PRESS RELEASE
(CHOCTAW, Miss. – June 15, 2026) Ten lovely young Chahta Ohoyo (Choctaw women) will compete for the coveted title of Choctaw Indian Princess during the 76th Choctaw Indian Fair, taking place Wednesday, July 15, 2026, on the Main Stage. This year marks the 71st edition of the Choctaw Indian Princess Pageant — a cherished tradition and one of the Fair’s most beloved events for both Tribal Members and visitors. The pageant not only showcases the grace, intelligence, and cultural pride of these exceptional young women, but also celebrates the enduring strength and beauty of Chahta heritage.
The ten contestants, in numerical order, are:
Alaysa Desirelynn Clemmons
Alaysa Desirelynn Clemmons is the 16-year-old daughter of Chris and Olivia Denson and is from the Conehatta Community. She will be a junior this fall at Choctaw Central High School. Alaysa is sponsored by the Non-Gaming Properties of Pearl River Resort.
Gracyn Dess Grisham
Gracyn Dess Grisham is the 17-year-old daughter of Jason and Kendall Grisham and is from the Pearl River Community. She will be a senior this fall at Neshoba Central High School. Gracyn is sponsored by IKBI, Incorporated.
Teresa Brighton Willis
Teresa Brighton Willis is the 19-year-old daughter of Deanna McMillan and is from the Tucker Community. She will be a sophomore this fall at East Central Community College and plans to major in nursing. Teresa is sponsored by the Gaming Properties of Pearl River Resort.
Caitlyn Elon Bounds
Caitlyn Elon Bounds is the 17-year-old daughter of Christy Bounds and the late Bill Bounds and is from the Bogue Chitto Community. She will be a freshman this fall at Millsaps College and plans to major in biology. Caitlyn is sponsored by the Bogue Chitto Development Club.
Jaliah Rashad Mingo
Jaliah Rashad Mingo is the 20-year-old daughter of Isaiah Mingo and Alexis York and is from the Pearl River Community. She will be a junior this fall at the University of Alabama and is majoring in nursing. Jaliah is sponsored by the Choctaw Residential Center.
Lexi Alaysia Flint
Lexi Alaysia Flint is the 20-year-old daughter of Corey Flint and Cindell Hickman and is from the Red Water Community. She will be a senior this fall at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and is majoring in allied health science. Lexi is sponsored by the Red Water Development Club.
Chloe Lylah Thompson
Chloe Lylah Thompson is the 20-year-old daughter of Jeremiah and Kimberly Thompson and is from the Pearl River Community. She will be a junior this fall at the University of Southern Mississippi and is majoring in kinesiology and minoring in criminal studies. Chloe is sponsored by the Bok Homa Casino.
Julissa Evette Lopez
Julissa Evette Lopez is the 18-year-old daughter of Julia McMillan and is from the Tucker Community. She will be a freshman this fall at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and plans to major in radiology. Julissa is sponsored by the Tucker Development Club.
Miyah Halbina Henry
Miyah Halbina Henry is the 18-year-old daughter of Ronnie Sr. and Diana Henry and is from the Bogue Chitto Community. She will be a freshman this fall at Mississippi State University and plans to major in business administration. Miyah is sponsored by the Choctaw Health Center Employees Association.
LaChantay Robin Jefferson
LaChantay Robin Jefferson is the 18-year-old daughter of Max Anderson and Brittany Hickman and is from the Conehatta Community. She will be a sophomore this fall at East Central Community College and is majoring in nursing. LaChantay is sponsored by the Conehatta Development Club.
One of these remarkable young women will be chosen to succeed reigning 2025–2026 Choctaw Indian Princess Lexi Camille Rodriguez. The newly crowned Princess will proudly serve as the Tribe’s official representative and goodwill ambassador, participating in a wide variety of special events — from groundbreakings and ribbon-cutting ceremonies to conferences and Tribal celebrations, occasionally alongside Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben. More than just a title, the role of Choctaw Indian Princess is a symbol of cultural pride, leadership, and inspiration. The young woman selected will serve as a role model for the next generation, inspiring little girls throughout the Choctaw community to dream big and one day follow in her footsteps.
The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, under the leadership of Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben, has an enrolled membership of more than 11,000 people and is the only federally recognized tribe in the State of Mississippi. Headquartered in Choctaw, Miss., the Tribe has emerged as a leader in economic development. The tribe provides a range of governmental services including schools, a hospital, medical clinics, police and fire protection, courts, and a center for the elderly, among many others.
