BARAGA – Jailyn Renee Shelifoe was named Miss Keweenaw Bay at the 38th annual Keweenaw Bay Maawanji’iding, or powwow, in Baraga over the weekend.

Shelifoe, also known as Shimmering Light on the Water, is the daughter of Jim and Angie Shelifoe. The 15-year-old will be a sophomore at L’Anse Area Schools this year and has been on the honor roll since fourth grade. Not only smart, she is active in many sports as well as the International Club, but her passion is her culture.

“I love attending powwows because I love dancing,” she said in this year’s Maawanji’iding program. “I have attended every powwow since I was born and have been dreaming (of the) day when I can represent our tribe as Miss Keweenaw Bay.

“I am proud to be a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Our culture means respecting one another and treating each other in a respectful way. It means respecting the culture itself, and learning and teaching our language. I am learning to be a responsible, accountable role model (who) our younger generations will look up to,” Shelifoe said.

“That’s my granddaughter,” said Carole LaPointe, who was happy and proud to watch her dance the weekend away.

Shelifoe hopes to study at the University of Michigan when she graduates.

“I want to study marine biology, because I love the water and I am interested in studying how the ocean works and what lives in it and how we can keep the water clean for the future.”