Super Kids of the Metro
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Honoring Her Heritage: Alyssa’s story
ALYSSA IS THE 2019-2020 JOM PRINCESS FOR OKC PUBLIC SCHOOLS, REPRESENTING NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENT SERVICES AROUND THE STATE.
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BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED.
are rigorous, with students required to learn phrases in their Native language, sing Native songs, answer interview questions and proudly wear Native regalia. The first time Alyssa entered the competition she didn’t win, but that didn’t stop her from trying again. “The first time she got nervous with the language and had a hard time,” said mom Christie Rubio, an OKCPS Native American elementary adviser. “But the second time she was really determined. I’m proud of her ambition because she is really proud to be Native.” Participants are judged on how well they know facts about their tribe, their ability to articulate who their role models are and their demonstration of their language. Even though Alyssa says her performance was not perfect, she remained confident and poised. In the excitement of the crowning announcement, Alyssa at first didn’t realize she’d won the title. “I thought they said the other girl’s name and I got second place again,” said Alyssa. “I was kind of sad that I didn’t win but happy for the other girl. But then [when I realized I’d won] I was really emotional.”
Representing Native American Student Services OKCPS Native American Student Services offers Native students like Alyssa unique opportunities to connect with their heritage and learn about all the tribes that have shaped Oklahoma history. Students spend class time learning Native languages, songs and traditions. In addition, students are provided academic support, assistance with school supplies and uniforms as needed and college and career preparation. Any student with a tribal enrollment card or Certificate Degree of Indian Blood documentation is eligible to receive services. Christie Rubio participated in the program as a child, and now she provides services for OKCPS elementary and middle school stu - dents, from ensuring kids who need transpor- tation have it to readying kids to compete in Oklahoma History Challenge Bowls, which Alyssa has proudly participated in. Alyssa is also active in the student art show and Resonate youth dance troupe and volunteers at the annual OKCPS Stomp Dance and Powwow. At monthly cultural nights, students and families enjoy fellowship and classes in tribal
Alyssa Rubio knows what it means to persevere, one of many characteristics indicative of her Chickasaw heritage. From her intentionality in understanding her culture to her desire to teach others, the 13-year-old’s pride in her roots is infectious, and she’s proven over the past several years just how hard she’s willing to work to share the love of her tribe with others. An eighth grader at Southeast Middle School, Alyssa has long been active in Oklahoma City Public Schools’ Native American Student Services, which advocates for and provides services to Native American students, working to increase student knowledge of their cultural identity and awareness, increase academic achievement and provide at-risk student support. After years of study about Chickasaw history, language and traditions, Alyssa aspired to become the OKCPS Johnson O’Malley Princess, representing Native American Student Services across the district and around the state. Preparations for the pageant
56 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2020
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