I am so honored that the Legislature would consider me for this honor! I just can’t put words to what I feel right now! Thank you very much to Representative Bob Herron and Senator Lyman Hoffman and the entire bodies of the Alaska State Senate and House of Representatives! Wearing the WEIO Crown has allowed me to serve in many ways throughout this year. As I prepare for the Miss Indian World Pageant, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported me and helped out in so many ways. I don’t want to name any names, because I would undoubtedly miss someone. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to you all!
The original is in the mail, but here is the text of the citation:
HONORING
CIUGUN KELSEY WALLACE
2011 MISS WORLD ESKIMO INDIAN OLYMPICS
The members of the Twenty-seventh Alaska Legislature congratulate Bethel resident Ciugun Kelsey Wallace, Yup’ik Eskimo, for being crowned 2011 Miss World Eskimo Indian Olympics (WEIO) during the 50th Anniversary of the games held in Fairbanks.
Kelsey Wallace was selected as Miss WEIO based on representation of her Native people, practice and teaching of cultural knowledge and traditions, academic achievement, involvement in sports, student council, and extra-curricular activities, which has earned her awards for leadership and service.
Kelsey attended Ayaprun Elitnaurvik Yup’ik Immersion elementary school where she learned Yup’ik values of knowing her heritage language, customs and the importance of passing on the language and knowledge to the next generation. She enjoys Yup’ik dancing and is involved in the revitalization of the dance.
She is a 2010 graduate of Bethel Regional High School with high honors. Kelsey is pursuing a degree in public relations and communications at the University of Alaska Fairbanks where she serves as a representative of Resident Leadership Council and the Leader for Suicide Prevention, as well as the Alaska Leader of Raising Student Voice and Participation.
She served as a student intern in the office of Senator Lisa Murkowski, received the Student Leader of the Year award by the Alaska Association of Student Governments, served as the Youth Representative on the Alaska Native Education Panel at the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention, and was awarded the 2010 BP Principle and Commissioner Scholarship by the Alaska Commissioner of Education.
Kelsey is actively involved and is an advocate on issues important to her. Her platform is fostering the importance of confidence and motivation in the minds of young people to live successfully in today’s world. Kelsey believes that providing a health family environment is essential to develop life skills to ensure future generations of Native people will emerge as leaders within their school, community, region, and state for strong representation and voice.
Congratulations to Kelsey Wallace from the Twenty-seventh Alaska Legislature for representing her family, friends, and community members, as well as the people of the Yukon-Kuskokwim region.
Best wishes for continued success!
Thanks again- Everyone!!
