ᎣᏏᏲ Osiyo! Dayci Starr, 15 years old, is the daughter of Denise Starr and the granddaughter of the late Dennis Starr and Irene Starr. Her Cherokee name is ᎤᏬᏗᏯ (U-Wo-Di-Ya). Growing up in the Zion Community, she carries a wealth of knowledge in traditional Cherokee ways, reflecting a deep-rooted connection to her heritage. Her grandparents, who are Cherokee speakers, have greatly influenced her aspirations, and she hopes to make them proud through her efforts in preserving the language and culture. As a sophomore at Sequoyah High School, Dayci exemplifies academic dedication and civic engagement through her involvement in HOPE Club, Student Council, SWAT, Youth MOVE, and FCA/FCS. She is also a committed athlete in cross country, basketball, and softball, demonstrating her strong sense of teamwork and perseverance.
Beyond her school commitments, Dayci serves on the Adair County 4-H officer team in various roles, including as Jr. President, and she currently holds the title of Recreation Leader. An educator in her own right, Dayci has taught the Cherokee language and cultural traditions to adults and youth alike. Her teachings include not only the language itself but also hands-on practices such as making corn husk dolls, beadwork, basket making, and leather crafting, all of which help keep these traditional arts alive. Her platform as Junior Miss Cherokee focuses on language preservation, a cause close to her heart. Fluent in reading, writing, and speaking Cherokee, Dayci is a passionate advocate for language learning, encouraging everyone to embrace the Cherokee language at any skill level to instill pride and a sense of belonging. Representing the Cherokee Nation as a goodwill ambassador, she also works toward her aspirations to educate and inspire future generations.
