ADA, Okla — Chickasaw Nation Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby and Governor Chris Anoatubby distributed diplomas to 54 eager graduates of Chickasaw Nation Preschool May 15 before a large crowd packed into the Chickasaw Nation Community Center.
Graduates were resplendent in cardinal-colored caps and gowns marching in single file before adoring parents, extended family and friends, some of whom lifted cellphones high to record them during the celebrated occasion.
Tatum Sallee, Chickasaw Nation Director of Early Childhood, introduced the class of 2026, saying each student was gifted with a ribbon vest or skirt crafted by the Chickasaw Nation Department of Education Child Wellness team.
“These are components of our Chickasaw regalia which we wear to celebrate our heritage and honor the legacy of our ancestors,” Sallee said. “By passing these traditions to our next generation, we maintain a strong cultural identity.”
The ceremony began with a welcome from Chickasaw Nation Early Childhood Center Supervisor Weston Brown, followed by a presentation of the Lord’s Prayer in sign language by Chickasaw Junior Princess Taylor Komalty and Little Miss Chickasaw Paeson Baken.
Graduates sang nursery rhymes in both English and Chickasaw and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Brown called each graduate’s name and related what each aspired to become as adults.
Several wanted exciting careers in firefighting, police work or storm chasing. Some chose majesty over action, aspiring to become princesses or queens. Others sought glamour in acting.
Professional occupations had their proponents with those planning to be doctors, veterinarians, meteorologists or teachers. One graduate aspired to be an architect and another a mathematician.
Some want to be superheroes. Another dreamed of being 7 feet tall, maybe to join the Oklahoma City Thunder one day, though he didn’t say.
One said he just wanted to be a kid, and who can blame him?
Perhaps the most touching was the young lady whose only goal in life, at least to this point, is to grow up to be a mom just like her mother.
Learn more about the program
The Chickasaw Nation Preschool and Head Start Program is a center-based federal and tribally funded program promoting school readiness for children ages 3 to 5 years old. The program philosophy is based on the principle that early childhood education should address children’s needs in all areas of development: physical, social, emotional and cognitive. It should provide support and assistance to all those who affect the child’s development. The child’s entire family, as well as the community, must be involved.
The Chickasaw Nation Preschool and Head Start program is family focused. The family is viewed as the most important influence in a child’s life. To meet these needs, the program offers components in education, parent/guardian involvement, health, social services and services for children with disabilities.
Through an interdisciplinary approach of all components and parent policy council group, this philosophy is reflected in every aspect of the early childhood education experience. The center environments provide children with the opportunity to develop to their maximum potential.
Professional photographers were on-site to photograph graduates receiving diplomas from Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby and Governor Chris Anoatubby. Graduation photos are available for families and friends at Chickasaw.net/2026Graduation.
