By Jeremy Oliver, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
Front row Left to Right: Debi Phillips (Teacher), Jordan Lawson, Ihiry Scott, Branden Herrin, Christopher Hopkins, Elvia Tamez, Kaegan Henderson, Elizabeth Ward (Teacher).
Second Row Left to Right: Alice Bridges (Teacher), Jesus Ramirez, Declan Scharinghausen, Maddox Foster, Nathan Hernandez, Zuleyma Baeza, Ameila Casady, Lillie Hall (Foster Grandparent)
Third Row Left to Right: Samiara Timmons, Jeremiah Williams, Britteny Worley, Talyn Conyer, Makiah Blackwell.
Back Row Left to Right: Lt Gov. Jefferson Keel, Lisa John, Danny Wells.
Graduating students, parents and volunteers from the Chickasaw Nation Head Start program were recognized at the Head Start Graduation Thursday, May 14 at the First United Methodist Church in Duncan, Okla.
Autumn Foster, parent volunteer of the year, and Lillie Hall, foster grandparent of the year, received awards for their hard work and dedication to success in the classroom throughout the school year.
“The Head Start program is a family oriented program that is parent driven and focused on preparing the students for transitioning into kindergarten. The students receive a comprehensive education curriculum, health care, and socialization skills. The schools they lead into have really seen our students excel,” said Lisa John, administrator of the Chickasaw Nation Division of Education.
Diplomas were awarded to 19 graduates.
“This is the first graduation of many to come for these students and we want to wish them success in their future endeavors,” said Danny Wells, Chickasaw Nation Head Start director, “We want to recognize the parents and volunteers that are an inspiration to these children and thank you for the opportunity we have had to be a positive impact in the lives of these children.”
The Head Start students performed a song and dance routine for the parents and family in attendance that highlighted the use of their listening and motor skills.
For more information about the Chickasaw Nation Head Start program, contact Danny Wells, Head Start director, at (580) 436-7276, an area Head Start Center, located in Ada, Ardmore, Duncan, Madill, Sulphur and Tishomingo, or visit http://www.chickasaw.net/.
