The Chief’s Awards were presented by Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks and Taline Ugvwiyu (Vice Chief) Alan B. Ensley in the Cherokee Tribal Council House on the morning of Wednesday, May 8. The awards were presented to students who are members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and excelled in their academic and other endeavors during the 2023-24 school year.
New Kituwah Academy: Carter Stephens, Kamden Driver
Cherokee Elementary: Lula Ensley, Jayden Teesateskie
Cherokee Middle: James “JJ” Smith, Zoe De Los Reyes
Cherokee High: Roxi Bark, George Saunooke
Swain East Elementary: Jozie Smith, Braelyn Lambert
Swain West Elementary: Sofia Bradley, Aubree Bradley
Swain Middle: Ruby Hollifield, TJ Carroll
Swain High: Kane Osco Jones, Riley Faith Cabe
Smokey Mountain Elementary: Jeremiah Queen, Evelyn George
Smoky Mountain Middle: Zaliyah Sharpless, Carlisle Williams
Smoky Mountain High: Mathias Saunooke, Zoe Walkingstick
Robbinsville Elementary: McKynlee Adams, Shawn George-Smoker
Robbinsville Middle: Xamuel Wachacha, Khayton Swimmer
Robbinsville High: Charismas Rayne Lambert, Zoie Shuler
Andrews High: Kurtis Cochran, Jailen Powell
Murphy High: Cruz Teesateskie, Xander Wachacha
Pisgah High: Whitney Boone
Tuscola High: Abby Ball, Callie Parker
