Miss Cherokee 2009, Rachel Elizabeth Hicks, a member of the Blue Clan of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, will visit New Echota State Historic Site on May 1 as part of the Celebrate Spring at New Echota Program. Hicks lives with her parents in the Big Cove community on the Qualla Boundary (Cherokee Indian Reservation) and is a member of the Big Cove Baptist Church.

Rachel is a 2008 graduate of Cherokee High School. She attended the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. She is currently employed by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians with the Cherokee Life program, which is housed in the Painttown community gymnasium.

Rachel enjoys doing Cherokee crafts, such as creating pottery, making beaded jewelry, and making finger-woven yarn belts. In 2008, she received a scholarship to attend an art expo held at the University of Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona. She enjoys singing in her native Cherokee language and with Young Voices, a group that includes her sister and her cousin.

As ambassador for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Rachel strives to set a good example and be a positive role model for Cherokee youth. She wants to encourage them to set their goals high and do all they can to achieve them.

Site Manager David Gomez invites visitors to come out and meet Miss Cherokee Rachel Hicks during the Saturday, May 1, program and participate in the hikes, tours and demonstrations being conducted throughout the day.

For information, call 706-624-1321