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Thursday, July 31, 2003

Cinda Hughes, a member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, was named Ms. Wheelchair America last Saturday, the first Native American to win the national title.

Hughes was all but guaranteed to win thanks to her speaking ability, presence and hospitality, according to a state coordinator for the pageant. After her first speech, the judges told her she would take the crown, The Daily Oklahoman reported.

"I'm just really looking forward to the opportunity to travel around the country and to show America the contributions that women who live with disabilities give to all within their circle and to try to bring together the two communities I represent," Hughes told the paper.

Hughes will receive a state citation from the State Senate today. She works as a receptionist for the Senate.

Get the Story:
State woman glides to top in national pageant (The Daily Oklahoman 7/31)
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Relevant Links:
Ms. Wheelchair America - http://www.mswheelchairamerica.org

Related Stories:
Native woman named Ms. Wheelchair America (7/29)
Kiowa woman: I'm not the 'beauty pageant type' (07/14)
Kiowa woman in running for Ms. Wheelchair America (7/9)

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