Rambler crowned Miss San Carlos Apache
SAN CARLOS, Ariz., Dec. 1, 2011
Miss San Carlos Apache Desirae Rambler, center, is congratulated by Terry Rambler, chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, and Chandler Sanchez, chairman of the Pueblo of Acoma. (Courtesy photo - Sandra Rambler)
Rambler, who is the daughter of Sandra Rambler, the 1974 titleholder, and Johnny Chee of Gallup, represented the Bylas District in the pageant.
First runner-up was Mariah Kitcheyan, 19, from the Seven Mile Wash District. Second runner-up was Honey Faye Antonio, 18, from the Peridot District.
Other contestants included Courtney Dillon from the Bylas District and Shaina Bush from the Seven Mile Wash District.
The evening included an introduction of former Miss San Carlos Apache titleholders from 1961 to 2011. The mistress of ceremonies was former Miss Navajo Nation Jocelyn Billy Upshaw.
The national anthem was sung in the Apache language by former Miss San Carlos, Tara Kitcheyan, also a member of the Miss San Carlos Apache Pageant Committee and the Miss Indian Arizona Pageant Committee.
The invocation was given by former Miss San Carlos Apache, Marie Mallow.
The welcome address was given by Terry Rambler, chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe.
Guests included Jeff Houser, chairman of the Fort Sill Apache Tribe from Fort Sill, Okla.; David Kwail, chairman of the Yavapai Apaches in Camp Verde, Ariz.; Ronnie Lupe, chairman of the White Mountain Apache Tribe in Whiteriver, Ariz.; and leaders from the Mescalero and Jicarilla tribes in New Mexico.
Also introduced was Jaymee Li Moore, the reigning Miss Indian Arizona, a senior at the Arizona State University, majoring in indigenous studies and political science.
Three pageant judges were honorably discharged veterans - Brenda Burdette Stevens from the Gilson Wash District, Hutch Noline, from the Peridot District, and Dustin Burshia from the Seven Mile Wash District.
The other judges included Eliza Wilson from the Bylas District and Donna Antonio from the Seven Mile Wash District and Beth Hinton and Jovita Aday as the auditors.
A farewell address was given by Edith Starr, Miss San Carlos Apache 2010-11 and she recognized her family, community members and tribal leaders who assisted her throughout her reign.
She gave special recognition to her grandfather, Solomon Starr, Sr., an honorably discharged Veteran.
Recognition was also given to Albert Benson, the parade grand marshal and Carol Steele Slim, the Apache Woman Veteran of the year.
The second runner-up was awarded to Honey Faye Antonio. The first runner-up and best traditional attire was awarded to Mariah Kitcheyan.
Along with the title of Miss San Carlos Apache 2011-12, Rambler was awarded for Miss Congeniality, scholastic achievement, best talent and best essay.
The Miss San Carlos Apache Pageant Committee consists of chairperson Jonell Robertson, vice chairperson Tara Kitcheyan and members Geraldine Kitcheyan, Marie Mallow, Rose Marie Rope, Annette Ayze, Robyn Boni and Millie Title.
The former Miss San Carlos Apache titleholders included: Mary Ann Burdette and Barbara O'Callahan (1961); Geraldine Wiley (1962); Trudie Modless (1963); Verna Patten (1964); Nora Dawson (1965); Nella Cassa (1966); Esther Goode (1969); also
Marie Mallow (1971); Sally Randall (1972); Jean David (1973); Sandra Rambler (1974); Rose Marie Rope (1975); Sandra G. Haozous (1976); Winema Dewey (1977); Penny Randall (1978); Christine Ann Ganilla (1979); Millie Titla (1980); Saralyn Wesley (1981); Faye Polk (1982); also
Wilma Brown (1983); Jonell Robertson (1984); Tammy Mull (1985); Cheryl Rambler (1986); Debora Sue King and Cheryl Mull (1987); Hope Cassa (1988); Maria Avila (1989); Sonia Shaw (1990); Tia Thompson (1991); Marion Hudson (1992); Christy Kenton (1993); Jolene Cosen (1994); Annette Patten (1995); Christabelle Mull (1996); also
Tracylyn Russell (1997); Lorna Brown (1998); Dedrie Antonio (1999); Jolene Gilbert (2000); Marietta Stanley (2001); Melissa Zaye (2002); Martha Victor (2003); Robyn Boni (2004); Angela Stanley (2005); Tara Kitcheyan (2006); Beth Hinton (2007); Christina Betom (2008); Lanea Burdette (2009); Kelly Sehongva (2010); and Edith Starr (2010).