SULPHUR, Okla. — More than two dozen Sulphur Chickasaw Nation Head Start students celebrated their graduation May 16 as a large crowd of proud parents, siblings, grandparents, friends and family members snapped photos and cheered them on in the Anoli' Theater at the Chickasaw Cultural Center.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby and Lt. Governor Chris Anoatubby presented each student with a diploma, assisted by Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Education Nathan Elliott.
Chickasaw Princess Cheyanne Arkansas, Chickasaw Junior Princess Channa Greenwood and Little Miss Chickasaw Eliorah Wright performed the Lord’s Prayer in sign language.
The 28 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, Ardmore and Tishomingo.
Wearing tiny red caps and gowns accented with blue and yellow ribbons, similar to a Chickasaw ribbon shirt, students enthusiastically performed two songs and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chickasaw Nation Early Childhood teacher Toby Long called each student’s name and their future career aspirations during the diploma presentation. Firefighter, police officer, teacher, dentist, veterinarian and monster truck driver were among the students’ career goals.
The Chickasaw Nation Head Start program promotes 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 enhance our nation’s 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 Chickasaw Nation early childhood programs provide school readiness instruction and parent support. More than 300 children ages 3 through 5 are served in four communities.
The program is a comprehensive, family-focused resource, with developmentally appropriate preparation for educational success. 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.
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.
For more information or an application, visit Chickasaw.net/EarlyChildhood.