By BROOKLYN BROWN
One Feather Reporter
CHEROKEE, N.C. – Nevayah Panther is a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS) from Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) and Kolanvyi (Big Cove). She is the daughter of Jennifer Wildcatt and Deino Panther.
Nevayah Panther is a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS) from Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) and Kolanvyi (Big Cove). (BROOKLYN BROWN/One Feather photo)
Panther, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), held the titles of 2016-17 Little Miss Cherokee and 2019-20 Junior Miss Cherokee. She was also on the 2024-25 CHS Homecoming Court, escorted by her cousin Timber Sampson. She is in the National Honor Society (NHS), and she is taking dual enrollment courses through Southwestern Community College (SCC). She will attend NC State University in the fall.
“I plan to attend my four-year university, and then from there go into pharmacy school to become a pharmacist. I’ve been taking five classes at SCC in the medical field that can help push me into a career,” Panther said.
Through NHS, Panther completed community service projects in the aftermath Hurricane Helene, creating and organizing donation boxes. She also assisted and visited seniors in their move to the new Tsali Care Facility.
Panther is moving into the next chapter of her bright future, but she reflects happily on her time at Cherokee Central Schools. “One of my favorite memories is a certain time throughout the year when we had Spirit Week. My class has won it every year since sophomore year. It’s so fun because everyone participates and has so much fun with each other, making signs and everything like that. That’s always been memorable.”
Nevayah Panther is shown with her escort, Timber Sampson, on the 2024-25 CHS Homecoming Court on the evening of Oct. 18, 2024. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather photo)
