PARENTS: Students can learn 21st-century job skills in the music classroom. Check out this article.
Union Band student crowned in Miss Juneteenth competition
Union High School student, Union Band member, and Renegade Regiment Drum Major Aaliyah Albert-Oliver was recently crowned Oklahoma’s Miss Juneteenth and went on to win the national title!
Aaliyah Albert-Oliver, a student at Union High School, has been crowned Miss Juneteenth, earning the title during Oklahoma’s first-ever Miss Juneteenth competition and going on to win at the national level.
There is no centralized or official count of how many Miss Juneteenth pageants are held in Oklahoma, as the events are not governed by a single statewide organization. Instead, Miss Juneteenth pageants in Oklahoma are typically organized at the local or community level and are often tied to city or regional Juneteenth celebrations. Communities such as Midwest City have hosted their own Miss Juneteenth leadership or scholarship-style pageants, while other cities may hold similar competitions as part of annual festivities. Because each event operates independently, the total number of Miss Juneteenth pageants in Oklahoma can vary from year to year and is not formally tracked statewide.
This National Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Program, now in its sixth year, expanded to Oklahoma for the first time in 2025. The program is led nationally by Starr Fisher, Executive Director of National Miss Juneteenth and founder of Miss Juneteenth Oklahoma.
Fisher said the selection process is rigorous and intentionally designed to be more than a traditional pageant. The program honors the legacy of Juneteenth, emphasizing life, liberty, education and the ongoing pursuit of equality and excellence. Delegates must be biological females between the ages of 15 and 21, enrolled in school or preparing to begin college, and endorsed by a Juneteenth organization, business or agency.
Participants are required to complete a minimum of 168 hours of community service, write a Juneteenth-related essay of at least 500 words, participate in judges’ interviews, and demonstrate knowledge of key Freedom Documents, including the Emancipation Proclamation, 13th Amendment or General Order No. 3. Delegates also complete sales and marketing outreach, advertising solicitation, and personal introduction presentations.
Fisher said Albert-Oliver stood out among candidates from across the country for her academic achievements, more than 300 hours of community service, entrepreneurial spirit, and strong interview performance. Fisher said Albert-Oliver’s values, personality and preparation made her the clear choice to represent Oklahoma — and ultimately helped her bring home the national crown.
Albert-Oliver said being crowned Miss Juneteenth was an unforgettable moment. She said she had never competed in a program like this before and that the hard work paid off. She described the experience as the best night of her life.
Albert-Oliver said the title represents more than a crown. As Miss Juneteenth, she sees her role as an opportunity to inspire younger girls and serve as a role model for youth in Oklahoma and across the nation while sharing a message of freedom for all.
Looking ahead to 2026, Miss Juneteenth will travel across the country judging pageants, emceeing events and making appearances at schools and youth-focused programs. Albert-Oliver also plans to continue operating her business, Amazing Grace K9 Cuisine, which produces human-grade dog food, while hosting community events such as school supply and grocery giveaways. For more information about Miss Juneteenth or booking requests, click here.
~ CREDIT: Tulsa News on 6 Reporter ABBIE DE VERA
Dec 15 UHS Bands / Guard Update
🎄Season's Greetings from the Union Bands faculty and staff!
📢 Let's pack the UHS Gym TONIGHT Mon Dec 15 at 7:00pm for the Union Guard's Annual Holiday Showcase! Come early to bid on silent auction items or purchase delectable holiday treats 😋
⚠️Tomorrow Tues Dec 16 is the deadline to register for Solo & Ensemble Festival coming up next semester. Note: duets may be registered if instruments are of the same family (brasses, woodwinds, or percussion). Find all the details and registration form at: https://www.cognitoforms.com/UnionBands/UHSBandSoloEnsembleFestivalRegistration202526
📅 Tomorrow night Tues Dec 16, 6-7pm is UBPC Resource Night. Make account payments, pick up fundraiser chocolate, and ask questions. Recently ordered Letterman Jackets and VIBES earplugs will be available to pick up at this event. Recently ordered RR Section merch and other Union Bands merch will not be available until after this event.
📝 UHS and UFA campus block scheduling for Semester Final Exams is coming up later this week. ***FRESHMEN***: on Thu morning Dec 18 do NOT report to the UHS campus, rather proceed directly to your 2nd Period classroom at the Freshman Academy by 8:40am. Shuttle Bus service from UHS to UFA is ***NOT*** available as it is on normal school days.
🌞 Calling all Friends & Family wishing to join in the fun for the Renegade Regiment's EAST COAST ADVENTURE next summer, be sure to check out rate & payment information ASAP. $ deposits are due later this month. Much more info and registration at: www.unionbands.com/eastcoastadventure/friends-family
🚨 NEW POLICY for UHS BAND BUILDING starting 2026: In an effort to take better care of our facility, effective Mon Jan 5, food & drinks (except water) may not be consumed within the Band Building. Eating must happen outside or in other open areas on campus. This policy is inclusive of lunchtime; Soph/Jr/Sr who may normally eat lunch inside the band building must find a different eating location.
