Governor Bill AnoatubbyAs we mature and grow into adulthood, our high school days most often become long-ago memories. As working adults, we are busy with our careers, our families and all of the events, challenges and joys that enter our lives.
It would be wise, however, to recall that feeling of excitement and adventure following our high school graduations. There is no feeling like that one. Remember? Primary and secondary school requirements are completed, and now we are on the threshold of our adult lives.
How tremendously inspired we were! The world was waiting on us to enter the fray and usher in big changes.
It is worthwhile to recall those heady days as we read about our Chickasaw high school graduates this month. We can take ourselves back to our high school graduations and consider the possibilities that lay before us.
The inspired feeling of graduates is probably similar from generation to generation. However, I think the Chickasaw graduates of 2010 are much more aware of the opportunities before them than the graduates of previous generations.
Today's graduates, I believe, are much more aggressive regarding their educations and the opportunities that come with college and advanced degrees. They are also now highly tuned in to the resources available to them.
For most of the last century, there was very little in the way of grants and scholarships to assist with college. Many graduates decided their high school years would be the end of their formal educations. A number of others chose to enlist in military service in order to eventually reap the benefits of the G.I. Bill.
That was just about the extent of the choices at that time.
Today is much different. Our Chickasaw students have a multitude of choices through the tribe. Last year alone, the Chickasaw Nation provided about $11 million in scholarships, grants and other education assistance.
And our kids are bright! They know how to access our tribal Division of Education and other institutions for tuition, books, clothing, computers, housing and more. They compete for the top awards, and many now conclude outstanding college careers entirely supported by the Chickasaw Nation.
There is something incredible happening now. The number of Chickasaw high school graduates going on to complete college has grown exponentially. Our students now recognize the tremendous value of a college degree, and they are succeeding at an ever-expanding rate.
They are veterinarians and journalists, chemists and architects, teachers and physicians, and so much more. The foundation of knowledge and skill now being built by our Chickasaw students will help our people prosper for centuries. The likelihood of a young Chickasaw boy or girl attending college has shown explosive growth. And the process supports itself as children of college graduates are much more likely to become graduates themselves.
To our Chickasaw high school graduates of 2010, we extend our best wishes for continued success and a bright and happy future.
