the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians with each of you!
Sgi,
Madison G. Ledford
2015-2016 Little Miss Cherokee
