First Miss Native American crowned
Aravind Seshadri/O’Collegian
Krisha Blevins smiles after being crowned Miss Native American OSU Saturday night at the West Watkins Center.
Aravind Seshadri
Staff Writer
Krisha Blevins, journalism and broadcasting sophomore and member of the Hidatsa Nation, was named Miss Native American Oklahoma State University Saturday night during the first Miss Native American OSU Pageant at the Wes Watkins Center, organized by the Native American Student Association.
She received a scholarship for $1,000, while the first runner-up, athletic training sophomore Kristie LeRoy, a member of the Pawnee, Ponca, Iowa and Omaha Nations, received a scholarship for $500. Blevins also won Miss Academic Scholar and LeRoy won Miss Congeniality.
The second runner-up was elementary education sophomore Julie Bogart, a member of the Cherokee Nation, who received a $250 scholarship.
The participants were judged based on a personal interview, self-introduction on stage, traditional dress, evening wear and extemporaneous questioning.
The event was organized by Jessica Moore, architecture sophomore, who is also the 2004 Oklahoma State University Native American Student Association Princess. Even though she was the princess last year, this year is the first time scholarships were awarded.
“I am really glad that NASA is able to put on this American Indian Pageant, and I think it has let more young ladies to come out and participate,” Karen Powless, NASA president, said.
After being crowned Miss Native American OSU, Blevins said, “I am really excited, and the most exciting part is that I am also Miss Academic Scholar.”
She also said she would advertise more about this event and let many people know about it.
When asked about her experience participating in this event, LeRoy said: “It was great and it was a new experience. Next year, the competition would probably be tougher and more competitive.”
The event also featured the Lord’s prayer in Indian Sign Language by Moore and her cousin, Randa Moore, the Osage tribal princess from Geronimo.
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April Reports
Last updated on April 22, 2005