OKMULGEE, Okla.- The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Scholarship Pageant for the next Miss and Junior Miss MCN was held at the Mvskoke Dome on June 6. The new ambassadors of 2025-2026 who earned the Mvskoke Royalty title are Miss MCN Aholoce Deere and Junior Miss Mia Powell.
Miss MCN Aholoce Deere is Raccoon Clan, and her parents are Natalie Harjo and Ahse Deere. Deere’s tribal town is Thlopthlocco, and she attends Alabama-Quassarte church. Deere is a student at the Tulsa Welding School.
Deere’s traditional dress was made by her mom, and her talent was the story of WePucase (master of the snake).
Junior Miss MCN Mia Powell is Wind Clan, and her parents are Gina and Johnny Powell Jr. Powell attends Grace Baptist Church, and her ceremonial ground is Nuyaka. Powell attends Broken Arrow High School.
Powell’s dress was made by former MCN Miss Claudia McHenry. Her talent was the story of the “Great Ball Game,” which spoke in the Mvskoke language; the three paintings that were presented were made by her dad.
The contest consisted of a self-introduction, introduction to their regalia, talent, and a one- minute question and answer. Many families and friends came to support the contestants. In attendance was Principal Chief David Hill, Second Chief Del Beaver, former Mvskoke Royalty, Muscogee (Creek) National Council representatives, and different Tribal pageant royalty.
The Women’s Honor Guard opened for the flag salute, and former Miss 2024-2025 Janya McIntosh sung the National Anthem in the Mvskoke language, which was followed by a runway fashion show featuring Mvskoke clothing from the past to the modern era.
Past year’s MCN royalty participated in the events as hosts and announcers, including Miss MCN (1995-1996) Royce Billy, Miss MCN (2008-2009) Elizabeth Gray, Jr./Miss MCN (2022-2024) Chenoa Barnett, Jr. Miss (1997-1998) Laura Wilson, and Jr. Miss (2004-2005) Alyssa Bear.
Towards the end of the evening, 2024-2025 MCN Miss Janaya McIntosh and Jr. Miss Olivia Beaver were given a farewell for their work and dedication.
Contestants for Junior Miss MCN:
Winner: Mia Powell
Runner up: Kiahna Croy
Contestants for Miss MCN:
Winner: Aholoce Deere
Runner up: Amari Turner
Grace Tiger
Mercedes Dunn
Sutv Harjo
Miss Congeniality:
Miss: Mercedes Dunn
Best Cultural Presentation:
Junior Miss: Mia Powell
Miss: Amari Turner
Best Stage Presence:
Junior Miss: Mia Powell
Miss: Aholoce Deere
Best Self Presentation:
Junior Miss: Mia Powell
Miss: Sutv Harjo
Best Written Word:
Junior Miss: Mia Powell
Miss: Amari Turner
Best Communication:
Junior Miss: Mia Powell
Miss: Mercedes Dunn
Impromptu Question:
Junior Miss: Mia Powell
Miss: Aholoce Deere
