Family and friends, along with Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby and other tribal dignitaries, gathered at the Chickasaw Nation Ardmore Community Center May 15 to watch more than 50 Head Start graduates receive diplomas. A doctor, soldier, Tinkerbell and a doughnut worker are among the professions the graduating class of the Chickasaw Nation Ardmore Head Start program dream of becoming.
“The Chickasaw Nation Head Start students have reached an important milestone in their education,” Chickasaw Nation Director of Early Childhood Development Tatum Sallee said. “We are excited to celebrate their achievement of graduating from the Head Start program.”
Attending Head Start gives students access to benefits that include individualized education plans, health and wellness screenings, nutrition, family engagement, and cultural instruction. Upon Head Start graduation, students are ready to succeed in kindergarten.
Taleah Douglas was on hand to support her son, Kyler, during the first graduation ceremony of his academic career.
“This is both a sad and happy moment. He is growing up,” Douglas said. “I remember going to Head Start as a kid at his age. I think it is good this program has been around a long time.”
Professional photographers were on-site to photograph graduates receiving diplomas from Governor Anoatubby and Lt. Governor Chris Anoatubby. Graduation photos are available for families and friends at Chickasaw.net/2025Graduation.
In total, the Chickasaw Nation Head Start programs in Ada, Ardmore, Sulphur and Tishomingo graduated nearly 150 students from the four locations in 2025. As the newest batch of Head Start graduates, these children join a national cohort spanning 60 years.
“Our commitment is to enhance our nation’s children and families through education,” Sallee said. “We want to thank parents for trusting their children to us, and we look forward to their child’s advancement as they become our future leaders.”
For more information or an application, visit Chickasaw.net/EarlyChildhood.
About the Chickasaw Nation Head Start program
The Chickasaw Nation Head Start is both a federally and tribally funded program that promotes school readiness using center-based curriculum for children ages 3 to 5.
The educational philosophy employed by the program is based on the principle that early childhood education should address children’s needs in all areas of development, including physical, social, emotional, and cognitive health and well-being.
The Chickasaw Nation Head Start program began in 1978. Since inception, it has graduated thousands with multiple generations having completed the program.
For applications or additional information, visit Chickasaw.net or call (580) 223-6276.