(CHOCTAW, Miss. – June 20, 2025) Nine lovely young Chahta Ohoyo (Choctaw women) will compete for the coveted title of Choctaw Indian Princess during the 75th Choctaw Indian Fair, taking place Wednesday, July 9, 2025, on the Main Stage.
This year marks the 70th edition of the Choctaw Indian Princess Pageant — a cherished tradition and one of the Fair’s most beloved events for both Tribal Members and visitors. The pageant not only showcases the grace, intelligence, and cultural pride of these exceptional young women, but also celebrates the enduring strength and beauty of Chahta heritage.
The nine contestants are:
- Annalise Nicole Bell is the 21-year-old daughter of Scott and Crystal Watkins and is from the Tucker Community. She will be a senior at Mississippi State University this fall and is majoring in kinesiology. Annalise is sponsored by the Gaming Properties of Pearl River Resort.
- Miyah Henry is the 17-year-old daughter of Ronnie, Sr. and Diana Henry and is from the Bogue Chitto Community. She will be a senior at Neshoba Central High School in the fall. Miyah is sponsored by the Choctaw Health Center Employees Association.
- Cambee Latrice Johnson is the 17-year-old daughter of Jeron and Latricia Johnson and is from the Conehatta Community. She will be a senior this fall at Choctaw Central High School. Cambee is sponsored by the Non-Gaming Properties of Pearl River Resort.
- Taijah Kessinger is the 16-year-old daughter of Terrence Kessinger and Kisha King and is from the Conehatta Community. She will be a junior at Choctaw Central High School in the fall. Taijah is sponsored by the Conehatta Development Club.
- Dayanara Lopez is the 18-year-old daughter of Vicente and Rhonda Lopez and is from the Red Water Community. She will be a freshman at Jones College this fall. Dayanara is sponsored by the Red Water Development Club.
- Jaliah Rashad Mingo is the 19-year-old daughter of Isaiah Mingo and Alexis York and is from the Pearl River Community. She will be a sophomore this fall at the University of Alabama and plans to major in sports management. Jaliah is sponsored by the Pearl River Development Club.
- Lexi Rodriguez is the 17-year-old daughter of Abraham and Nakita Rodriguez and is from the Pearl River Community. She will be a senior at Choctaw Central High School this fall. Lexi is sponsored by Choctaw Tribal Schools.
- Netiyah Naeshon Thompson is the 18-year-old daughter of Martina Thompson and is from the Bogue Chitto Community. She will be a freshman this fall at East Central Community College and intends to major in dental hygiene. Netiyah is sponsored by the Bogue Chitto Development Club.
- Teresa Willis is the 18-year-old daughter of Deanna McMillan and is from the Tucker Community. She will be a freshman at East Central Community College in the fall and plans to major in liberal arts. Teresa is sponsored by the Tucker Development Club.
During the intermission, a special retrospective program will honor all former Choctaw Indian Princesses since the pageant’s inception in 1955. At the conclusion of the pageant, one of the nine outstanding contestants will be chosen to succeed reigning 2024–2025 Choctaw Indian Princess Leilani Elyse Allen. The newly crowned Princess will proudly serve as the Tribe’s official representative and goodwill ambassador, participating in a wide variety of special events — from groundbreakings and ribbon cutting ceremonies to conferences and Tribal celebrations, occasionally alongside Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben. More than just a title, the role of Choctaw Indian Princess is a symbol of cultural pride, leadership, and inspiration. The young woman selected will serve as a role model for the next generation, inspiring little girls throughout the Choctaw community to dream big and one day follow in her footsteps.
The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, under the leadership of Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben, has an enrolled membership of more than 11,000 people and is the only federally recognized tribe in the State of Mississippi. Headquartered in Choctaw, Miss., the Tribe has emerged as a leader in economic development. The tribe provides a range of governmental services including schools, a hospital, medical clinics, police and fire protection, courts, and a center for the elderly, among many others.
