A Gore youth was named Little Cherokee Ambassador during the annual leadership competition held this month in Tahlequah.

Hannah Neugin, 20, of Hulbert, was crowned Miss Cherokee 2025-26 during the competition and Reese Henson, 16, of Tahlequah, was crowned Junior Miss Cherokee.

The 2025-26 Little Cherokee Ambassadors were also crowned during a ceremony on August 15 in Tahlequah. Fifteen Cherokee children competed in four age divisions for the titles. Little Cherokee Ambassadors act as role models and ambassadors for the tribe by attending events and parades for the next year.

Winning in the 7-9 age category was Kenna-Fay Brison, 7, of Gore, who shared a presentation on how moccasins are created.

“As Chief, it fills me with pride to see so many young Cherokees full of confidence to step up and do something special,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “It’s no secret that our Cherokee royalty are great ambassadors of the Cherokee Nation. There are many opportunities for these young folks to travel near and far to spread what it means to be Cherokee. This generation has the most opportunities and the future within their grasp; our people will be well cared for with excellent leaders in the future.”

“I’m filled with pride when I see such young Cherokees share their culture and pride in their Nation,” Deputy Chief Bryan Warner said. “The children play a huge role in the future by reinforcing our Cherokee values. This year will serve them well and provide them the tools they need to be the future leaders of tomorrow. We are thankful to them for participating in the growth of our Nation.”