SULPHUR, Okla. – A large crowd of parents, grandparents, friends and family members gathered as Sulphur Chickasaw Nation Head Start students celebrated their graduation May 22 at the Chickasaw Cultural Center.
Chickasaw Nation Lt. Governor Chris Anoatubby and Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Education Nathan Elliott presented each student with a diploma. The invocation was offered by Chickasaw Princess Abby Gaines, Chickasaw Junior Princess Jadyce Burns and Little Miss Chickasaw Jagger Underwood.
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, Ardmore and Tishomingo.
Outfitted in tiny red caps and gowns, which were reminiscent of 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. Astronaut, police officer and princess were popular picks.
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, Tatum Sallee, Chickasaw Nation Director of Early Childhood Education, said.
“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.
In its 46th year of operation, the Chickasaw Nation Head Start program began serving the Chickasaw Nation in 1978, graduating 33 students.
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.
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.
For more information or an application, visit Chickasaw.net/EarlyChildhood.