The Chickasaw Nation Head Start (Head Start) program in Ardmore celebrated its graduating class at the Chickasaw Nation Ardmore Community Center May 18. Doting parents, family members and friends gathered as more than 60 students filed through the audience to receive their first diploma.
The ceremony began with a welcome from Christina Hodges, Head Start center supervisor for the Ardmore area.
“I’m proud of all they have accomplished this year,” Hodges said. “Each individual has shown impressive perseverance, and we are eager to applaud their hard work.”
Chickasaw Princess Kaley Reed and Chickasaw Junior Princess Taylor Komalty were present at the graduation, performing the Lord’s Prayer before the presentation of diplomas.
“Your student has completed the first step to building a strong foundation for growth and advancement,” Tatum Sallee, Chickasaw Nation Director of Early Childhood, said. “Thank you for entrusting us with your child this school year, and we look forward to their continued success as they become our future leaders.”
Sallee acknowledged prominent graduation ceremony attendees, including Chickasaw Nation Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby, Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Education Nathan Elliott, Chickasaw Nation Tribal Legislators, and the faculty and staff who helped Head Start students on their education journey.
Sallee also recognized veterans in the room, thanking them for their honorable service.
Upon introductions, the graduates recited the Pledge of Allegiance and offered a prayer in both Chickasaw and English. The students also sang, “What’s the Weather?” in the Chickasaw language.
Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby and Secretary Elliott presented diplomas to the graduates, marking the beginning of their academic journeys. As students accepted their diplomas, Hodges shared each child’s dream profession. Some hoped to become police officers, firefighters, doctors or teachers, while two graduates said they wanted to be Spider-Man.
The students were among a large group of Chickasaw Nation Early Childhood and Head Start students celebrated in May graduation ceremonies. Similar events occurred in Ada, Sulphur and Tishomingo.
Learn more about the program
The Chickasaw Nation Preschool and Head Start programs promote school readiness for children ages 3 to 5 years old with curriculum designed for social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.
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 Secretary Elliott. Graduation photos are available for families and friends at Chickasaw.net/2026Graduation.
For more information or an application, visit Chickasaw.net/EarlyChildhood.