Cherokee student utilizes CNF camp to prepare for college

TAHLEQUAH, Okla.(AP) – Jay High School senior Chelsea Foreman, says she always planned to go to college after graduation, but attending the Cherokee Nation Foundation Cherokee College Prep Institute camp, gave her more confidence in realizing her dream in furthering her education.

“I always had college in mind, but after attending the camp, I have more confidence. We did a lot of one-on-one training that helped me understand about getting into college and what they're looking for,” Foreman said.

The week of July 15-19, nearly 40 students attended the fourth annual CCPI at the University of Central Oklahoma, located in Edmond, Oklahoma, as part of the Cherokee Nation Foundation's program.

“I really enjoyed the camp. It was a lot of fun as well as learning about schedules, and ACT tests, writing essays, doing research, and learning about computers,” Foreman added.

Foreman said learning how to deal with the ACT tests helped her to have a better understanding of their importance and how to improve her scores.

“The instructor helped us understand the importance of the tests, and where we needed to improve our scores by pointing out the subjects where our scores were weak,” Foreman said.

Foreman says she is seeking a medical degree from Rogers State University, the top choice of three colleges the teenager is considering.

Foreman is excited about her future and gives her mother, Cheryle Foreman, a lot of credit for her success.

Janice Randall, executive director for CNF, says the most valuable resource they have are the students who complete the program and go back to their schools and communities to spread the word.

“We are dedicated to helping as many students as we can to help ensure a brighter future for the Cherokee Nation,” said Randall. “After each camp, we ask the students to act as ambassadors in their communities and help spread the word about our programs. CCPI has such a positive impact on students at a crucial time, but we have to get them here to help them. That’s why our ambassadors are so important."

This year’s students included the following:

Taylor Garrett, Bartlesville High School

Evan Barton, Booker T. Washington High School

Shayla Culloty, Catoosa High School

Anna Fine, Central High School

Tragan Lattimore, Central High School

Kaylee Clyma, Claremore High School

Lauren Chancellor, Claremore High School

Amaris Hall, Claremore Home School

Joshua Hummingbird, Coweta High School

Abbie Poss, Harding Charter School

Cheyanne Wheat, Edison High School

Shelbi Hoskin, Edison High School

Brandon Cobb, Edmond North

Hunter Tolliver, Healdton High School

Sophia Kuchenbacker, Highland Park High School, Dallas, Texas

Chelsea Foreman, Jay High School

Austin Neuhauser, Jenks High School

Moriah Stice, Liberty High School

Jake Rader, Oologah High School

Julia Quinton, Owasso High School

Brooklyn Mossier, Owasso High School

Benly McAdoo, Piedmont High School

Sagely McAdoo, Piedmont High School

Kelby Welsh, Pryor High School

Meleya Belden, Pryor High School

Shelby Wood, Pryor High School

Sunny Bennett, Pryor High School

Jack Aikman, Putman City High School

Auri Sparks, Sallisaw High School

Conner Cochran, Sequoyah High School

Konnor Hall, Siloam Springs High School

Kortney Dry, Tahlequah High School

Trae Hendricks, Tahlequah High School

Cassidy Henderson, Vinita Public Schools

Noah Nickens, Westville High School

CCPI curriculum was developed in cooperation with College Horizons, the U.S. Department of Education and the Princeton Review. The lessons focus on ACT strategies, essay writing, interview skills and time management.

Participating universities included Oklahoma State University, Bacone College, Rogers State University, University of Arkansas, University of Central Oklahoma, University of Pennsylvania and Duke University.

For more information, contact Cherokee Nation Foundation at (918) 207-0950 or Janice This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.