language, stomp dance and beading, one of Alyssa’s favorite activities. Beading didn’t come naturally to her at first, causing initial frustration and a lot of finger pricks. That determined spirit wouldn’t give up, though, and now Alyssa is a pro, enjoying making earrings best. Alyssa’s strength is also displayed on the volleyball court, where she excels in the middle back position and helped her team win first place in the OKCPS All City tournament. She loves to sing and dance, with ballet and hip hop her current favorite styles. As the 2019-2020 JOM Princess, Alyssa travels the state to attend events and powwows, opportunities to experience a variety of other tribes and cultures. She led the OKCPS contingent marching in Oklahoma City’s Martin Luther King Jr. parade and is looking forward to participating in the annual Red Earth Festival this summer. One of Alyssa’s mentors, Rochell Werito, cul- tural programs coordinator of Native Ameri- can Student Services, is proud of Alyssa’s re- solve and says she is representing the OKCPS
traditions, through which her mom says dancers pray to their creator and connect to the spiritual world. “Other people might think it is just people talking and dancing around a fire, but there’s really meaning toward it,” said Alyssa. In addition to helping other Native students connect to their heritage, Alyssa wants to educate the community about Native Americans’ impact on the state. She hopes that understanding will lead to greater respect for tribal heritage and cultures. “When I had my dress on, some people called it a costume,” said Alyssa, an example of one tradition she hopes to educate community members about. “It’s not a costume, it’s regalia. It’s a piece to really show who you are, and we are honored to be wearing it.” Alyssa and mom Christie say there’s a lot to learn for everyone, including the two of them as they strive to better understand other tribes around Oklahoma. “I’m proud to be Native American because you get a bigger, stronger family,” said Alyssa. “All Native Americans come together and treat you as their own.”
ALYSSA MARCHED IN THE MLK DAY PARADE IN OKLAHOMA CITY.
Native American community beautifully. “Alyssa is a wonderful role model by staying active in cultural, extracurricular and school activities and maintaining an awesome GPA,” said Werito. “She steps up to the occasion when she is asked, such as singing in front of a crowd or serving elders. She is not afraid to ask for help and is eager to learn and share all she can about her Chickasaw culture.” Alyssa has spent time learning and understanding her tribe’s stomp dance
Changing Lives– One Dog at a Time
Thirteen-year-old Caleb White volunteers every weekend at Oklahoma City Animal Welfare. Whether it’s featuring a dog for #FreeMeFriday, taking pets to events for potential adoption, or playing ball with a furry friend for an afternoon, his passion for animal rescue is a prime example of why we’re inspired by kids like Caleb. At Kimray, our mission is to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Caleb exemplifies this by living out that mission in the service he provides to his community. And that’s The Kimray Way.
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