Choctaw Nation Higher Education Program

Join us in congratulating Tasha Horn on earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Fran and Earl Ziegler School of Nursing at The University of Oklahoma! 🩺✨

Tasha plans to continue serving the Choctaw Nation by providing compassionate, quality care to tribal communities as she begins her career as a Registered Nurse. Her dedication to helping others and giving back to her community reflects the true spirit of servant leadership.

During her educational journey, Tasha was honored to receive the Heritage and Healing Scholarship honoring Dr. Ryan Taylor. With the support of the Choctaw Nation Higher Education Program, she was able to accomplish her dream of earning her BSN degree and preparing for her dream career.

Tasha shared that she could not have made it this far without the support of the Choctaw Nation, and she hopes to continue making her tribe proud while being a positive asset to her community.

Congratulations, Tasha! Your hard work, determination, and passion for caring for others inspire us all. We are excited to see the impact you will make in the healthcare field and throughout Choctaw communities. ⭐️🌟

🎓 Student Spotlight: Griffin Behrens 🎓

Join us in celebrating Griffin Behrens and his incredible academic journey! Griffin graduated from Colbert High School before attending Oklahoma State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences with a major in Agricultural Communications and a minor in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness.

This fall, Griffin will continue pursuing his goals by working toward a master’s degree in Agricultural Communications while completing an internship with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma High School Student Services Department. Along the way, he is also continuing to grow his photography and communications career. 📸✨

During college, Griffin gained valuable real-world experience through photography, media, and communications opportunities that helped him develop professionally and prepare for his future career path.

With support from the Choctaw Nation Higher Education Program, Griffin was able to focus on his studies and complete his degree without the added stress of financial burdens.

Congratulations, Griffin! We are proud of all you have accomplished and can’t wait to see all the great things ahead for you.

📰 The June issue of the Biskinik is here! This month, an update on Missing and Murdered Indigenous People is provided. Check out this article and discover more stories waiting for you online at www.biskinik.com.

🌟 Sister Program Spotlight: Success Through Academic Recognition (STAR) 🌟

Did you know the Choctaw Nation offers a program that rewards students for their hard work in the classroom?

The Success Through Academic Recognition (STAR) Program recognizes Choctaw students in grades 2–12 who achieve academic success throughout the school year. Eligible students can receive gift card incentives for earning outstanding grades and maintaining perfect attendance.

📚 Academic Achievement Rewards Include:
⭐ All A’s – $50 gift card
⭐ All A’s & B’s – $25 gift card
⭐ Perfect Attendance – $25 gift card

🗓️ Applications are now open for Spring semester achievements!

The STAR Program is a great way to celebrate student dedication while encouraging continued success in the classroom. If you have a student who qualifies, be sure to submit an application through the Chahta Achvffa member portal before the deadline.

At Choctaw Nation Education, we’re proud to support learners at every stage of their educational journey—from elementary school through higher education and beyond.

✨ Student Spotlight: Brandy Gray ✨
Rooted in strong Choctaw values, Brandy Gray is a powerful example of perseverance, dedication, and lifelong learning. As the first person in her family to complete college, Brandy’s achievement represents both personal success and a lasting legacy for future generations. 💙
A dedicated mother of three and grandmother of seven, Brandy has balanced family life while pursuing higher education and a demanding career. While working full-time as an LPN and Clinic Manager overseeing 26 clinics, she successfully completed two associate degrees over the course of five years—a true testament to determination and hard work.
Driven by a passion for helping others and improving patient care, Brandy is continuing her educational journey toward becoming a Registered Nurse (BSN). Her goal is to expand her ability to advocate for patients and make an even greater impact in healthcare.
Brandy’s journey reflects resilience, commitment, and the importance of education, family, and cultural pride. 🌟

🌟 Student Spotlight: Lily Barrett 🌟

The Choctaw Nation Higher Education Program is proud to recognize Lily Barrett and celebrate her upcoming graduation achievement!

In just a few weeks, Lily will graduate from California Polytechnic State University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. She plans to continue her educational journey by completing her athletic training hours at a local high school in San Luis Obispo before pursuing a Master’s degree in Athletic Training this fall.

Lily shared her appreciation for the Higher Education Program, noting that the financial assistance she received helped ease the burden of college expenses throughout her four years at Cal Poly.

“The Higher Education Program helped reduce the financial burden that was placed on me during my first year here at Cal Poly, and I could not thank this program enough for helping me pay for college. Thank you for all of the financial support I received over the past four years.”

Congratulations, Lily, on this incredible milestone! We wish you continued success as you take the next steps toward your career in athletic training.

💙❤️ Yakoke, Lily, and Go Mustangs! 🎓🐎

✨ Student Spotlight: Britian Leija ✨
Britian Leija is on a remarkable path of academic excellence and service. A 2026 graduate of Rogers State University, Britian is earning a degree in Justice Administrative Law and has achieved Magna Cum Laude honors. 🎓
During Britian’s time in school, an internship with the Tulsa Police Department Child Crisis Unit sparked a strong passion for addressing crimes against children. This experience has shaped Britian’s future goals of working in a role dedicated to protecting children and making communities safer.
With strong academic performance and the support of the Choctaw Nation Higher Education Program, Britian successfully completed a bachelor’s degree without student loan debt, creating a strong foundation for the future.
Britian’s journey highlights the power of education, purpose, and community support in creating meaningful change. 💙

✨ Student Spotlight: Brynnah Thompson ✨
Brynnah Thompson, a graduate of Richland High School in North Richland Hills, Texas, has achieved an incredible milestone—earning a degree in Psychology from the University of North Texas with honors. 🎓
With support from the Choctaw Nation Higher Education Scholarship and encouragement from family, Brynnah was able to focus on Brynnah’s studies without the burden of working long hours. This support made it possible to graduate essentially debt-free—a major accomplishment that sets the stage for future success.
Brynnah is now taking the next step toward a meaningful career by pursuing a master’s degree in counseling, with the goal of becoming a play therapist and making a positive difference in the lives of others. 💙
Brynnah’s journey is an inspiring reminder of what is possible with dedication, support, and a clear vision for the future.

Congratulations, Dr. Humphreys🧡🖤

With great pride and admiration, we celebrate the remarkable achievement of Shauna Humphreys, Choctaw Nation Behavioral Health Director, who has earned her Doctorate of Healthcare Administration from Oklahoma State University, graduating with honors.

Shauna is a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and for the past 18 years, she has faithfully served her tribe, making a lasting impact in the lives of countless individuals and families. As the Behavioral Health Director, her leadership, compassion, and dedication to improving healthcare services have strengthened her community and inspired those around her. Balancing the demands of higher education while leading in healthcare is an extraordinary accomplishment on its own—but she has done so while also being a devoted wife, mother of five, a committed leader, and an active voice on multiple local and national committees dedicated to advancing behavioral health and overall wellness.

Her journey reflects resilience, faith, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to service. This achievement is not only a personal milestone, but a testament to the power of determination and purpose. Please join us in congratulating Shauna Humphreys on this incredible accomplishment and celebrating the bright future ahead.

Your hard work, sacrifice, and passion have made us all proud. 💛

Peggy Sue Robinson Lukas’s educational journey is a powerful example of perseverance, determination, and the courage to pursue dreams at any stage of life. Peggy began college in 1990, but like many students, life presented challenges that led her to pause her education. Years later, carrying a lingering sense of unfinished goals, Peggy realized she still deeply wanted to complete what she had started—but was unsure if it was possible.
With the support of the Choctaw Nation Higher Education Program and Career Development, along with encouragement from family and friends, Peggy made the decision to return to school. Although balancing life’s responsibilities with coursework brought its own challenges—especially through online classes—Peggy remained committed to her goal.
At the age of 67, Peggy proudly earned her degree in Physical Education and Recreation, proving that determination has no age limit.
Peggy hopes to bring her knowledge and experience back to the Choctaw Nation community, helping others—especially elders—lead healthier, happier lives. Peggy lives by the belief: “Dreams never expire.”
Peggy expresses deep gratitude to everyone who supported Peggy’s journey: “I want to thank everyone that made my dream come true.”
The Choctaw Nation Higher Education program celebrates Peggy Sue Robinson Lukas as an inspiring role model for lifelong learning and resilience.🎉🎉