Contestants

Miss Navajo Nation 2003 - 2004 Pageant Contestants

Floranda Dempsey of the Salt Clan, born for the Bitterwater Clan. Maternal Clans are Zuni Edgewater and Paternal Clans are The Mexican Clans. I am 25 years old. I was raised and reside in Cedar Springs of Teesto Chapter. My parents are the late Ruthie Begay and Johnnie Fuson. Siblings include one late older sister and two brothers. Grandparents are Sam and Juanita Begay.

Graduated in the Class of 1993 from Chinle High School. Served 6 years active duty in the United States Army from 1993-1999 Mos: 92A10, Automated Logistical Specialist. Duty stations include Ft. Bragg, North Carolina - 2nd Coscom 82nd Airborne; Ft. Lee, Virginia - SAILS ABX Course, NCO Academy; Cp Henry, Taegu-Korea - 2nd Support Center HHC HQ; Cp Carroll, Walgwan, Korea - HHC Central Issue Facility; Ft Hood, Texas - ACO 404th Aviation Support Battalion. Ribbons include:

1. Active Service Ribbon
2. Good Conduct Medal
3. Overseas Ribbon
4. AAM - Army Achievement Medal
5. ARCOM - Army Commendation Medal
6. Primary Leadership Development Course

Made it to the rank of Corporal Promotable. Attended Central Texas College and currently attending Northland Pioneer College in Winslow, Arizona. Working towards degree in Business Management.

Royalty titles include, Miss Teenage Leupp 1988-89; Miss Leupp High 1989-90 and Miss Southwest Navajo 1999-2000. Hobbies include horseback riding, reading, landscape photography, song n'dance, traditional arts n' crafts and visiting with elders to learn about different traditional teachings. Certified aerobics instructor through Navajo Nation Diabetes Program. Work with surrounding senior citizens in each chapters of District 5 & 7.

Very much enjoy working and help pass on traditional teachings and the Dine' language to younger generation, especially with grade school children. Strong advocate for the fight against drugs and alcohol due to the recent loss of mother, sister and brother-in-law in a tragic accident resulting from drunk drivers. Strong traditional roots extended into the Native American Church ways. Favorite quote taught by mother, "Through strong faith comes Beauty Always."

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Shannonlynn Chester is of the Tsi'naajinii, (Dark Streak of Wood People or Black Streaked Wood People) and born for the Tsenijikini (Honey Combed Rock People, Among the Rocks People, Black House People, or Cliff Dwellers). Shannonlynn's maternal grandfathers are the Naakai Dine'é (Mexican People, Those Who Returned, or Those Who Walk) and her paternal grandfathers are the Dzilghai Dine'é/Tabaaha (White Mountain Apache and Water's Edge People, or Among the Waters People). Since her great, great paternal grandmother was White Mountain Apache (Dzilghai Dine'é) and was captured by the Tabaaha and adopted into the clan, she acknowledges both.

According to the Diné (Navajo) calendar year, she was born during Woozchiid, or March, "when the baby eagles cry". Shannonlynn is the daughter of Len Chester of Greasewood Springs, Arizona, and Jeana (Manymules) Chester of Tonalea, Arizona. She is the granddaughter of Thelma (Lane) Manymules, and the late Cal Manymules, and Minnie (Etsitty) Chester and Leo Chester. She is the oldest of her siblings, Landon, Rhiannon and Brandon.

Shannonlynn is 24 years old, and a 1995 graduate of Sinagua High School in Flagstaff, Arizona. As a dancer, writer, aspiring model and actress, and prospective teacher, she wants nothing more than to be a positive influence and example for the children. She was approached with modeling and acting opportunities at elementary school age, but just recently began to consider them as potential careers. Shannonlynn's most recent modeling assignment was for Pendleton Robes and Shawls, and she is a featured model at www.rednations.com. She is in the process of becoming a Navajo Language and Culture Instructor, believing the philosophy that Diné children, having a unique thought and learning process, should be taught by Diné teachers. She will continue her education to obtain a masters degree and eventually a doctorate, in the field of Education.

Shannonlynn says, "I am thankful for the many people that have taught me to strive to live the "Navajo Blessing Way of Life", in which the East directs spiritual guidance, the South physical power, the West emotional strength and the North mental energy. I am grateful for each and every breath, every rising and setting of the Sun, Moon and Stars, and every blessing from the Creator and the Diyin Dine'é (Diné Spirit/Holy People). We were given four gifts, Hope, Faith, Love and Charity, and each day, I humbly remember this. May you receive many blessings from all directions. Walk and live in beauty, all my relations. Ahe'hee!!"

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Ya'at'eeh shik'ei, shidine'e. My name is Jolyana Begay. My clan is Red Running into the Water People and I am born for the Black Streak Wood People. My maternal grandfathers are the Giant People of the Red Running into the Water People. I am 20 years old and I am from Rabbitbrush, NM, an area five miles north of Fort Defiance, AZ. My parents are John and Elsie Begay. I have 3 siblings, JoVina, Johnyatt, and Joantina, along with my baby neice Uriah. I graduated from Window Rock High School in 1999. I am currently a student at Dine College, pursuing a degree in teaching the Navajo language. I am a contestant for the upcoming 2001-20012 Miss Navajo Nation Pageant. It would be my pleasure to have the opportunity to serve the Navajo Nation. Ahe'hee!