TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Sequoyah High School junior Peyton Proctor has earned regional recognition in the Cox Mobile Phone Case Design Contest and is now competing nationally for a $25,000 college scholarship.
Proctor, 17, was recognized Feb. 20 during a schoolwide pep rally after being named a finalist in the Tulsa regional market. She is one of 22 students nationwide advancing to the final round of competition.
Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner attended the celebration to honor Proctor’s achievement and praised her commitment to the arts.
“Cherokees across the country should be proud of Peyton and this incredible accomplishment,” Deputy Chief Warner said. “Since time immemorial, our people have valued the arts and education. Students like Peyton continue a tradition of creativity that stretches back generations. She represents the strength of that legacy.”
The Cox Mobile Phone Case Design Contest invites students nationwide to submit original artwork under the theme “A World Within Reach – Future Icons.” Proctor’s design blends traditional Cherokee imagery with modern technology, symbolizing growth and adaptation.
“I wanted to show how Cherokees can grow and adapt to technology,” Proctor said. “The woman in the artwork has traditional braids and dress but is also half robotic. I’m thankful to my teachers, family and friends who encouraged me to submit. The opportunity to compete for a $25,000 scholarship could completely open the path to college for me.”
Winners from regional markets advance to compete nationally. Two students will ultimately be named national winners and there will also be a People’s Choice winner. The national winners will be announced in April.
Cherokee Nation Chief of Staff Dr. Corey Bunch also shared his support.
“It’s an honor to gather with Sequoyah students and staff to celebrate Peyton,” Bunch said. “She has the full support of the Cherokee Nation as she advances in this competition.”
As part of her regional recognition, Proctor received a $1,000 scholarship, along with a package of technology prizes from Cox, including an iPad and headphones to support her continued work as an artist.
Cox Communications representatives presented the awards during the school celebration.
“Today is about celebrating youth and the arts,” said Roger Ramseyer, vice president and market leader of Cox Communications. “We’re proud to support Peyton and students across the country by showcasing their artwork nationwide.”
Voting for Proctor’s design closes Feb. 28.
To vote, visit: https://www.cox.com/residential/mobile/phone-case-design-contest.html