SULPHUR, Okla. — More than three dozen Chickasaw Nation Sulphur Head Start students celebrated their graduation May 21 as a jubilant crowd of parents, friends and family members cheered them on in the Anoli' Theater at the Chickasaw Cultural Center.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby and Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Education Nathan Elliott presented each student with a diploma as Chickasaw Nation Early Childhood Teacher Toby Long called each student’s name and their future career aspirations during the diploma presentation. Race car driver, firefighter, food tester, horse rider, scientist, farmer, police officer and teacher were among the students’ career goals.
Wearing red caps and gowns accented with blue and yellow ribbons, similar to a Chickasaw ribbon shirt, students eagerly performed songs, counted to 10 in the Chickasaw language and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chickasaw Princess Kaley Reed, Chickasaw Junior Princess Taylor Komalty and Little Miss Chickasaw Paeson Baken opened the ceremony with a performance of the Lord’s Prayer in sign language.
The Chickasaw Nation Head Start and Preschool programs promote school readiness for children ages 3 to 5 years old, providing support and assistance for each child to develop to their maximum potential, said Chickasaw Nation Director of Early Childhood Education Tatum Sallee.
“Our commitment is to enrich our children and families through education,” she said. “Your student has completed the first step to building a strong foundation for growth and advancement. Thank you for entrusting your child to us this school year, and we look forward to their continued success as they become our future leaders.”
The students were among a large group of Chickasaw Nation Early Childhood and Head Start students who celebrated in May graduation ceremonies. Similar events occurred in Ada, Ardmore and Tishomingo.
The Chickasaw Nation early childhood programs provide school readiness instruction and parent support to more than 300 children in four communities.
A family-focused organization, students have access to individualized education plans, health and wellness screenings, nutrition, and family engagement, as well as cultural instruction. Upon graduation, they are ready to succeed in kindergarten.
The Chickasaw Nation Ada Preschool program is tribally funded and serves Chickasaw citizens. The Head Start centers in Ardmore, Sulphur and Tishomingo are federally and tribally funded and have open enrollment. Applications for both programs are now open.
Professional photographers were on-site to photograph graduates receiving diplomas from Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby and Governor Chris Anoatubby. Graduation photos are available for families and friends at Chickasaw.net/2026Graduation.
For more information or an application, visit Chickasaw.net/EarlyChildhood.