13 to compete for Choctaw Indian Princess
The rich Choctaw cultural heritage will be on full display as 13 lovely young Chahta Ohoyo (Choctaw women) will vie for the esteemed title of Choctaw Indian Princess during the opening night of the 74th Choctaw Indian Fair on Wednesday, July 10. This annual tradition, held at the Main Stage, is one of the most popular Fair events for Tribal members and visitors alike.
The 13 contestants are:
• Leilani Elyse Allen is the 21-year-old daughter of Marsha Allen and is from the Tucker Community. She will be a junior at MSU-Meridian in the fall and major in business information systems. Lelani is sponsored by the Choctaw Loan Program.
• Zahayliah KeiAnn Bell is the 16-year-old daughter of Zenetta Williams and Jordan Bell and is from the Conehatta Community. She will be a junior at Newton County High School this fall. Zahayliah is sponsored by the Conehatta Development Club.
• Lexi Camille Rodriguez is the 16-year-old daughter of Abraham and Nakita Rodriguez and is from the Pearl River Community. She will be a junior at Choctaw Central High School this fall. Lexi is sponsored by the Pearl River Development Club.
• Tessney Delayne Morris is the 17-year-old daughter of Jackie and Renata Morris and is from the Bogue Chitto Community. She will be a freshman at East Central Community College this fall and plans to major in general education. Tessney is sponsored by the Bogue Chitto Development Club.
• Jordan Shawnette Mack is the 19-year-old daughter of Vertina John and Geno Mack and is from the Conehatta Community. She will be a junior at the University of Mississippi this fall and majoring in political science. Jordan is sponsored by the Gaming Properties of Pearl River Resort.
• Lexi Alaysia Flint is the 18-year-old daughter of Cindell Hickman and Corey Flint and is from the Red Water Community. She plans to attend the University of Mississippi this fall and major in allied health studies. Lexi is sponsored by the Oka Homma Development Club.
• Aubree Alaina Cotton is the 17-year-old daughter of Rochelle Wallace and Robert Briscoe and is from the Pearl River Community. She will be a senior this fall at Choctaw Central High School. Aubree is sponsored by the Choctaw Health Center Employees Association.
• Rikkiaya Ja’niya Miller is the 17-year-old daughter of Ricco Miller and Jessica Cotton Miller and is from the Crystal Ridge Community. She will be a junior at Nanih Waiya Attendance Center in the fall. Rikkiaya is sponsored by Kanagy Masonry and Construction, LLC.
• Gillion Renee Eaves is the 17-year-old daughter of Christopher Eaves and Tamara Round and is from the Crystal Ridge Community. She will be a senior at Choctaw Central High School. Gillion is sponsored by the Crystal Ridge Development Club.
• Chloe Lylah Thompson is the 18-year-old daughter of Jeremiah and Kimberly Thompson and is from the Pearl River Community. She will be a freshman at the University of Southern Mississippi this fall and plans to major in elementary education. Chloe is sponsored by the Choctaw Residential Center.
• Nataysia Lanae Willis is the 18-year-old daughter of Natisha Isaac and is from the Standing Pine Community. She will be a freshman at Meridian Community College this fall and major in medical laboratory technology. Nataysia is sponsored by the Standing Pine Development Club.
• Leilaya Jayde McMillan is the 20-year-old daughter of Barry and Raeline McMillan and is from the Pearl River Community.
She will be a junior at Belhaven University this fall and major in health administration. Leilaya is sponsored by the Non-Gaming Properties of Pearl River Resort.
• Annalise Nicole Bell is the 20-year-old daughter of Scott and Crystal Watkins and is from the Tucker Community. She will be a junior at Mississippi State University in the fall and major in kinesiology. Annalise is sponsored by the Tucker Development Club.
At the conclusion of the pageant, one of these outstanding young women will be selected to succeed reigning 2023-2024 Choctaw Indian Princess Nalani Luzmaria Thompson.
The newly-crowned Princess will serve as the Tribe’s representative and goodwill ambassador at many special events, such as groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, conferences and other special ceremonies, occasionally alongside Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben.