By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.
ONE FEATHER STAFF
Carmaleta Monteith (center) receives the 2009 Frell Owle Award from Kathy Wolfe (right) and Mark Crowe. (Photo by Scott McKie B.P.)
Carmaleta Monteith, an EBCI tribal member who was instrumental in the design of the new Cherokee Central Schools, was awarded the 2009 Frell Owl Award during a Cherokee Boys Club luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 16. The 24th Annual Awards presentation was held at the Cherokee Holiday Inn.
“This truly was a surprise,” Monteith said. “I’m truly humbled and honored to be included in such a list of folks (past winners). I thank you so much for this honor.”
Principal Chief Michell Hicks said that Monteith is one of the unsung heroes in the Cherokee community. “It’s well deserved. Thank you for all that you do for our Tribe.”
Carmaleta Monteith (center), 2009 Frell Owle Award recipient and Yellowhill resident, poses with Yellowhill Reps. David Wolfe (left) and B. Ensley. Ensley is also vice-chairman of Tribal Council.
Ray Kinsland, Cherokee Boys Club executive director and 1986 recipient of the award, said of Monteith, “Her work has already affected thousands of Cherokee youth and will continue to affect Cherokee youth.”
Kathy Wolfe, last year’s award recipient, said she has formed a strong friendship and work bond with Monteith while working on the design and construction of the new school. “She’s just an inspiration. The education of our children is always foremost on her mind.”
Former Principal Chief Joyce Dugan is the current Cherokee Central Schools superintendent. A close friend of Monteith, she related, “It is my privilege to know Carmaleta.”
She said that Monteith was instrumental in making sure that the entire site and the school buildings contained Cherokee cultural elements.
“Thank you for all that you do for the school,” said Dugan.
During the luncheon, the Cherokee Boys Club Board of Directors was also recognized. Mark Crowe, Board president, gave the opening welcoming remarks and offered a prayer. He said he was thankful for the spirit of cooperation that exists between the Boys Club and Tribal Council and the Chief and Vice Chief. “It’s just a union that God has joined us together. Things are getting accomplished. Things are getting done.”
The 2008-10 Cherokee Boys Club Board of Directors includes: Mark Crowe, president; Robert Lambert, vice-president; Tiffani Reed, secretary; Jody Saunooke, asst. secretary; Albert Arch; Wanda Lawless; Wilbur Paul; Big Cove Rep. Perry Shell; and Adam Smith.
Past recipients of the Frell Owl Award include: Chief John A. Crowe, 1983; Stella Kanott, 1984; The Crowe Family, 1985; Ray Kinsland, 1986; Pearl and John Reagan, 1987; Betty Crisp, 1988; Jerri Reagan Kinsland, 1989; Mary Chiltoskey, 1990; Dora Reed, 1992; Marie Junaluska, 1995; Sharon and David Crowe, 1996; Ernestine Walkingstick, 1997; Jody Adams, 1998; Gary Maney, 1999; Mary Sneed, 2000; Mary Mantooth, 2001; David McCoy, 2002; Glenda Crowe, 2003; Denise Ballard, 2004; David McQueen, 2005; Skooter McCoy, 2006; Johnson “Booger” Arch, 2007; and Kathy Wolfe, 2008.
