Choctaw Central grads encouraged by Chief

As members of Choctaw Central’s Class of 2022 pre- pared to graduate last week, they were reminded by Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben they had to take the highs with the lows. 

Friends, family and staff gathered at the Warrior foot- ball stadium to watch graduates receive their diplomas. 

“It is a beautiful day to gather,” said Chief Ben. “Anytime in life, there will be the highs and the lows. It is like going to the amusement park. On the first day of school, there is all of the excitement. Then you get on the that rollercoaster. You went through the highs and the lows. Many thrills. And there are times you wanted to scream. ‘How do I get through this until the end of this ride.’ 

“But through all of that, there is much joy. Many great accomplishments. For you, this is just the beginning. We look forward seeing many more accomplishments added to the story of your life.” 

For Valedictorian Makayla Hickman, she had reached a goal she had sought since the fourth grade. 

Hickman said she had thought she had earned class valedictorian honors in the fourth grade. When she didn’t receive the honor at the fourth grade awards day, she talked to the teacher. 

“She told me I had to wait eight years,” Hickman said. “I began the countdown. Years turned into months and weeks to days. And now minutes to seconds. 

“Time went by so fast, I realize fourth grade was not that long ago,” Hickman said. “But going forward, I know what life will throw at me during times of stress and confusion. With the help of my family and friends and God, I know I can through any obstacles between me and my future.” 

Class Salutatorian Kyla Farmer talked about the next step in life for her and her classmates. 

“Tonight, we celebrate the end of a big chapter of our lives,” Farmer said. “I would say, we are one of best graduating classes here at Choctaw Central High School. A lot of things have changed. Though this is sad for some, it is a joyous time as we take our first step into adulthood. But I believe we started this journey a long time ago.” 

Farmer talked her challenges as a student and as basketball player. She said her competitive relationship with her brother Dylan Farmer played a big part in making her the person she is today. She thanked all of the people who played a part in her life. 

“To the class of 2022, there was never a dull moment with you and I thank you for that,” Farmer said. “It’s a great day to be a Warrior.”