ADA, Okla. – The Native American Student Association at East Central University recently hosted their second annual NASA Princess Pageant, crowning ECU freshman Gabrielle Nucosee as Miss Native American ECU for 2026–27 and awarding her a $1,000 scholarship.

Nucosee, a Mass Communication major, was one of three contestants in the pageant.

Elizabeth Marshall was named second runner-up, receiving a $600 scholarship. She was also presented with the Congeniality Award for her kindness and support during the contest, as voted on by her fellow contestants. The award came with a $100 scholarship.

Taloa Lewis was named first runner-up, receiving an $800 scholarship.

Each contestant was judged on five categories: regalia, on-stage talent presentation, on-stage question, stage presence and congeniality.

The pageant opened with each contestant showcasing their regalia as the emcee described the significance of each piece of clothing to the audience.

The second portion of the pageant allowed each contestant to showcase a chosen talent. Marshall selected storytelling as her talent and recited the traditional tale of the Three Sisters. Nucosee showcased her skills with beadwork, creating items such as rings, earrings and necklaces. Lewis performed the hymn “In the Sweet By and By,” singing in both Choctaw and English.

Finally, contestants answered questions drawn at random. Topics included how they would represent their tribal community and ECU, how they would use their voice to raise awareness about important issues in Native communities, and how their cultural heritage has shaped who they are.

The event was hosted and emceed by Choctaw Nation citizen and Chickasaw Nation employee Steve Jacob.

Judges for the event included:

• Danita Holata-Harjo, a 2005 ECU alumna and enrolled member of the Seminole Nation. She is serving her second term as a council representative for the Seminole Nation and is chair of the Seminole Princess Committee. She also serves as a board member on the Tribal Employment Rights Office Committee.
• Hayley Carroll-Germany, of Mississippi Choctaw heritage, serves as an ICWA consultant and expert witness. She previously competed in the Choctaw Nation Princess Pageant and is an award-winning state pageant competitor.
• Kaley Reed, who is serving as Chickasaw Princess, is a full-time student at Murray State College majoring in criminal justice. She also serves as a cultural specialist at the Chickasaw Cultural Center.
• Kyla Tsoodle, who is serving as Miss Indian Oklahoma, represents the 39 tribes of Oklahoma. She is a sophomore at the University of Oklahoma studying to become an educator. Tsoodle is descended from the Kiowa, Comanche, Ponca and Caddo tribes of Oklahoma.

The judges represented a range of backgrounds, including tribal leadership, social work, education and pageantry, bringing experience in Native advocacy and cultural representation. ECU’s Dr. Thom Parr served as the event’s tabulator.

Also in attendance was outgoing Miss Native American ECU, Olivia Joe, who reflected on her year of service. In her farewell, she spoke about the importance of family, cultural pride and inspiring younger generations, as well as her goal of pursuing a career in music education to uplift Indigenous youth.

The event was organized by ECU’s NASA Program with assistance from the Gamma Delta Pi sorority. All scholarships provided were funded by ECU’s I-DREAM Program.

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