The Chickasaw Nation Community Center in Ardmore, Oklahoma, was filled with a large crowd of parents, grandparents, friends and family as the Chickasaw Nation Head Start students celebrated their graduation May 11.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby and Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Education Nathan Elliott presented each of the students with a diploma.
The yearly tradition marks the significant developmental milestones that Chickasaw children reach at the end of their Head Start journey. Similar events occurred in Ada, Sulphur and Tishomingo.
Chickasaw Nation Ardmore Head Start Center Supervisor Christina Hodges welcomed parents and graduates to the ceremony. Chickasaw Princess Winter Wolf and Chickasaw Junior PrincessMaggieStickoffered the invocation.
“Today is a special day for our young Head Start graduates. Our commitment is to enhance our children and families through education. Your students completed the first step to completing the strong foundation needed for growth and development in quality education,” Chickasaw Nation Executive Officer of Education Krystal Ross said. “Thank you for entrusting your child with us this school year, and we look forward to their continued success as they become our future leaders,” She recognized and thanked all the contributors to the program, from the Head Start staff, the community center staff, the communications teams, all veterans in the audience and program director Robert Pickens.
The graduating class performed songs to demonstrate just a small part of their skills learned throughout the program.
Photos of students receiving diplomas are available at Chickasaw.net/Graduation2023.
The benediction was given by Lauren Riddle, teacher assistant.
The Chickasaw Nation Preschool and Head Start programs promote school readiness for children ages 3 to 5. 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 services 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 Tishomingo, SulphurandArdmore are federally and tribally funded and have open enrollment. Applications for both programs are now open.
For more information, visit Chickasaw.net/Early-Childhood.