“Uplifting voices, honoring traditions, and inspiring futures.”
1. Please share a brief introduction.
Kaydence Platero:
My name is Kaydence Platero. I am a sophomore at Haskell studying HSES. I am a Navajo from Shiprock, New Mexico, and I was raised on the reservation of the Navajo Nation. I am a first-generation college student and a year-round collegiate athlete competing in Cross Country, Basketball, and Track and Field.
Allison Levering:
Hocak Hoit’e- Hanicara haipi, Hinikaragiwi. Hoocak rasra Maakewinga Hiigaire na. Huuc hikikarac wau’jena. Hiinuga wau’jena. Nisoc Eja Haci howajina. Umóⁿhoⁿ Iye- Ha, izházhe wiwitate Manxbe Wau. Tapa tóⁿwoⁿgthoⁿ batéte.
Today is a good day; I kindly greet you all. My name is Allison Levering. I come from the Umóⁿhoⁿ and Winnebago (Hochunk) people of Nebraska. I am 20 years old and a sophomore student at HINU pursuing a degree in Media Communication. I am passionate about storytelling. I currently intern at the University of Kansas as lead news anchor for Good Morning Indian Country,” a morning news broadcast, and I also serve HINU as President of the Indian Leader newspaper. I am an active language learner for both of my tribal languages. I am a 3rd-generation Haskell Student following my mother and grandmother’s footsteps. My hobbies include creating art through regalia-making and traveling to powwows to sing and jingle dress dance. I am a daughter, sister, auntie, and storyteller. I am honored to have the opportunity to participate in the Haskell royalty competition this year alongside my sisterhood.
Rickson Bullcalf:
Okii Nintankoo Naatoyioopainii Nistoo Amskapkii pikunii Niitoom’tootoo Siksikaitsitapii Hello, my name is Holy white Buffalo. I’m Amskapii Pikunii (Buffalo robe people). I’m from the Blackfoot Confederacy.
Gracie Lehrmann:
Bozho (Hello), my name is Gracie Lehrmann, and my tribes are the Citizen Potawatomi, Klamath, and Modoc Tribes. I grew up in Oregon and Washington State. I spent most of my time outdoors hunting, fishing, and hiking with my family. In 2023, I moved to Lawrence to further my education at Haskell Indian Nations University. I am studying Environmental Science and actively pursuing my private pilot’s license over the summer. This year, I am running for Miss Haskell to bring more Health Education and Advocacy to campus.
Maricelle Gallegos:
Wëli kishku elànkumakik ok winkalichik, Ntëluwensi Maricelle Gallegos. Ni Lenape, Ni Ponca, Ni Creek, Ni ok Seminole. Good day, my relatives and friends, my name is Maricelle Gallegos. I am Lenape, Ponca, Creek, and I am Seminole. I am from Wichita, Kansas, and I am currently a junior at Haskell, where I obtained my AA in social work and am working on my BA in AIS. Outside of classes, I am a part of the women’s volleyball team, and I also model.
Emmalee Jolene Fields:
My name is Emmalee Jolene Fields, and I am from Salina, Oklahoma. I am a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Wolf Clan. Currently, I am a freshman pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Indigenous and American Indian Studies, with an associate’s in social work.
Angelina Giago:
Han mitákuyepi, anpétu kin lé mičhánte etan wówaglake. nahan napé čhiyúza pe. Wasicu čhažé kin Angelina Giago emáčiyapi na Makhóšiča kin Oglála oyánke el hemátanhan. Lehanl Lawrence KS el wati. Ináwaye kin Toni Giago ečiyapi na atéwaye kin Paul Giago ečíyape. Oglála thíthunwan na Húnkpati henáos hémačha kšto. Hello! My name is Angelina Giago, and I proudly come from the Oglala Lakota and Crow Creek Sioux Tribes. I am currently a Junior at Haskell, majoring in Environmental Science and preparing for a future in law. I am deeply rooted in my culture, my family, and the dream of building a stronger future for Indigenous communities. I am running for Miss Haskell because this title represents an opportunity to give back to the community that shaped me and to serve as a strong, positive role model for others. My platform, “Empowering Our People, Protecting Our Future,” reflects my commitment to uplifting our students. I believe our traditions and our dreams can walk side by side, guiding us toward a stronger future.
Aiyanna Tanyan:
Hesci! My name is Aiyanna Tanyan, and I am an enrolled member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and represent the Muscogee Creek Nation as well. I come from small-town Wewoka, Oklahoma. I hold an associate’s degree in Natural Resources and Sustainable Agriculture from the College of the Muscogee Nation in Okmulgee. I am currently a junior here at Haskell, pursuing my bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis in Tribal Management. I serve as the Treasurer of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), am a dedicated member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC), and am proud to be part of MANRRS—Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences. I’m also a student researcher at the Haskell Greenhouse. My leadership experience includes serving as Director of Academics for the Haskell Student Government Association. Beyond campus, I’ve been fortunate to expand my professional experiences through internships with the Natural Resource Conservation Service in Bossier City, Louisiana, and as a Walt Disney Scholarship Enhanced Scholar, interning at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the summer of 2024. Mvto!
2. What does representing Haskell and your community mean to you?
Kaydence:
It means being a leader for many. Representing Haskell is giving back to a community that has given so much to me, my community, and my people.
Allison:
Representation means being seen, heard, and respected as our full, authentic selves. It’s about making space for our voices, stories, and cultures in the dominant society..
Rickson:
Representing Haskell and my community means a lot because I want to lead and be a good example for who I am and where I come from.
Gracie:
It would mean a great deal because we do not see enough awareness around health education, and I want to change that.
Maricelle:
It means everything. After everything Haskell and our communities have endured recently, I want students and staff to feel heard, seen, and supported.
Emmalee:
Haskell stands as a powerful symbol of Native resilience. Representing our people today means honoring our ancestors’ endurance, courage, and hope.
Angelina:
Representing Haskell and my community is an honor far beyond a title. I was taught to walk in a good way and be a good relative. This leadership role represents the hopes, struggles, and resilience of our Haskell community, and I want to use my voice to create spaces where our students feel heard and valued.
Aiyanna:
It is about standing up for Indian Country through leadership and action. It’s about uplifting Indigenous knowledge and showing our collective strength in both environmental and business spaces.
3. How do you plan to use this title to uplift Indigenous students or causes?
Kaydence:
I would use this title to voice all of NDN country and encourage future leaders to strive for success.
Allison:
I plan to lead by example by promoting the Wellbriety (wellness and sobriety) movement. This movement stems from the aftermath of historical trauma from the Indian boarding school era. As Haskell is the center of Indian education, I believe this platform was fitting to inspire students to be their best selves as we prepare ourselves to become community leaders. I will make space and host sober, traditionally grounded events and connect those in need with the Lawrence community’s resources.
Rickson
I want to bring forward mental health awareness and suicide prevention for Native and non-Native people.
Gracie:
By providing health education, encouraging students to be active, eat healthy, and advocate for their needs.
Maricelle:
I want to listen to the students, advocate for Haskell, and travel to spread awareness and education.
Emmalee:
My platform is Wellbriety and MMIP Advocacy, aiming to build community and healthier futures through awareness and events.
Angelina:
I plan to be action-driven by organizing professional development workshops, cultural empowerment events like Women’s Tipi Raisings, and advocacy sessions around legal education. My goal is to build a hub for students to grow together, strengthening both our cultural roots and academic paths.
Aiyanna:
“I want to create a space where everyone feels valued and welcome. I will encourage students to see their worth, believe in themselves, and realize they are capable of more than they ever imagined.”
4. Tell us about a time you overcame something difficult — what did it teach you?
Kaydence:
After the loss of my father, I learned resilience, kindness, and respect toward everyone.
Allison:
Learning to walk in a good way and lean on my culture has always been my guide through challenges. I believe in the power if prayer and my ancestors are always around protecting me in every encounter.
Rickson:
Living alone after a difficult breakup taught me to grow up fast, persevere, and learn that everything will be okay.
Gracie:
Advocating for my own health taught me patience, persistence, and the importance of advocating for yourself.
Maricelle:
After surviving a suicide attempt in middle school, I learned that there’s always hope, and there are always people who care for you.
Emmalee:
Losing my father left a deep grief, but he taught me to keep the faith and love others, including myself, with all my might.
Angelina:
Balancing leadership roles, personal hardships, and academics taught me that leadership is not about being perfect; it’s about showing up with humility and asking for help when needed. Strength comes from vulnerability and community.
Aiyanna:
During my internship, I faced challenges regarding identity misunderstandings and stereotypes. This experience taught me patience, professionalism, and the importance of asserting my cultural identity with pride.
5. What’s one thing you wish more people understood about your culture or tribe?
Kaydence:
I wish people understood the power of my Navajo language, the “unbroken code” that helped win wars.
Allison:
I want people to understand that being Indigenous means being whole, seen, and respected, not something from the past.
Rickson:
I want people to remember the values and philosophy of the Niisitapii, our connection to culture, and respect.
Gracie:
I wish more people understood the true history of terminated tribes like the Klamath and Modoc.
Maricelle:
That we are still here — we are human, and we continue to thrive.
Emmalee:
We are not extinct. Our hearts and ways are strong, and we are still here, still thriving.
Angelina:
There’s so much strength and love in my community. Beyond the hardships, there are families who uplift each other, traditions that guide us, and a powerful sense of belonging. My home is not defined by what we lack, but by what we have always had: community, tradition, and love.
Aiyanna:
Being a Seminole from Oklahoma is different from being part of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. We share history but have separate languages, traditions, and identities that deserve recognition and understanding.
6. What’s a cause, tradition, or teaching that guides you in life?
Kaydence:
“Walking in beauty,” living in harmony, peace, and resilience.
Allison:
“Respect all things” grounds me in humility, compassion, and mindfulness.
Rickson:
Carrying on the morals, responsibility, respect, love, understanding, and language of my Niisitapii people.
Gracie:
Hunting with my dad taught me patience, listening, and environmental respect.
Maricelle:
The MMIP movement drives my commitment to protecting Indigenous lives.
Emmalee:
Singing Cherokee hymns with my father instilled in me a lasting love for culture and faith.
Angelina:
Mitákuye Oyás’in — ‘we are all related’ — grounds my life. I also walk the Red Road, choosing sobriety to protect my spirit and stay strong for my family and my future community leadership.
Aiyanna:
Growing up, my dad taught me to stay humble and be kind, because everyone carries silent battles. I live by those words, trying to bring kindness and respect to every person and situation I encounter.
7. If chosen, how will you balance being a student and a titleholder?
Kaydence:
As a full-time student, athlete, and worker, I am used to balancing multiple responsibilities with full effort.
Allison:
Time management, good boundaries, and community support will help me maintain both roles.
Rickson:
I’ll keep persevering, focusing on my goals while helping others.
Gracie:
I’ll plan ahead during lighter academic weeks and stay organized.
Maricelle:
Making my academics and ambassador duties top priorities, as I’ve done before as a titleholder.
Emmalee:
I will balance academics and my duties by staying focused and organized, honoring my family’s hopes for my success.
Angelina:
I will prioritize responsibilities by creating structured schedules, setting healthy boundaries, and leaning on my support system. Leadership will not pull me away from being a student — it will push me to become an even stronger one.
Aiyanna:
Strong organization and clear priorities will help me balance academics and Miss Haskell’s responsibilities. I have already built the habits needed to succeed in both areas.
8. What legacy do you hope to leave behind at Haskell?
Kaydence:
A legacy full of joy, success, and resilience — proof that “We are still here.”
Allison:
A legacy of cultural pride, selfless service, and making space for the next seven generations.
Rickson:
Change.
Gracie:
A lasting foundation of health, wellness, and advocacy.
Maricelle:
A community that speaks up, stands tall, and never stays silent.
Emmalee:
A legacy of love, loyalty, respect, and the reminder that we are the Seventh Generation our ancestors prayed for.
Angelina:
I want to leave behind a stronger sense of community where students feel empowered to dream boldly and take up space wherever they go. If I can inspire even one student to believe they belong and are capable of breaking barriers, I will know I fulfilled my purpose.
Aiyanna:
I hope to be remembered as someone whose words matched their actions — someone who didn’t just dream about change, but worked every day to make it real.
