ADA, Okla. – The Native American Student Association (NASA) at East Central University (ECU) has announced the names of the contestants for their 2026 Native American Princess Pageant to take place March 24 at 7 p.m. in the Ataloa Theatre, located inside the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center.
“The Native American Princess Pageant celebrates the leadership, cultural pride and traditions of Native students,” said Dr. Destany Schafer-Morgan, ECU professor and faculty advisor for NASA at ECU. “It also provides an opportunity for the newly crowned princess to represent our university while sharing Indigenous culture and heritage with the broader community.”
Four ECU students have been named contestants for this year’s pageant:
- Taloa Lewis of Chickasaw heritage
- Elizabeth Marshall of Chickasaw heritage
- Gabrielle Nucosee of Chickasaw, Seminole, Choctaw and Mississippi Choctaw heritage
- Abby Vossler of Chickasaw and Choctaw heritage
ECU’s NASA Princess Pageant celebrates the culture, confidence and leadership of each contestant, who will be evaluated in five categories; talent showcase, stage presence, an on-stage question, regalia and congeniality.
The annual event highlights Native American students at ECU and provides an opportunity for contestants to represent both the university and NASA while honoring Indigenous traditions and heritage.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend and support the contestants during an evening that celebrates Native American culture, talent and student achievement at ECU.
For additional information about the event, contact Schafer-Morgan at dmorgan@ecok.edu.
-ECU-