The Alabama-Coushatta Head Start Program held a graduation ceremony for 20 students on May 20 at the Tribe’s Multi-Purpose Center. Herbert Johnson Jr., the tribe’s second chief, served as emcee.
During the ceremony, students from the Purple Hearts, Orange Circles, Blue Squares and Yellow Stars classes presented words in the Alabama-Coushatta language, including animals, colors and numbers, and performed a song.
“This is part of our effort to preserve and revitalize the language by teaching children Alabama-Coushatta words,” Emily Williams, director of the Head Start Program, said. “Our teachers worked with students on the correct pronunciation of words for animals, colors and numbers and helped them learn a song in the Alabama-Coushatta language.”
The Alabama-Coushatta Head Start Program serves Polk County children ages three to five. During the 2025-26 school year, each class enrolled approximately 15 students. The program is housed in the Tribe’s Education Center, known as the House of Teachings. Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year will be opening soon.
