Gov. Henry Presents 'American Idol' Underwood With Hometown Pride Highway Sign

Jan. 4, 2006 -- With "American Idol" sensation Carrie Underwood returning to her home state for a concert, Gov. Brad Henry and First Lady Kim Henry presented the singer this afternoon with a replica of one of several new highway signs that honor the Checotah native.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is setting up four roadside signs trumpeting Checotah as Underwood's hometown. The signs, two of which will be posted along Interstate-40 and two on US Highway 69, read: "Checotah, Home of Carrie Underwood, American Idol 2005."

Gov. Henry says the signs illustrate Oklahomans' pride in the 22-year-old Underwood, who won the 'American Idol' contest in May.

"These signs reflect the great pride that we Oklahomans have for Carrie," he says. "She is an amazingly gifted young woman, but she is also a quintessential Oklahoman. Carrie is talented, graceful, charming, hard-working and a testament to what can happen when people follow their dreams. She is America's Idol, but she was Oklahoma's Idol first."

Underwood's debut country record is slated to be released in November.

She says she is humbled by the support of Oklahomans.

"As a proud Oklahoman, I'm honored to receive this recognition from my home state and hometown community," says Underwood.

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