2015 Miss Muscogee (Creek) Nation Shannon Barnett (right) and Jr. Miss MCN Madeline Gouge (left) were crowned at the MCN Scholarship Pageant June 6.

Muscogee (Creek) citizen Shannon Barnett was crowned Miss Muscogee (Creek) Nation June 6 at the MCN Scholarship Pageant in the Mvskoke Dome in Okmulgee.

Muscogee (Creek) citizen Madeline Gouge was crowned Jr. Miss MCN.

Eight contestants competed to be named Miss MCN, and four for Jr. Miss MCN.

The purpose of the pageant is to provide an educational scholarship opportunity to young Muscogee (Creek) women and help develop public speaking skills, self-confidence and cultural knowledge of Muscogee (Creek) history, customs and traditions. This year’s pageant theme was “We Are Mvskoke.” ‘Mvskoke’ is the traditional spelling for ‘Muscogee.’

Barnett will receive a $5,000 scholarship and Gouge will receive a $1,500 scholarship, among other prizes.

Barnett is from Broken Arrow, and attends the College of the Muscogee Nation in Okmulgee. Her parents are Kay and Daniel Barnett. She is the granddaughter of Dicey and Ed Barnett, and Margaret and the late Artusse Fields.

“I feel very honored to have the opportunity to serve the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and our people,” Barnett said.

Gouge is from Henryetta, and attends Henryetta High School. Her parents are Geebon and Jenna Gouge. She is the granddaughter of the late Thompson and Lutie Gouge, Karen and Joe Robertson, and Johnny and Mary Boyce.

“Being Jr. Miss, I want to show who we are and how we do the best in all we do,” Gouge said.

Miss MCN and Jr. Miss MCN will serve as representatives of the Nation and positive role models for Muscogee (Creek) citizens.

For more information about the MCN Scholarship Pageant, click here.